A holiday in Calpe means 300 days of sunshine a year, crystal-clear Mediterranean water and the iconic Peñón de Ifach rising from the sea like an island. Calpe (Calp in Valencian) sits on the northern Costa Blanca, about 90 kilometres north of Alicante, and combines an authentic Spanish atmosphere with all the comforts of a modern seaside resort.
As local hosts, we know Calpe inside out. In this guide you will find everything you need to plan your holiday in Calpe: the best time to visit, the finest beaches, the best things to do, practical tips and where to stay.
Why choose a holiday in Calpe?
Calpe has something many coastal towns on the Costa Blanca lack: character. The town is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone rock that rises straight out of the Mediterranean. Around it you will find an authentic fishing harbour, a historic old town with narrow streets, two wide sandy beaches and a lively marina.
The climate is one of the best in Europe. Sheltered by the mountains, Calpe enjoys mild winters and warm, but not scorching, summers. That makes a holiday in Calpe appealing all year round, whether you come to swim in summer or to escape the cold in winter.
When is the best time to visit Calpe?
Calpe is a true year-round destination, but every season has its own feel. Here is what to expect throughout the year:
April to June
Best time to visitPleasantly warm (20 to 28°C), the sea is warming up, everything is open but it is still quiet and affordable. Ideal for walking, beaches and terraces.
July to August
High seasonPlenty of sun and warm sea water (up to 35°C at the hottest time of day). Lively and fun, but busier and more expensive. Book well in advance.
September to October
Insider tipPerhaps the loveliest time of all: a warm sea, mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Perfect for a relaxed holiday in Calpe.
November to March
Winter sunMild winters (15 to 20°C during the day), sunny and peaceful. Popular with winter visitors and people staying for longer.
Climbing the Peñón de Ifach
No holiday in Calpe is complete without the Peñón de Ifach. This nature reserve is the symbol of the town, and the summit offers a breathtaking panorama of the coast. The walk up takes about an hour and is well signposted, although the final section through a tunnel and over rocks is demanding: wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? The marina and the seafront promenade also offer stunning views of the rock, especially at sunset.
The beaches of Calpe
Calpe has two main beaches, both awarded the Blue Flag for clean water and good facilities. Playa de la Fossa (Levante) lies north of the Peñón: a wide, lively beach with restaurants, a promenade and plenty of water sports. Playa Arenal-Bol is on the south side, next to the old town, and is a little quieter, ideal for families with young children.
Want to venture further? Just outside Calpe you will find small, hidden coves (calas) with clear water, perfect for snorkelling.
Things to do on your holiday in Calpe
Beyond the beach and the rock, Calpe has plenty to fill your days. Visit the fish auction (Lonja) in the harbour, where the day's catch is auctioned around 5 pm. Stroll along the Las Salinas salt flats, where flamingos stay in season, right in the middle of town. Or wander through the old town with its colourful houses and tapas bars.
Water sports fans can go kayaking, sailing, diving and kitesurfing. Boat trips around the Peñón also leave from the harbour.
Day trips from Calpe
Calpe is an ideal base. Within half an hour you can drive to some of the most beautiful places on the Costa Blanca: the picturesque artists' village of Altea with its white houses and blue dome, exclusive Moraira, and Jávea with three completely different types of coastline. A little further away are the cities of Valencia and Alicante, both easy day trips.
Practical: how to get to Calpe
The nearest airport is Alicante (ALC), about an hour's drive away. From Valencia it takes around an hour and a half to drive to Calpe. A hire car is the most convenient option if you want to take day trips, but Calpe also has a train station (the TRAM line to Alicante and Benidorm) and good bus connections.
Where to stay in Calpe
For a truly comfortable holiday in Calpe, rent your own holiday home instead of a hotel room. In Calpe we rent out four luxury accommodations, all part of Villa Coco, set in the hills above the town with panoramic sea views:
- Villa Coco de Luxe: the entire villa with a private pool, ideal for large groups of up to 12 people.
- La Terraza: a luxury apartment with a spacious private terrace and sea views.
- El Jardín: a charming apartment with direct access to the Mediterranean garden.
- Rincón: an intimate apartment, perfect for a couple.
By booking directly with us you pay less than on Airbnb or Booking.com, with no service fees and personal contact with the owners.