Calpe, Spain’s Coastal Gem: Your Ultimate Guide to Things To Do
If you are planning a future trip to Costa Blanca in Spain, you need to add Calpe to your list.
Coastal village 67 km from Alicante, and lies at the foot of the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac.
Many Iberian, Roman and Arab archeological sites exist in the town because of its strategic coastal location.
If you come for a few days make sure to add Altea and Villajoyosa to your destination list too. Here are some of the things you can do while visiting Calpe
Hike Natural Park of Peñón de Ifach
It’s divided in two areas, the first one where you start hiking, is flat and kid friendly. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful view from the park and have lunch in the picnic area.
After walking for 30 minutes you will reach the second part and the hardest, the tunnel. Be aware it’s dark and slippery so remember to bring sport shoes.
Once you cross the dark tunnel you will find a cliff where you will need to cross holding yourself to a rope. If you are afraid of heights it may not be the best place for a hike! Also not kid friendly, as it can be quite dangerous.
After the cliff just follow the track marked on the rocks for about 40 minutes till you reach the top and you will find one of the most beautiful views in Costa Blanca
Go for a walk around the Old Town
Spanish Old Towns are my favorites, they tend to be colorful or full of whites like this one. Quite small so you can see it all in less than an hour. Don’t be afraid to get lost through the streets and you will find hidden gems like the Spanish flag street
Enjoy your day at the beach
We personally love the main beach as its sandy and crystal clear, oh and an espectacular view to the mountain right next to it. All the restaurants and cafes are in this area too, just check the reviews before you try any of them as they tend to be expensive and not that good compared to the ones in the old town.
Visit the Roman baths and go for a swim in them
You can find Roman baths all over Costa Blanca, including my city Alicante. These ones are on the other side of the main beach and they are big enough to spend a beautiful day here. Remember to bring your snorkel equipment as you will find many big fishes around the ruins
Read about how to Stay at Muralla Roja
One of the main attractions is the Muralla Roja, designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill in 1968. In designing the building, Bofill referenced the architecture of North African casbahs.
Located only 5-10 mins by car from the main town, you will be surrounded by one of the most colorful and different buildings in the wold.
The only way to visit this place is by staying here on Airbnb, which may cost you a fortune as they take advantage of tourists here. We decided to go during low season and paid 55 euros a night instead of 150 euros per day.
The rooms are small but it was worth visiting this place.
Be aware you can’t go in unless you are a guest otherwise the security guard will call the police, and drones are not permitted (they have an especial sensor that will block the signal and it will fall down).
Read our blog post about our Stay At La Muralla Roja here
How to get here
There are two possible ways. The easiest one is by car, which only takes 60 minutes from Alicante Center depending if you take de AP-7 or N-332.
If you don’t have a car the best option is by Bus or even Tram that takes 1.45h.
Best time to visit
If you can avoid the busiest time of the year you may have the beaches for yourself!
Best time to visit Calpe Are from March to June and September as it is still warm but not busy at all!