View of Calpe with the Peñón de Ifach in the background
Calpe is one of the 12 most beautiful municipalities on the entire Costa Blanca. It is located between Altea and Moraira, north of the province of Alicante, and together with other nearby towns forms one of the most exploited tourist areas on the entire Levantine coast. Today we’ll tell you what to see in Calpe and why this town is a must-visit destination if you’re visiting the Alicante coast.
How to Get to Calpe
Calpe, or Calp in Valencian, is a coastal town located in the Marina Alta, and is widely known for its most notable natural attraction, the Peñón de Ifach. To reach this town, you can access it via two routes, the national road N-332 and the Mediterranean highway A-7 at exit 63 (Benissa-Teulada-Calpe) if you’re traveling from the south, or exit 64 (Altea – Calpe) if you’re traveling from the north.
If you want to visit this town while staying at our Camping Armanello facilities, the route to follow can be either of the two options, depending on the area you’re traveling from. The journey from the campsite takes about 35 minutes along the coast, on the national road; and a few minutes less via the highway.
An alternative to traveling by car is to reach Calpe by public transport, with buses from Benidorm, Altea, Alicante or Denia; or the Alicante coast tram with line 9.
What to Visit in Calpe
The Peñón de Ifach dominates the entire Marina Alta and outlines the entire nearby coast. It’s the town’s first major attraction. But if you have questions about Calpe and what to see, its places of tourist interest are many and varied. Here’s a small selection of those places that also deserve a visit.
Peñón de Ifach
The Peñón de Ifach natural park is home to this impressive mound that rises 327 meters above sea level. This rocky mass on the coast offers one of the best landscapes of the Costa Blanca and is an essential place to learn about the Mediterranean ecosystem.
The route to its summit starts at the port of Calpe itself and passes through the park’s interpretation area, from there you have to follow a path that goes through a tunnel to the other side of the rock to ascend to the summit. It’s a simple walk, but it has some points of certain difficulty. Since 2020, prior reservation is required, although the ascent is free.
Old Town of Calpe
Another answer to the question of what to visit in Calpe is the old town. This Alicante town has a network of winding alleys and beautiful colorful houses that look out to the sea, as the essence of its seafaring tradition.
On this route through the town center, you’ll find interesting points such as the Torre de la Peça, Plaza de la Villa, Gabriel Miró Street, Puchalt Street, Forat de la Mar or the chapels of Our Lady of the Snows and San Salvador. The best way to discover all these corners is by taking a free tour of Calpe, as the guide will spark tourists’ interest with their extensive knowledge of the town’s history.
Port of Calpe
More than just seeing the port, it stands out for its own activity. Thus, when we’re asked about things to see in Calpe or activities to do, one of them is to discover its port.
It is located west of the Ifach Rock and serves as a starting point to climb up to the rocky mass. Construction began in the mid-1930s and in the 1950s it was partially destroyed by the intensity of two strong storms. Years later it was rehabilitated with new works and expansions.
At the port, there are numerous restaurants where you can taste fresh coastal products. You also have the possibility to take a catamaran ride at sunset to see the sunset and the silhouette of the Ifach Rock. As if this wasn’t enough, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the fish auction at the market, which takes place Monday to Friday at 5:00 PM.
Beaches and coves of Calpe
The municipality extends along a 13-kilometer coastline. Therefore, Calpe offers endless beaches and coves to enjoy swimming, water sports, and diving. Some of the best known are Levante or La Fossa, Arenal-Bol beach, Puerto Blanco, or Cantal Roig.
The smaller sandy areas, the coves, are also very attractive to visitors. Notable ones include La Manzanera, Les Urques, Les Bassetes, or Cala Racó del Corb. The latter is located next to the foot of the Ifach Rock and is a very interesting place for diving, due to the rich marine fauna. In fact, it is the only beach or cove in the Valencian Community that has a marked underwater route with panels under the water indicating the path to follow.
The Oltá Mountain Range
One of the characteristics that best defines a good part of the Alicante coast is that next to the sea there are nearby mountain ranges that form beautiful landscapes. This combination of coast and mountain is also reflected in the rugged coastline in many places.
In Calpe there are also mountains, specifically the Oltá mountain range. It is located a few kilometers from the town center. Its mountains rise to almost 600 meters and offer a very complete panorama of the entire Costa Blanca and the Ifach Rock. The hiking route PR-CV 340 is the best way to reach the highest point.
You now have a small idea about what to see in Calpe. This municipality in the Marina Alta is a must-visit for those spending a few days on the Costa Blanca. If you want to visit Calpe and, at the same time, enjoy a unique experience, from Camping Armanello we recommend that you visit one of our campings. You can enjoy it both with family and as a couple, and thanks to its proximity, visiting Calpe is very easy. Don’t miss the opportunity!
