Calpe is a charming seaside town located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, Spain. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, Calpe is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled getaway, Calpe has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Calpe and are wondering what to do or what places to visit, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll share some of the best things to do in Calpe, from exploring the town’s historic landmarks to enjoying its beautiful beaches and water sports. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or with family, there’s something for everyone in Calpe. So, sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through this beautiful town!
Explore the Old Town of Calpe
Calpe’s old town is a maze of narrow streets, mosaic murals, and cobblestone alleyways. Stroll through the historic district and admire the medieval fortifications, which testify to Calpe’s rich history.
One of the more modern landmarks in the old town Calpe is the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a beautiful church built in 1973 next to the old church. The church’s stained glass windows are particularly impressive.
Another must-see attraction in the old town is the Torreó de la Peça, a medieval watchtower built in the 14th century to protect the town from pirate attacks. The tower now houses the Museo del Coleccionismo, a museum that features private collections of the Marina Alta region.
For those interested in learning more about the history of Calpe, the Museo de Historia y Arqueología de Calpe is a must-visit. The museum showcases the town’s rich history and exhibits everything archaeological finds from its Roman past to its modern-day fishing industry.
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Visit the Beautiful Beaches
Calpe is famous for its beautiful beaches, with plenty to choose from. Whether you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing spot or somewhere with plenty of activities, you will find a beach in Calpe that suits you.
The calas are a must-visit, and among them are the two main urban beaches with plenty of facilities, and they are the Playa del Arenal-Bol and Playa de La Fossa-Levante. These beaches are perfect for families with children, as they have plenty of amenities like showers, toilets, and lifeguards.
For those looking for a more secluded spot, head to the south of Calpe, where the calas are beautiful and have amazing views of the Peñón de Ifach. These beaches are quieter and perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some water sports? Many Calpe beaches offer equipment hire for activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. You can also take a sailing trip from one of the sailing clubs in Calpe for a unique view of the coastline.
Pack plenty of sun cream and a hat, as the sun can be strong in Calpe. And don’t forget to take plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat.
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Climb the Peñón de Ifach
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Calpe, climbing the Peñón de Ifach, also known as Calpe Rock, is an experience you won’t want to miss. Rising 332 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, this iconic rock formation is among the most famous sights along the Costa Blanca coastline.
The signposted route to climb the Peñón de Ifach starts at the Visitor Centre, where there is a parking area. The climb is challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding area make it worth it. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of flora and fauna, including the protected Balearic Wall Lizard.
To climb the Peñón de Ifach, you must make a reservation in advance. You can do this by contacting the Visitors Centre via email or phone. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and on weekends and holidays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Before you start your climb:
- Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Bring plenty of water.
- Be prepared for a challenging hike.
The climb can take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect spot to take photos and soak in the natural beauty of the Costa Blanca.
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Watch the Flamingos on Las Salinas de Calpe
If you’re a bird lover, visit Las Salinas de Calpe, a salt lake just behind Playa de la Fossa. This area is a popular spot for migratory birds, but the real stars of the show are the flamingos.
The small salt lagoon is one of the best places in Spain to see flamingos up close. Here, you can observe these elegant birds in their natural habitat, feeding on the brine shrimp that thrive in the salty water. The birds are used to humans, so you can get close to them without disturbing them.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the salt flats were important to Calpe. The salt marshes and fishing were key to the economy of the town. Salt was necessary for food preservation, which Calpe used to market their catch. Today, the salt flats are a protected area, and visitors can enjoy a circular walking trail that surrounds the salt flats.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Las Salinas de Calpe during the breeding season, you may even get to see flamingo chicks. These fluffy grey balls of feathers will surely delight birdwatchers of all ages.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in Calpe, head to Las Salinas de Calpe to watch the flamingos. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to get the best view of these beautiful birds.
Snorkel at Cala de Racó
If you’re looking for a great spot to go snorkelling in Calpe, look no further than Cala de Racó. This small cove is located north of Calpe and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling.
The water at Cala de Racó is crystal clear, making it easy to spot the abundant marine life in the cove. You’ll see a variety of fish, sea urchins, and other sea creatures as you explore the underwater world.
One of the best things about snorkelling at Cala de Racó is that it suits all experience levels. Whether a beginner or an experienced snorkeller, you’ll find plenty to see and do in the cove.
If you’re interested in snorkelling at Cala de Racó, you can rent snorkelling gear from one of the local shops in Calpe. Alternatively, you can bring your gear if you have it.
Overall, Cala de Racó is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves snorkelling and wants to explore the underwater world in Calpe.
Walk the Calpe Promenades
One of the best ways to experience Calpe’s stunning coastline is by strolling along the promenades. The promenades are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are two main promenades in Calpe: the Paseo Infanta Elena and the Paseo Marítimo.
The Paseo Infanta Elena is a beautiful walkway parallel to Levante Beach. It is a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk or jog while enjoying the stunning sea views. The promenade is lined with palm trees and has plenty of benches to sit and relax. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the promenade where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
The Paseo Marítimo is another popular promenade in Calpe. It runs along Arenal Beach and offers stunning views of the Ifach Rock. The promenade is a great place to take a romantic stroll or enjoy a family walk. There are also several playgrounds along the promenade where children can play.
Both promenades are accessible for wheelchair users and have plenty of parking nearby. They are also well-lit at night, making them a safe place to walk after dark. In summary, walking the Calpe promenades is a great way to enjoy the stunning coastline and take in the beautiful views. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a more challenging walk, Calpe has something for everyone.
Check Out the Daily Fish Auction
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Calpe, head over to the fish market in the port and check out the daily fish auction. Held every day at 5 pm from Monday to Friday, this auction is where local fishermen bring in their catch and sell it to the highest bidder.
Not only is it a great place to see the local fishing industry in action, but it’s also a chance to sample some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. From prawns and squid to sea bream and tuna, there’s always a wide variety of fish.
The auction is open to the public, so you can watch as the bidding heats up and see who comes out on top. It’s a lively and engaging atmosphere, with plenty of banter and good-natured competition between the buyers.
If you’re interested in buying some fish yourself, be prepared to bid high – the prices can get quite competitive! But even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s still worth checking out the auction for the experience alone.
So, if you want to see a unique and fascinating aspect of local life in Calpe, stop by the fish auction at the port. Who knows – you might even come away with some delicious seafood to cook up for dinner!
Take a Dip in Los Baños de la Reina
Looking for a unique way to cool off during your visit to Calpe? Look no further than Los Baños de la Reina. These ancient Roman baths, located on the coast, are the perfect spot to dip in the sea.
Carved into the rock, Los Baños de la Reina offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Legend has it that Queen Berenguela used to bathe here, hence the name. These baths are over 2,000 years old, making them one of the oldest swimming spots in the world.
But Los Baños de la Reina aren’t just for history buffs interested in the roman times. The crystal-clear water and stunning views of the Mediterranean make them a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Calpe. Plus, taking a dip in these ancient baths is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
So pack your swimsuit and head to Los Baños de la Reina for a unique and refreshing swimming experience. You won’t be disappointed!
View Calpe from Mirador Morro de Toix
If you want to get a bird’s eye view of Calpe, then head to Mirador Morro de Toix. This viewpoint is located on the top of a hill overlooking the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From here, you can see the town of Calpe, Benidorm, the bay of Moraira, the Cumbre del Sol in Benitachell, and even the island of Ibiza on clear days.
To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to walk approximately 500 metres from the car park. But the effort is worth it, as the panoramic views are breathtaking. The Morro de Toix is a majestic headland jutting into the Mediterranean, midway between Altea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca.
Mirador Morro de Toix is also a great place to watch the sunset. As the sun goes down, the sky turns into a beautiful orange and pink hue, and the city lights twinkle. It’s a romantic spot to spend an evening with your loved one or a peaceful place to unwind and relax.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture the stunning views of Calpe from this viewpoint. And if you’re visiting during the summer, bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as it can get quite hot up there.
Overall, Mirador Morro de Toix is a must-visit attraction in Calpe. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, this viewpoint has something for everyone.
Discover the Architectural Treat that is La Muralla Roja
If you’re looking for an architectural gem in Calpe, La Muralla Roja is worth a visit. Designed by Ricardo Bofill, this postmodern apartment complex is a great example of his unique style. The complex comprises 50 apartments and is a great place to take photos.
La Muralla Roja is one of the ten most iconic works of Ricardo Bofill, and it’s easy to see why. The building’s striking red and blue colours, angular shapes, and intricate details make it a standout feature of the Calpe skyline.
Inspired by the architecture of North African casbahs and the Arab Mediterranean, La Muralla Roja is a unique architectural complex that’s sure to impress. The name itself means “the Red Wall,” and it’s clear where the inspiration for this name came from.
As you explore the complex, you’ll notice the many different angles and shapes of the building. The complex is designed to be a garden city, with plenty of green spaces and communal areas. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
La Muralla Roja is also a popular spot for photographers. The building’s unique design and bold colours make some truly stunning shots. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to snap a few photos for Instagram, La Muralla Roja is a must-visit spot in Calpe.
Overall, La Muralla Roja is a great example of postmodern architecture and a unique addition to the Calpe skyline. If you’re interested in architecture or just looking for a great photo spot, check it out.
