Calpe is a small town on Spain’s southern coast surrounded by beautiful national parks. Embark on a scenic cruise from the town’s marina and visit historic landmarks. Test your climbing skills on Ifach rock (Penon de Ifach), a vast tower of limestone that juts upwards from the sea. Relax on Calpe’s beautiful beach after a day of sightseeing.
Calpe, known as Calp to the locals, has been a site of human civilisation since the Bronze Age. The Romans used Ifach rock as a lookout when they set up camp on the Calpe Peninsula.
To reach Ifach rock, follow the signs, dotted throughout the town, to Ifach National Park. Clamber up 332 metres (1,056 feet) to the rock’s pinnacle to see fantastic panoramic views. The sight is particularly spectacular in the glow of sunrise and sunset. If you take your car along the road, note that you cannot drive in the park at night.
The Calpe marina is the starting point for many boat cruises and kayak or sailing tours, which make for a great way to see Calpe’s sights by sea.
See a slice of Spanish history at the ruins of the Queen’s Baths (Los Baños de Reina), dating back to Roman times. Other heritage sights include Calpe’s Gothic church and the old flourmill, Torre de Moli, which was built on the site of a watchtower.
Enjoy a meal with the locals at one of the many cafés, bars and restaurants along the Fossa o Levante beach promenade. Sand sculptors can sometimes be seen crafting interesting artworks on the beach. Catch cheap open-air movie screenings throughout August.
Take a daytrip to the free Cactus Garden, located 8 kilometres (5 miles) towards Altea on the coastal road between Calpe and Benidorm. The garden features a collection of 1,000 species of cactus.
Calpe sits northeast of Benidorm, within the Alicante province. The town is a 30- to 40-minute trip from Benidorm by car, but can also be reached by bus, train or boat.
