Calpe is an ancient fishing village between Moraira and Altea. Today it is a popular holiday destination. With high rise hotels and apartment complexes as a result. The landmark of Calpe is the Peñon de Ifach or Calpe rock. It has 13 km of coastline with various beaches, coves and cliffs. The old town is in the heart of Calpe and has some interesting historical places. There is a big salt lake in the centre where pink flamenco´s drink and rest. Calpe has a good variety of shops. And there are many hotels, bars and restaurants.

History

Calpe has a rich history. The Arabs built a castle overlooking the ravine of Mascarat. In the 14th century the region of the Castle of Calpe was split into various towns. This was the start of Benissa, Calpe, Teulada and Senija. In the 17th century pirates entered the town and deported about 300 people to Algeria. They stayed 5 years in prison until they were exchanged for gold and pirate prisoners. In the 19th century the fishing industry started. Already before the second world ward tourists visited Calpe. In the 1940s and 1950s many tourist accommodations arose. But the big construction boom was in the second half of the 1960s. Since then Calpe developed into a mature town and a popular seaside resort.

Sea and fishing

Due to its location the sea always played an important role in the lives of the Calpe inhabitants. Fishing was for many years the motor of Calpe´s economy. Today the boats still leave the port early in the morning to catch fish. Late in the afternoon they return to the port and they bring the fish to the auction (La Lonja). From Monday to Friday, around 17.00 hrs, the fish auction takes place. There is a special area for visitors to follow what is happening.

Points of interest

Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is an interesting church built in 1975. Both modern and traditional. It has pretty stained-glass windows and beautiful mosaic murals. Very close is the old church which dates back from the 15th century. It is in Mudejar Gothic style. There is only one building with these characteristics in the Comunidad Valenciana.

Torreo de la Peca

This defence tower housed the “peca”. An artillery piece which defended the town from the 15th century. The tower is now home to a museum.

Old town

Strolling through the old town of Calpe is a “must do”. Wander through the narrow-cobbled streets with traditional houses. A picturesque area surrounded by the old walls. Don´t miss the streets of San Roque, Puchalt and Pescadores.

Los Baños de la Reina

A Roman site next to the sea. It consists of three parts: The Roman Vicus (mosaics). The second part are the Roman Nurseries and the third part is La Muntanyeta, the thermal complex. 

The red wall

Designed by Ricardo Bofill. An extravagant apartment complex with an Arab Mediterranean touch in La Manzanera. Another building from the same architect is Xanadu, also in La Manzanera. A futuristic house in front of the sea. If you love architecture you can also visit Bofill´s Amphitheatre. On top of a hill with fantastic sea views.

The beaches

Calpe is a beach destination pur sang. There are two main beaches: Playa la Fossa (Levante) and Playa del Arenal (Bol). Both long stretches of fine sand with many facilities to enjoy a relaxed day at the beach. Popular with families. Both beaches have a promenade with restaurants, bars and shops.

Next to the port is a small beach, Playa de Cantal Roig. An attractive bay, ideal for families. The water is calm and clear. Very close to the Baños de la Reina.

There are many small coves, sandy and gravel. Click here for an overview.

Peñon de Ifach

This famous rock is also called “little Gibraltar. It has a height of 332m. It is a natural park and protected as such. The flora is diverse and there are more than 300 different animal species living here. There is a nice hike to the top of the rock. An easy walk up to the tunnel. After that the hike is more challenging. The path is small and sometimes slippery. At certain points there are ropes to assist you. The views during the walk are fantastic. It is better not going up when the sea gulls build their nests as they sometimes get aggressive. It takes 2-3 hours to go up and down.