10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALPE
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALPE

INTRODUCTION: CALPE, SPAIN
10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALPE: Are you planning a vacation to the Mediterranean and are looking for a great destination? Have you heard about Calpe Spain on the Costa Blanca? Do you want to find out more? Then you are in the right place. This post will give you the information you need to help you make an informed decision and plan the best beach holiday possible. As someone who has lived in and explored this region of the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my insider knowledge of this beautiful Spanish destination.
Calpe is located on the southeast coast of Spain about 50km north of Alicante, directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The town has a population of about 24000 and its main industry is fishing and tourism, with tourism becoming the main industry over the last several decades. The town is built at the base of the iconic rock of “Ifach” (the Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park) which is its most recognizable natural feature.
Calpe is a great beach vacation destination with many available activities, attractions, and sights to see. There is something here for everyone, a modern tourist infrastructure, excellent weather, and beautiful sand beaches.
(See related posts on Costa Blanca and Guide to the Coast of Spain to find out more)

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALPE
The Rock of Ifach (Penon d’Ifach)
This massive limestone rock stands 332 m high and is the single most identifiable feature of Calpe. The rock and the area around its base were made into a park called the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifach. There are well-marked hiking trails in the park that reach up to the summit where you can get panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Mediterranean Sea. The rock is also a popular destination for rock climbing with approximately 40 established climbing routes.
Las Salina – The Salt Flats
Right in the center of Calpe is Las Salinas which is a nature reserve and home to several species of birds including pink flamingos. There is a trail around Las Salinas with observation points from where you can observe birds without disturbing them.

Beaches
There are a total of 13 km of beaches in the Calbe area with the two main beaches being Platja de la Fossa and Playa del Arenal-Bol. The beaches here are made of fine golden sand which is cleaned every day. The water quality and the caliber of the facilities at Calpe’s beaches are extremely high earning both beaches Blue Flag certification. The crystal clear waters are calm and shallow, making the beaches ideal for families with young children. Along the beach is a 1.6km promenade lined with palm trees and cafes, restaurants, and beach bars.

Water Sports and Activities
With crystal clear waters, the area is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Other popular sports are windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing, with equipment being available for rent at the marina located at the base of the Penon d’Ifach. Jet Sky rentals are also available.
Hiking
As mentioned above there are hiking trails directly in Calpe at the Rock of Ifach (Penon de Ifach) and also around the salt flats (Les Salinas trails). There are also some other trails of varying difficulty that run along the coast in both directions. An easy trail to walk is the Sendero Voramar-Calalga trail which gives excellent views of the Mediterranean. Another popular trail is the Princesa Asturias Ecological Path which also runs along the coast.

Cycling
Calpe is a great destination for cycling with multiple routes of varying difficulty. With the Mediterranean climate and great weather, cycling can be done year-round in this region. One of the more popular routes is the Calpe to Coll de Rates climb which has some challenging climbs and excellent views. For a more relaxed outing, the Altea do Calpe route is a more leisurely tour along the coast where you can get some beautiful views of the Mediterranean and visit some of the seaside villages. You can rent bikes at some of the local shops in Calpe.
Golf
Golf can be played year-round in Calpe with several golf courses located in the immediate area. In the Costa Blanca region, there are a total of 32 high-quality golf courses to choose from.

Boat Tours
When you visit Calpe, make sure to take the opportunity to take one of the local boat tours. There are different tours that range from less than an hour to the whole day. There are even some tours set up to allow for snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters. Boat tours are an excellent way to see the coastline and the mountain views from the Mediterranean. Two of the more popular destinations are the Cova dels Arcs, an impressive sea cave, and the Morro de Toix, where you can see dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Check with the local operators for rate and departure times which are seasonal and weather dependent.

Old Town
The old part of Calpe is made up of narrow winding streets and sidewalks where you can find various bistros and outdoor cafes. This is a great place to walk around and explore the town. Here you will find the Torreo de la Peca, the old watch tower where you can panoramic views of the area. Two of the original cannons from the watchtower are on display and the area is busy with cafes and restaurants.

Castle del Mascarat (Moorish Castle of Calpe)
This castle was built during the period of Arab rule of the region. Located on the western edge of Calpe near Altea, the castle sat on top of a hill overlooking the entire area, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Penon de Ifach. Most of the castle is in ruins but one part of the wall and tower are still standing and hint at how it may have looked like in the past. There is a hiking trail that leads up to the castle where you can enjoy panoramic views of the area.
Day Trip – Alicante
A great day trip destination is Alicante (see related post) which is only 50km away. This old port city has a rich history, an impressive castle overlooking the city, a great shopping district, and a beautiful downtown area near the marina with a world-class promenade with shops and outdoor restaurants.

Day Trip – Benidorm
Located only 20km away, this town known as the Las Vegas of the Costa Blanca is an excellent destination if you are looking for a day trip option or a night on the town. (see relate post on Benidorm to find out more)
FINAL THOUGHTS: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CALPE
Although smaller than its more famous cousins along the coast, Calpe is a great vacation destination. With a Mediterranean climate, 320 days of sun, fine golden sand beaches, an impressive Rock overlooking the entire area, and hundreds of activities for young and old, this town has it all and is an excellent holiday choice.
(see related post on the Costa Blanca Weather and why the weather in this region is considered by the World Health Organisation as being the best in the world in terms of quality of life)
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
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Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.