What to see in Calpe: Must-see

Calpe is a charming coastal town in the province of Alicante, Spain. In addition to its crystal clear beaches, the Peñón de Ifach is one of the most emblematic places to visit. The old town of Calpe and the salt flats also have a lot to offer in terms of history and nature. Don't miss the panoramic views by going up to the Morro de Toix viewpoint to see the whole coast.

What to do in Calpe

If you are looking for things to do in Calpe, don't worry, there are many options to choose from. Whether you come alone or with your family, Calpe has something to offer for all tastes and ages. In this article we are going to tell you the essential things you have to visit when you are in this beautiful coastal town of Alicante.

Peñon de Ifach

The Peñón de Ifach is one of the most emblematic places in Calpe. It is a rocky massif in the shape of a crag that juts out into the sea 332 meters high. Declared a Natural Park in 1987, it is home to fauna and flora typical of the area. If you venture to the top (it's not easy!), you can enjoy breathtaking views of all of Calpe and its surroundings. If you are in good physical shape and love nature, you can't miss this experience. The Peñon de Ifach also offers its walls to climbing enthusiasts and its caves and seabed for diving lovers enjoying a privileged environment.

How to get to Peñón de Ifach

To reach the Peñón de Ifach you can do it by car (which means parking in the designated areas, because you can not access directly by car), by public transport, by bike or walking from the center of Calpe. The most advisable option if you do not want to walk too far is to leave the car in the parking lot and walk up.

Tips for climbing the Peñón de Ifach

It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity, especially for the final stretch of the ascent. In addition, it should be noted that access is limited and it is necessary to obtain a permit to climb (free) which is obtained at the offices of the Natural Park of the Peñón de Ifach.

What to see from the Peñón de Ifach

From the top of the Peñón de Ifach you can see breathtaking views of the whole of Calpe, the port, the coast and - on clear days - even the island of Ibiza. In addition, the summit is home to numerous native birds and plants, which is a plus for nature lovers.

The Queen's Baths

The Baños de la Reina is another place you have to visit if you are in Calpe. This place is a set of Roman baths located next to the Cala del Morello. In addition to enjoying the sea views, you will be able to discover a part of the history of the area.

Practical information about Baños de la Reina

Los Baños de la Reina is part of an archaeological complex of ancient houses and fish farm from Roman times and thermal baths. (guided tours are organized in high season to discover this part of history, by the way, it is very interesting). It is advisable to book in advance and check availability.

History of the Baños de la Reina

It is believed that the Queen's Baths were built in the 4th century as a public thermal complex, although there is also talk that they could have been a private villa of some wealthy personage of the time. What is clear is that, today, it is a treasure of archeology and history of Calpe.

What to see in Baños de la Reina

In the Baños de la Reina you can see the different rooms that made up the thermal complex, such as the hot and cold baths, the changing rooms, the boiler room and the remains of the swimming pool. All this surrounded by an impressive coastal landscape.

Port of Calpe

The port of Calpe is a place with a lot of charm, as it breathes the maritime atmosphere and there is also a great tourist offer. Strolling along the pier, dining in one of its restaurants or enjoying one of the many activities offered are some of the things you can do here.

Activities to do in Calpe Port

In the port of Calpe you can do many activities for both children and adults, such as renting a boat or a jet ski, diving or snorkeling, or boat trips to Benidorm and Moraira to enjoy the entire coast.

Restaurants in the Port of Calpe

In the port of Calpe you can find many restaurants overlooking the sea where you can taste the local cuisine, you will find a fairly wide range to savor the freshness of the products of the port and the quality of the dishes.

Practical information about the Port of Calpe

It is convenient to remember that during the summer months the port of Calpe is quite full of tourists, so it is advisable to book in advance activities or restaurant if you want to avoid waiting. In addition, prices in high season may be higher than in low season.

Calpe Old Town

The Old Town of Calpe is one of the hidden gems of the Costa Blanca. Although most visitors focus on the beaches and the famous Peñón de Ifach, the old town hides a great cultural and historical richness, with cobblestone streets and small squares that transport the traveler to past times.

What to see in the Old Town of Calpe

The old town of Calpe is full of interesting places to visit. One of the must-see sights in the area is the Nuestra Señora de las Nieves church, which dates back to the 18th century and is considered one of the city's main monuments. It is also essential to take a walk around the Plaça de la Villa, where the town hall and the medieval tower made of dry stone used by the watchmen to protect the city are located. In addition, lovers of medieval architecture will love to visit the Casa Nova, an example of the civil architecture of the time, or the Archaeological Museum located in the Old Town.

History of the Old Town of Calpe

The old town of Calpe is one of the oldest areas of the city, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over the centuries, various cultures have populated the area, from Iberians and Romans to Arabs and Christians. Despite multiple invasions and looting, the old town has resisted and is considered one of the main tourist attractions of Calpe thanks to its great beauty and heritage value.

Streets and squares of the Old Town of Calpe

The old town of Calpe is formed by a network of cobbled streets and squares that transmit the most authentic essence of the city. Some of the most famous streets are Stmo Cristo street, Puchalt street (one of the most famous in Spain on Instagram) or Campanar street. As for the squares, the most important are Plaza Colón, Plaza de la Constitución and Plaza de la Villa, where the church Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is located. Discovering the old town of Calpe is a unique experience to enjoy the charm and history of the city, a place that can not miss in a complete visit to the Costa Blanca.

Beaches and coves of Calpe

Calpe is known for its stunning beaches with crystal clear waters. In addition to the beaches, Calpe also has several coves that are worth exploring. In this section, we present the best beaches and coves of Calpe for you to enjoy your visit to the maximum. Let's get to it!

Best beaches in Calpe

In Calpe, the beaches are of fine sand and crystalline waters. These are the best beaches in Calpe that you should not miss:

Arenal-Bol beach

The largest beach in Calpe, it is more than a kilometer long. It has all the services, from beach umbrellas and sun loungers rental to bars and restaurants.

Fossa or Levante Beach

Another popular beach in Calpe, with more than one kilometer long. It has impressive views of the Peñón de Ifach and has a large number of services along its pedestrian promenade.

Puerto Blanco

Small port with a beach. This place is ideal for those looking for sunbathing on a quiet beach. This partly sandy cove is famous for its crystal clear waters and tranquility, is more secluded from the inside so it tends to be less crowded.

Best coves in Calpe

In addition to the beaches, Calpe has several coves worth visiting. These are some of the best coves in Calpe:

Les Urques Cove

Animals are welcome in this cove! It is a gravel cove near Puerto Blanco pet friendly of about 100 meters. Being all gravel it is not the most comfortable for sunbathing lying down, but our furry friends love it for a swim!

Les Basetes Cove

A beautiful cove located just at the end of Calpe before Benissa. This cove is ideal for those looking for activities (diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, equipment rental,...) and being away from the most crowded beaches of Calpe.

El Racó Cove

This cove located at the foot of the Rock is spectacular thanks to its views and its transparent waters. It is an ideal place for snorkeling. Its proximity to the port will also allow you to enjoy all its services, activities, restaurants...

These are just some of the beaches and coves you can find in Calpe. If you like beautiful and quiet beaches, you cannot miss Calpe.

Calpe Salt Flats area

The Calpe Salt Flats area is a protected natural area of great ecological and touristic importance. It is located about 2 kilometers from the historic center of Calpe, on the Mediterranean coast. It is a wetland of about 2,800 square meters of extension, which is home to a great diversity of animal and plant species, besides being a perfect place for bird watching. To the north of the promenade that borders Las Salinas, there is a nature trail that goes into a small Mediterranean forest and leads to a wooden lookout where you can observe the flamingos that usually stay in the lagoon.

Visit to the Calpe Salt Flats

The best way to get to know the Salinas de Calpe is through a guided tour. During the visit, you can observe the water-filled salt pans, salt piles and small seawater lagoons. In addition, you can observe the birds that inhabit the wetland and the fauna and flora that surround the park.

Practical information about a visit to the Calpe Salt Flats

• It is essential to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing
• It is recommended to bring water and sun protection
• The visit usually lasts about 45 minutes

Fauna and Flora of the Calpe Salt Flats

The Salinas de Calpe are a passage and wintering place for migratory birds and a nesting area for various species of waterfowl. Among the birds that can be observed are the little egret, grey heron, black-winged stilt, kentish plover, redshank and pink flamingo. In addition, invertebrates such as the fiddler crab and the fine clam are frequent in the salt ponds. The characteristic vegetation of the salt landscape is composed of halophilic species, that is, plants adapted to living in salt-rich soils.

History of the Salinas de Calpe

The Salinas de Calpe are a historical and cultural heritage of great value. There is evidence that there were already salt mines in the area during Roman times, although they reached their maximum splendor in the Middle Ages, when salt production intensified in the Mediterranean. For centuries, the salt mines were an important source of wealth for Calpe, but the exploitation of salt declined in the early twentieth century, due to the cheapening of production in other regions. Since then, small-scale production has been maintained and today, the Calpe Salt Flats have become a protected area of great natural and tourist value.

The viewpoint of Morro de Toix and Altea

This viewpoint of Calpe, adjacent to the town of Altea, is worth a visit for its incredible views. Located on a rocky elevation more than 300 meters above sea level, spectacular views of the coast of Calpe and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from this viewpoint. You will be able to go around the Punta de Toix thanks to its promenade.

The best views of Calpe from the Morro de Toix viewpoint.

Once you arrive at the Mirador del Morro de Toix, spectacular views of Calpe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains open up before you. From here, you can appreciate the Peñón de Ifach in a different way. You can also see the mountains of Sierra de Bernia, the island of Altea, and the city of Benidorm in the distance.

How to get to the Morro de Toix lookout point

The Mirador del Morro de Toix is located about 10 minutes drive from the center of Calpe. One option is to drive to the parking lot at the end of the road leading to the viewpoint. If you prefer a more active experience, you can also walk up from the Punta del Mascarat in Altea, a hike of about 40-45 minutes. The hike is moderately difficult and will take you on trails with breathtaking views along the way.

After discovering all the wonders Calpe has to offer and visiting the amazing places I mentioned above, would you like to find the perfect accommodation to complement your experience in this charming town?

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