Calpe is a municipality in the north of Alicante, more specifically in the Marina Alta region. It is one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Blanca, famous for the imposing Peñón de Ifach, a symbol of the Costa Blanca which is a 50,000 m2 limestone rock that rises 332 meters above the sea. Calpe combines the charm of a fishing village where you can enjoy both its beaches and nature sports, such as scuba diving or hiking, as well as its wonderful gastronomy of delicious rice dishes.
The large number of tourists and the summer heat mean that the best months to visit Calpe, are May, June, September and October, these are the calmest and coolest. In these months you can enjoy Calpe without overheating and avoiding the summer crowds.
What to see in Calpe?
Calpe is a place with much to offer to those who visit it. Depending on your preferences as well as the time of year that you come, it will leave you wanting to discover more on a repeat visit.
1_ The Peñón de Ifach Natural Park
A must for anyone who comes to Calpe is to visit the enormous limestone rock that rises up to 332 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. You will have to walk up to get to the top in order to enjoy the unique views, but don’t worry, it’s a relatively easy route. The paths are well defined and the reward is well worth the effort. For the more adventurous and professional climbers there are climbing activities, but that’s a tall order.
From the summit you have the best panoramic views of Calpe, Tabarca Island, Santa Pola, Denia, and on a clear day as far as Ibiza! In addition, not to be missed are the large number of aquatic birds (almost 80 different species), and plants (up to 300 species).
These remarkable sights make this natural park a unique spot, an icon of Calpe and a gift of nature for anyone who chooses to come and to enjoy it.
2_ The salt flats of Calpe
This is a place that will leave you amazed, it has never been easier to see flamingos so close to an urban centre. The origin of these salt flats dates back 2 million years, when it was part of the sea, and little by little the bay closed off until it became a beautiful lagoon. The Romans used it to salt their food for many years, at that time it was a place of great importance for the local economy.
Today it is an enclave of high biological and cultural value that is home to more than 173 species of flora and wild birds such as the beautiful pink flamingos and white storks. A highly recommended destination for those of you who, like us, enjoy nature in its purest form.
3_ Calpe Old Town
The old town of Calpe is pure charm. It leaves you immersed in an ancient era along every step of its narrow cobbled streets, past its walls and museums. This small Mediterranean town and its history are concentrated in a labyrinthine promenade. We recommend getting lost in it as the best option to discover and enjoy the history of pirates and corsairs.
4_ Calpe’s gastronomy
After strolling around, hunger calls to a wide variety of traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as fried fish, seafood of all kinds, fresh garden produce and of course the wonderful Alicante rice dishes. The most famous of these is black rice, which is made with seafood and squid ink, giving it its characteristic colour, as well as its spectacular flavour.
How to get to Calpe
You can get here by car from Alicante on the N-322 or the AP-7. By public transport, take the tram, direction Dénia, from Alicante.
