Calpe - The Charm of the Spanish Mediterranean Coast

Calpe is a small charming town on the Mediterranean coast, located in the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia, in the province of Alicante. It is known for its picturesque beaches, historical monuments and unique nature.

Calpe, sightseeing for all tastes

This city is the perfect choice for those who want to spend time in the sun, enjoy the sea and experience Spanish culture.

A bit of history...

The history of Calpe goes back a long way. Even in prehistoric times these lands were inhabited. Today, archaeological finds discovered in the vicinity tell us about the life and lifestyle of people in the area thousands of years ago.

The Celts, Romans and Moors left their mark here. The first traces of civilisation are associated with the Iberians, a Celtic people who lived here as early as the 6th century BC. They left ruins of fortifications and burial sites that testify to the high level of their culture and organisation.

When the Romans arrived here, they founded a small fishing village that processed fish and produced garum, a popular sauce in Roman cuisine. Ruins of Roman villas and salt mines can still be seen in the neighbourhoods of Calpe. Later, Moorish settlements appeared in the area and flourished until the Reconquista.

During the Middle Ages, Calpe became part of the Kingdom of Valencia. During this time, the city was attacked by pirates, which led to the construction of fortresses and defences. In the 18th century, the city began to recover and entered a new period of prosperity and development.

The most important sightseeing places in Calpe

Today Calpe is famous not only for its history, but also for the many attractions that attract tourists. From nature reserves and beaches to historical buildings and cultural monuments, there is something for everyone to see.

As the town is small, it can be explored in one day.

You can park at the entrance to town, there are supermarkets with large car parking areas. And from there you can go for a walk. Or if you don't like to walk a lot, then go straight to the historic centre, where there are several covered car parkings.

Peñon de Ifach

One of the main natural attractions of Calpe is the Peñón de Ifach Rock. It is a huge limestone pointed rock that rises to a height of 332 metres and is part of the natural park of the same name. Climbing Peñón de Ifach is a real adventure that will reward visitors with stunning views of the Costa Blanca and the city. 

Peñón de Ifach is also home to many species of birds, including rare species of gulls, petrels and hawks. The place is fully protected as a nature reserve and its flora and fauna are strictly protected. Birds can be seen here all year round, which attracts not only tourists but also birdwatchers.

Old Town (El Casco Antiguo)

The old town of Calpe (El Casco Antiguo) is a picturesque and historic centre where you can feel the spirit of the past. The narrow streets with stone houses, decorated with flowers and alleys, lead tourists to the central square, surrounded by many restaurants and souvenir shops. 

One of these streets is C/ Puchalt, the most photogenic street in Calpe with the colours of the Spanish flag. No tourist leaves without taking a photo here.

The city centre is also home to important historical sites such as the Church of Our Lady of Nieves and the Museum of Collections, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region. Nice place.

Beaches of Calpe

Calpe is famous for its marvellous beaches, which stretch along the entire coastline of the town. The main beaches of Calpe are Playa Arenal Bol and Playa La Fossa Levante. These beaches are stunning with their pure golden sand and crystal clear waters, making them ideal for family holidays and water sports. The promenade is also here, you can take a relaxing stroll and admire the beautiful views of Ifach and the sea. A great place for great photos!

Calpe Salt Lakes (Las Salinas)

One of the unique natural sites is Calpe's Salinas, which means ‘salt mines’ in Spanish. These salt deposits and lagoons have been important to the town's economy for centuries. Today it is a protected area rich in flora and fauna, where many species of waterfowl, including pink flamingos, can be seen.

Walking in this area is a real pleasure for nature lovers and those who appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of natural landscapes. Special paths and birdwatching platforms are laid along the edges of the salt mines.

By the way, on Saturdays there is a big market, in the area, which is also not unreasonable to get to if you decide to come here on a Saturday.

Watch towers and fortifications

Historic watchtowers and fortifications, such as Torre Molinera and Torre de la Peça, are reminders of the pirate raids that used to frequent the coast of Calpe. Torre de la Peça, located in the old town, served as an important defence structure for the locals. These towers are now preserved as historical monuments and are of interest to those who like to study Spain's military heritage.

Museum of Archeology

The Museum of Archeology in Calpe represents one of the city's most important cultural attractions. Housed in a 15th-century building, the museum combines elements of Roman and Moorish art and architecture. It displays a variety of archaeological finds, including everyday objects, tools and jewellery that have been unearthed during excavations in and around Calpe.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Calpe is dedicated to the town's rich maritime tradition. The museum exhibits include ancient anchors, navigational instruments, fishing gear and models of historic vessels. An important part of the exhibition are documents and photographs that tell the story of the development of the fishing industry and the sea routes that linked Calpe with other regions of the Mediterranean Sea.

Modern entertainment and active holidays in Calpe

Calpe offers plenty of activities for an active holiday. This small town has everything you need for sports, water sports and leisure activities.

Water sports

For water sports enthusiasts, Calpe offers excellent opportunities for windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and snorkelling. There are numerous schools and hire shops along the coast providing equipment and instruction for beginners.

Walking and cycling tours

There are many hiking and cycling trails around Calpe, allowing tourists to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the region. Routes range from easy walks along the coast to challenging mountain climbs.

Golf and tennis

For golf and tennis aficionados, there are several well-equipped courses and tennis courts in and around Calpe. The golf clubs offer not only excellent playing conditions, but also lessons for beginners and clubhouses with restaurants and relaxation areas.

Traditional events and holidays

Calpe is known for its traditional festivals and events that take place all year round. These include the Festival of the Moors and Cristianos (Moros y Cristianos), celebrated with colourful parades and theatrical performances, and the Festival of St Christopher, which includes processions, concerts and fireworks.

San Juan Festival

The San Juan Festival in Calpe takes place in June and is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals on the coast. This celebration of the summer solstice is accompanied by bonfires, beach parties and traditional dancing. Importantly, this festival brings locals and tourists together in a friendly atmosphere and allows everyone to immerse themselves in the cultural traditions of the region.

Christmas fairs

In the run-up to Christmas, Calpe hosts fairs where you can buy traditional Spanish souvenirs, festive treats and unique handmade items. These fairs create a special festive atmosphere and are a great place for family holidays.

Gastronomic fiestas

Calpe is famous for its seafood-rich cuisine. Fishing and seafood is an important part of the local economy, and traditional restaurants offer a variety of dishes made from the freshest fish, mussels, prawns and other creatures of the sea. Seafood festivals and gastronomic festivals are held several times a year, giving everyone the opportunity to sample the best of the local cuisine.

Calpe is a place where history and modernity harmoniously coexist. With its unique culture, rich historical sites, picturesque natural landscapes and diverse entertainment, Calpe will satisfy the most discerning traveller. Here you can enjoy the beaches and nature, explore historical monuments, be active or relax at the numerous festivals and gastronomic festivals. Travelling to Calpe will be an unforgettable experience that will leave many pleasant memories.