Costa Blanca North
Calpe
In the shadow of the Peñón
Costa Blanca North
In the shadow of the Peñón
Explore the area
Calpe (Calp in Valencian) is a friendly seaside town on the northern Costa Blanca, set between the chic resort of Moraira and lively Benidorm. The town is dominated by the impressive Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone rock protected as a natural park.
Calpe offers the best of both worlds: the calm and authenticity of a traditional Spanish fishing village with all the modern comforts you need for a relaxing holiday. Fresh fish, beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery make Calpe the perfect base for exploring the Costa Blanca.
From Calpe you can reach a string of lovely towns and villages in under 30 minutes: whitewashed Altea, the exclusive marina of Moraira, colourful Jávea and buzzing Benidorm.
Highlights
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The symbol of Calpe and one of the most iconic sights on the Costa Blanca: the Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone rock rising straight out of the Mediterranean. It is a protected nature reserve and a popular hiking spot. The climb to the top takes around 2 hours and rewards you with a breathtaking panorama over the Costa Blanca, the bay of Calpe and, on a clear day, even the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.
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Calpe has two beautiful beaches at the heart of town. Playa Arenal-Bol lies right at the foot of the Peñón and offers a spectacular view of the rock. Playa La Fossa is a long, wide beach with clear water and every facility. Both beaches fly the Blue Flag, a mark of excellent water quality and beach facilities. You will find small, quiet coves along the coast to the north and south of town.
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Calpe's Casco Antiguo is a picturesque, Moorish-influenced quarter with narrow lanes, white houses and colourful flower pots. Stroll past the remaining sections of the Arab town wall and visit the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. The daily fish auction in the harbour is an authentic Spanish experience, where restaurants buy fresh fish straight from the fishermen.
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Calpe is known for its excellent seafood restaurants. In the harbour and along the promenade you will find countless restaurants serving the fresh catch. Try the local specialities: arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock), gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns) or the catch of the day. Fresh ingredients, the Mediterranean climate and the atmosphere of an authentic fishing village make eating out in Calpe a real treat.
Day trips
Picturesque white hilltop village with art galleries, cosy terraces and a beautiful domed church.
Exclusive marina town with luxury villas, lovely coves and excellent restaurants.
Authentic Spanish town with three types of coastline: sandy beach, rocky bay and pebble beach.
Lively resort with spectacular skyscrapers, great nightlife and long sandy beaches.
Provincial capital with an imposing castle, a charming old town and an international airport.
Spain's third city, famous for paella, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and a picturesque old town.
Throughout the year
April
Easter celebrations with impressive processions through the narrow streets of the old town.
June
On 23 June the beaches are lit up by bonfires. A magical summer night full of music and fire on the Calpe coast.
July - August
Throughout the high season there are free concerts, open-air theatre and summer events on the squares of Calpe.
September
The town festival in honour of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, Calpe's patron saint. Music, fireworks and traditional Spanish festivities.
October
The spectacular Moors and Christians festival commemorates the medieval Reconquista. Stunning costumes, music and impressive parades draw thousands of visitors.
December
Calpe dresses up for Christmas with lights and markets. On 5 January the colourful Three Kings parade winds through town.
Stay in Calpe
Villa Coco de Luxe and the three separate apartments La Terraza, El Jardín and Rincón are located near Calpe, with beautiful views and just a short distance from all the sights.