9 things to make in Calpe

Do you want to know 9 plans for your next holiday in Calpe? In the following lines we suggest nine activities that could make you enjoy your stay in the area to the full. If you are staying in Benidorm, Calpe is perfect to enjoy a day trip to one of the most charming villages on the Costa Blanca.

9 plans for your next holiday in Calpe

Take note of the 10 plans to make in Calpe to enjoy your holiday, you won’t want to miss any of them!

 1. Climb the Ifach Rock

Without a doubt, the most outstanding feature of Calpe is its Peñón, an imposing rocky mass, 330 m high, linked to the peninsula by a small tongue of land. The rock dominates the entire landscape and, in addition to being the symbol of the city and one of the symbols of the Costa Blanca, this Natural Park, the smallest in the Valencian Community, has native vegetation, fauna and sea beds that will leave you impressed, not to mention the views!

There are many options to get to know this place, but we recommend the route that goes from the feet to the top of the mountain. At the beginning, you will find a path that goes through a small medieval settlement called Pobla d’Ifach. Afterwards, you will enter a tunnel and from there the most intense climb begins. In the last stretch you must be careful, otherwise it can be dangerous. When you get to the top, all the effort will have been worth it, as the views are really incredible. You can see from the salt flats to the beaches and even the skyline of the nearby towns.

2. Walk along the Paseo Príncipe de Asturias

Taking advantage of the visit to the Peñón de Ifach, we invite you to visit the Paseo Príncipe de Asturias. It is a very attractive route that goes from the Port of Calpe to Cala el Racó, passing precisely by the Rock. The promenade is delimited on both sides, by the sea and by the Rock, so it is perfect to reach its feet and marvel at its base and height. The route of the walk is very bearable, so it is perfect to go with the little ones and, although there is no height, it is a fantastic viewpoint of the Mediterranean. You can go at sunset to see it in all its splendour over the sea.

3. Discover the Port of Calpe

Calpe has been and still is a town with a great fishing tradition, the atmosphere of this trade is deeply rooted in the area. So in the port you can not only see boats but also the boats of the fishermen, their nets and you could also go to a real fish auction. Yes, in Calpe the fish auction is open to the public and takes place every day between 5pm and 8pm when the boats return from fishing.

Around the port you will also find a lot of restaurants with a great offer of fish and seafood, perfect to complete a seafaring day!

4. Dive in el Racó Cove

Do you like diving? Then you can’t miss the well-known el Racó Cave, located at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of its marine fauna. Moreover, on this beach you will find a perfectly signposted underwater route. Yes, as if it were a normal route, but underwater, a perfect way to get your bearings and discover the best of this sea bed.

Its calm waters invite you not only to enjoy diving, but also to spend a pleasant day at the beach.

5. Enjoy nature on the Ecological Walk between Calpe and Benissa

These two locations are only 9 kilometres apart, but linked by an ecological trail. This is a very simple route that runs along the coast and is suitable for children. Along the way you will come across some truly surprising coves and corners. Stopping off for a swim, or at least to take some pictures, is something you should do.

6. Practice Birdwatching in Las salinas de Calpe

I’m sure you’ve already noticed the vast mass of water in the centre of Calpe, the salt flats! The salt flats are a protected natural area and in the area you can see flamingos, gulls, storks, ducks and up to 173 different species. You can walk around the salt mines with a small circular route that will allow you to better observe all the birds, fauna and vegetation. Don’t forget your binoculars so you don’t miss anything!

7. Feel like an archaeologist at the Baños de la Reina and the Roman Baths

Did you know that there are several Roman sites in Calpe? One of them is the Baños de la Reina, on the same beach. These are six small pools, divided by small rock walls connected to each other and to the sea. It is said that they were Roman nurseries, where fish was raised, or a sea garden. Thus, the pools communicated with the sea but were closed with small doors to prevent the fish from coming out. It is named after an ancient legend that tells how a Moorish queen would come down at night to bathe in them. Today, you are the one who can bathe in this authentic site. Just to the right, you will also see the remains of the ancient Roman baths and if you turn around, with your back to the coast, a Roman villa that is still being excavated. The Town Hall organises regular visits so if you are interested, just ask if they coincide with your visit.

8. Explore the Old Town

Calpe’s Old Town is located about two kilometres from the coast, so why so far from the beach? The reason is that in ancient times attempts were made to build inland from the coastal towns to avoid the attacks of Berber pirates, which were very frequent. In addition, they had walls built in the 15th century.

When you get to the centre, you can follow the Tourist Route which is signposted within the municipality so that you don’t miss anything. You will be surprised by its very narrow, cobbled streets, and also by the fact that some of the alleys are decorated with a multitude of plants and flowers, but this is very typical!

In the Old Town, don’t miss the Calpe Museum of History and Archaeology, which takes you on a journey through the past of this Alicante town. Remember also that on Sundays there is a craft market in the area where you can find all kinds of objects, but also bread, sweets, organically grown vegetables or clothes. And if you like photography, you have an obligatory stop at the “Escalera de España”, an instagram star!

9. “La Muralla Roja”

“La Muralla Roja” is a residential building that attracts attention by its shapes and colours, living up to its name. It is a building designed by the well-known architect Ricardo Bofill in the seventies. You may well have seen this building on Instagram, as in recent years many influencers have had their photos taken in the building. It has also been the setting for more than one advertising campaign by major brands. In order to enter the building, and in view of the constant visits that disturb the neighbours, you will need to ask for permission beforehand.

Have you seen how many plans you have for your next visit to Calpe? Do you know which one you will start with? We would love to read about it in the comments!