Calpe, a beautiful coastal town on the Spanish Costa Blanca, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, enjoy fresh seafood, and experience the vibrant local culture. The blend of natural beauty and historical charm makes Calpe a must-visit.
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On the northeast coast of Calp lies Cala La Calalga, a hidden gem among the beaches. The small bay is mostly lined with pebble beaches and rugged rocks. It is just a stone's throw from the bustling center and at the same time a soothing oasis of peace and relaxation for swimming and sunbathing.
Somewhat hidden inland behind the coastal town of Calp, you will discover the Cova dels Coloms on a hiking tour. Explore the rocky caves on your own during a sporty hiking excursion amidst the hilly hinterland. Again and again, framed by the Mediterranean landscape, magnificent panoramic views open up to the sea.
On the edge of the old town of Calp, the Museo De Coleccionismo, the Museum of Collecting, awaits you, an exciting museum for history enthusiasts. A tower from medieval times houses the museum. Historical cameras, old dishes, and toy dolls are just some of the extraordinary artifacts that tell about the cultural history of the Mediterranean city.
During your holiday in Calp, walk in the footsteps of history. On the rocky peninsula of Penyal d'Ifac high above the sea east of the coastal town, you will discover the remains of a medieval settlement with the Poblado Medieval. Stone ruins of walls bear witness to buildings such as former residences and storage facilities.
As befits a coastal town on the Costa Blanca, in Calp the paths to the beach are never long. Right after your arrival, you only need to unpack your swimwear and sunscreen, and you already have the choice between the two main beaches, Playa del Arenal-Bol, very close to the city center, and Playa de la Fossa. This beautiful beach stretches over 1.3 kilometers along the coast and offers fine golden sand and clear, turquoise water. Here you can relax, sunbathe, or try water sports like windsurfing and sailing. Those who prefer a faster pace can explore the entire length of Playa de la Fossa by jet ski. Back on land, you can enjoy a wide selection of regional delicacies such as fresh seafood and Spanish tapas in the numerous restaurants and bars on the promenade, always against the breathtaking backdrop of the unmistakable local mountain Penyal d’Ifac.
The local mountain separates the two main beaches of Calp from each other and offers picturesque photo opportunities from every perspective. You have an especially unobstructed view from the nearby Morro de Toix, which you can easily reach by car. However, you can better immerse yourself with a day hike directly on the 332-meter-high Penyal d’Ifac. The ascent leads partly through passages carved into the rock and past countless seagulls and albatrosses. Even though the scenery is overwhelming, upon closer inspection, you will also discover enchanting flowers and resilient shrubs in one of Spain's smallest nature reserves right by the wayside. You will be rewarded for the climb with a breathtaking view of Calpe and, with a bit of luck, even the island of Ibiza. If you like to hike on your second vacation day and don't want to miss out on beaches, you can follow the coastal path to the eastern districts of la Calalga and les Bassetes.
The old town of Calp completes your short trip to the Costa Blanca with a diverse cultural offering. Stroll through the narrow streets, browse the small shops, and relax in a café at one of the charming squares. Climb the red-yellow painted steps of the Escaleras Banderas España to the Torreó de la Peca, a historic fortification that was once part of the city wall. Learn more about the history up to the present at the Archaeological Museum or through the mosaic by artist Gastón Castelló, which vividly brings Calp's fishing tradition to life. You can spend the afternoon in nature nearby: The salt lake les Salines is located in the middle of the city area. Where salt was once extracted, various bird species such as pink flamingos now live. The last day of your short vacation is crowned with a visit to a winery and a glass of wine from the Costa Blanca.