Located on the Costa Blanca in Spain, Calpe offers a unique blend of traditional Valencian heritage and modern amenities. The town is a convenient hub for exploring the local area or a perfect spot for relaxing on its three stunning sandy beaches. Rich in history and cultural significance, Calpe has attracted settlers throughout different periods. Artefacts from the Iberian tribe have been discovered in the area, and the Romans established a thriving colony focused on fish preservation. During the 14th and 17th centuries, the town was attacked by pirates, but it found peace in the 18th century, paving the way for its transformation into a popular tourist destination. The standout attraction of Calpe is the towering 332-metre-high Rock of Ifach and its natural park. To make the most of your visit, check out this self-guided tour of Calpe.
Arriving in Calpe
Choosing public transportation to reach Calpe typically means arriving by either bus or tram. If you take the tram, you will need to transfer to a bus to reach the city centre. Alternatively, a direct bus to Calpe is a convenient option, allowing you to either board a city bus upon arrival or start walking along Av de los Ejércitos Españoles towards Las Salinas Natural Park.
Las Salinas Natural Park
Las Salinas de Calpe is a natural park that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and wildlife, making it a popular destination for visitors. The park includes a large saltwater lagoon and wetland area, as well as picturesque hiking trails. It is a protected area for birds, with over 170 species inhabiting the park. Among its highlights is the large population of flamingos that can be observed up close. 
The salt flats have a long history of salt extraction dating back to Roman times when the salt was used for preserving food. The flats remained essential for many families until they were declared a protected natural area in 1993. Today, visitors can enjoy the area's beauty by walking along a circular trail that surrounds the flats. Your next stop on the tour is the Penyal d’Ifac Rock.
Penyal d’Ifac Rock
The Penyal d'Ifac, also known as the Rock of Ifach, is a volcanic boulder that rises 332 metres above sea level and covers an area of 50,000 m². This limestone outcrop, located within the Natural Park of Penyal d'Ifac, is a protected reserve. Designated as a Nature Reserve in 1987, the Rock of Ifach is home to rare plant species and colonies of seabirds. Anyone travelling to Calpe should visit this iconic landmark. Exploring the park at the base of the Rock of Ifach is free for all visitors, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Additionally, visitors can explore the ruins of an Iberian village dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
To climb the red route to the summit past the checkpoint, hikers must obtain a permit in advance through the Nature Parks of Spain website. Applications should be made at least ten days before the desired date, as only 300 permits are available daily. Securing a permit for the red route hike can be challenging, especially for non-Spanish speakers. Some important points to note: each person can make only one reservation per day, reservations are non-transferable, the booking window is limited to ten days, and only 300 permits are available daily. Once a reservation is obtained, visitors can access the route at any time during the day, excluding nighttime. Be sure to review the instructions provided in the accompanying picture.
The red route can be split into two sections: pre-tunnel and post-tunnel. The initial part of the trail is relatively easy, with a well-maintained pathway that leads through Mediterranean vegetation.
This section offers excellent views of Calpe and the nearby coastline. 
About halfway up, you will encounter a man-made tunnel carved through the rock. 
The tunnel is narrow and may be slippery, so using the handrails for support is advised.
Beyond the tunnel, the terrain becomes more challenging. The most difficult part of the trail is after the tunnel, where ropes are attached to the rock to assist with the climb. It is important to note that the path above the tunnel lacks safety features and is unsuitable for those afraid of heights, young children, or individuals who are not physically fit. 
This climb is challenging and risky, but the reward at the top is worth it, with breathtaking panoramic views and, on clear days, the island of Ibiza visible in the distance. I suggest carefully evaluating your climbing abilities before deciding whether to complete the final section of the trail. I chose to walk to the tunnel, pass through it, and then return. Sturdy footwear, such as mountain shoes, is advisable, and a water bottle is a must since the route has no water sources. Avoid going beyond the tunnel during rainy or foggy conditions. During the summer months, scheduling your hike for the morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid the intense midday sun.
Making your way to Calpe Promenade
After completing your climb, continue to the Calpe Promenade. If you are hungry, consider stopping at the bar restaurant El Remo. 
Afterwards, make your way to the beach where you will come across a modern sculpture called Sol Invictus. Unveiled in 2022 by the Calpe sculptor Viktor Ferrando, the sculpture was donated to the Town Hall by the Rotary Club Calpe Ifach. Sol Invictus, made from recycled old railway lines, is located at the end of the Paseo Marítimo Infanta Elena, near the steps to Playa Cantal Roig. It symbolises hope for a sustainable and circular economic future.
Several other statues made of rusted metal can also be found in various parts of the town.
Calpe Promenade
Experience the lively promenade featuring a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours, and shops, all set in a relaxing atmosphere.
This waterfront path is perfect for romantic sunset dinners, capturing images of yachts and sailboats on the water, and enjoying the picturesque mountains in the background.
Along the way, you can also explore the Queen's Baths Archaeological Site.
Queen's Baths Archaeological Site
Known in Roman times as the Queen's Baths (Baños de la Reina), the coastal area is situated in a picturesque spot, facing a tranquil bay and sheltered by the Penyal d'Ifac. Even today, its rocky structures remain visible, submerged in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea and salt played a crucial role in the lives of the ancient Roman settlers, fostering documented trade exchanges. Over time, the site fell into disrepair and became associated with the legend of the 'baths of the Moorish queen', which gave the area its name. 
Adjacent to the baths, the remains of a windmill tower can still be seen.
Torre Molí del Morello
The wind-powered flour mill, dating from the mid-19th century, is located at the western end of the Queen's Baths Archaeological Site. The building is cylindrical, constructed from natural stone and bound together with a substantial amount of lime mortar, resulting in thick walls. Next, proceed towards Arenal-Bol Beach, a popular spot in Calpe renowned for its long stretch of sandy shore and transparent waters. The beach is lined with small palm trees, adding to its charm as an urban beach.
To reach the old town, turn right onto Gabriel Miro Avenue from Arenal-Bol Beach. Stop at the steps on Calle Punchal, painted in the colours of the Spanish flag, and feel free to take a selfie. 
Keep exploring the old town by climbing these stairs or the ones nearby.
Old Town
The historically rich Old Town of Calpe has a past marked by Ottoman pirate attacks in the La Marina area, prompting the municipalities to move inland and protect themselves with walls. Some remnants of these walls are still visible in Calpe today.
The old town is filled with charming narrow streets and alleys adorned with colourful plants and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere for leisurely strolls.
Continue exploring the area to discover the Old Town Hall, the shops along Calle Mayor, and various mosaics and murals depicting scenes and traditions of Calpe. Be sure to appreciate the other pieces of art displayed throughout the streets of the old town.
Peca Tower
The Peça Tower, a former defence tower that housed artillery to protect the Christian town from the 15th century onwards, and the Forat de la Mar gateway, where sailors would assess sea conditions before setting sail, are among the points of interest in this unique area of Calpe. 
Adjacent to the wall are two 14th-century cannons made in England and recovered from the port of Calpe. The Peça Tower has since been transformed into the Museo del Collecionismo.
Statue of Francisco Sendra Ivars
Pay tribute to priest Francisco Sendra Ivars (1899–1936), who served as a vicar in different locations before becoming a parish priest in Calpe in 1931, by visiting his statue that depicts him with two children. Expelled by the Republican Committee during the Spanish Civil War, he was subsequently arrested, tortured, and executed by militiamen. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 2001, along with 232 other martyrs of the Spanish Civil War from the Diocese of Valencia.
Address: Carrer del Campanar, 13
Practical tips
Calpe is approximately 65 kilometres from Alicante. I took a day trip to Calpe from Alicante, similar to my visits to Novelda and Elche, travelling there by bus and returning by tram. In my opinion, the bus is a better choice since it is faster and has fewer stops. The tram station is outside the city centre and requires a transfer in Benidorm. The tram route has many stops and can be rather crowded. 
The bus journey took 1.5 hours, while the tram journey took 2.5 hours. Once in Calpe, you can use one of two local bus lines to get around. One line circles the resort from the train station to La Vallesa, while the other runs from Calpe to Moraira and Teulada.
Like it? Pin it!
What did you think? Have you been to Calpe? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.
Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
Report
My comments