As someone who has spent a considerable portion of my life exploring Calpe (also known as Calp) and growing up nearby, I’m excited to share my detailed guide to this wonderful town for anyone looking to visit.
Calpe (locally known as Calp)
Calpe is known globally for its impressive Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone rock rising over 300 metres above the sea, which is also a natural park. The city is surrounded by multiple beautiful beaches with clear blue waters which make it an incredible getaway.
Where is Calpe?
Calpe is around 70 kilometres north of Alicante and about 130 kilometres south of Valencia. Its neighbouring towns are Benissa, a 15 min drive and Altea, another 15 mins. It is a 25 min drive from both Moraria and Benidorm.
It takes roughly 50 minutes to get to Calpe by car from Alicante airport (the closest airport) or 1 hour 20 minutes from Valencia airport. Shuttle buses are travelling directly to Calpe from both airports.
The main areas of Calpe
Calpe is divided into several distinct areas, each offering unique attractions and experiences.
Calpe Old Town
Calpe’s Old Town is a beautiful and idyllic place to visit. There are plenty of landmarks to see, and places to sit by and enjoy the historic old town. Its hard to find a its a bit more hidden away from the main tourist areas, located deeper in Calpe.
It has many narrow, winding streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and vibrant murals to see which makes for a lovely day out exploring. I also love coming here to for a drink in the evenings and to enjoy the atmosphere.
Here’s where the Old Town is located:
There’s a church located in the old town square, called the Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
You can find a market in the old town which is open on Saturdays, which sells local produce including fruit and vegetables, as well as clothes.
You can also find the iconic Spanish flag steps, located in the old town on the Carrer de Pedro García Ortiz. A perfect holiday picture spot!
You can also find Torreó de la Peça, a bastion constructed as part of the defensive walls protecting the city.
Calpe Port
Calpe’s port is where you’ll see fishing boats bring in their daily catch. The fish auction is one of the most popular activities in Calpe. You can watch the fish auction at the Lonja de Calpe, which takes place Monday through Friday from 5pm until around 8pm.
Unfortunately, the general public can’t take place in the auction as its reserved for restaurants and supermarkets. Fortunately, the front of the auction has a public fishmonger counter which sells the same fish as in the auction, but already iced, pre-prepared by being filleted and cleaned, which is a fantastic way of buying the freshest local produce.
Calpe Beaches
Calpe is home to some of the finest beaches on the Costa Blanca.
I’ve written up a dedicated guide on Calpe’s beaches that you can read to help plan your beach days. Calpe has four main beaches, including:
- Playa Arenal-Bol: A long sandy beach on the south side of the Peñón de Ifach, perfect for families and sunbathing.
- Playa de la Fossa: Another long sandy beach on the north side of the Peñón de Ifach, with more entertainment facilities including a floating sea platform.
- Cantal Roig: A quieter sandy beach, located near the Calpe fish market.
- Cala el Racó: A small, pebble beach located right next to the Peñón de Ifach. One of the best beaches for snorkelling.
Things to Do in Calpe
I’ve released a whole guide on things to do in Calpe – there’s over 15 activities and counting so far! However, I’ve added a few of the main ones in below.
Hike the Peñón de Ifach
My top recommendation for anyone visiting Calpe is to hike up the Peñón de Ifach. You’ll get to experience some of the most breathtaking, stunning views you’ll see in the area.
I’ve written a guide on hiking Calpe Rock which details how to prepare for the hike and the journey of scaling to the summit!
There are various trails which cater to different fitness levels.
Take a boat trip around the Peñón de Ifach
One of the most magical ways to experience Calpe is from the water. I highly recommend booking one of the boat trips and tours from Calpe – seeing the massive Peñón de Ifach from sea level gives you a completely different perspective on just how impressive this natural monument really is.
See Calpe From the Sea
Discover catamaran cruises, coastal tours & private boat hire
Looking for a different way to explore Calpe? Boat tours in Calpe let you glide past the iconic Peñón de Ifach, discover hidden coves, and even enjoy sunset cruises with a drink in hand.
Book Calpe Boat Trips 🌊The boat trips typically take you around the coastline, past hidden coves and dramatic cliff faces that you simply can’t see from land. Many tours also include stops for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and some even offer sunset trips which are absolutely stunning.
You can also try other water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing from the main beaches if you prefer something more active.
Visit the Salt Lake
An absolute natural beauty, Las Salinas is Calpe’s natural salt lake in the middle of the city that is home to many bird species and exotic species including flamingos. It’s a great spot for bird-watching and photography.
Family activities
If you’re travelling with children, there are excellent water parks near Calpe and several zoos near Calpe that make for fantastic family day trips.
Golf courses
For golf enthusiasts, there are some excellent golf courses in Calpe and the surrounding area, offering beautiful courses with stunning Mediterranean views.
Where to eat in Calpe
Calpe offers a fantastic culinary scene mixing traditional Spanish cuisine with international options. The town’s proximity to the sea means incredibly fresh seafood is always on the menu.
Llauna. Calp pic.twitter.com/6JnoFRWvh9
— javier ferrer (@javierferrerm) March 11, 2017
Don’t miss trying the local seafood paella and the town’s specialty, Llauna de Calpe – a traditional fish dish made with fish from Calpe bay, potatoes, and tomatoes. The restaurants near the port are particularly good for fresh seafood, as they often source directly from the daily catch.
Calpe’s weather and when to visit
Like much of the Costa Blanca, Calpe’s weather is excellent year-round thanks to its Mediterranean climate. You’ll enjoy mild winters and hot summers.
Summer months (June to September) see average temperatures from 25°C to 30°C, with August typically being the hottest at occasionally reaching 35°C. Make sure to use high-factor sunscreen and stay hydrated during these months.
Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 12°C to 18°C. It rarely drops below 10°C, though you might experience some rainfall, particularly during ‘gota fría’ episodes in late autumn.
Summer is perfect for beach activities and the lively atmosphere, while April-May and October offer a more relaxed experience with milder weather and fewer crowds.
How to get around Calpe
Public transport
While Calpe has a local bus service, it’s quite infrequent, so renting a car gives you much more flexibility. If you need a taxi, Calpe taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips.
There’s a dedicated bus station with ALSA buses travelling between towns on Av. Diputación, 51. More conveniently, Calpe’s tram station on the outskirts of town connects you cheaply to surrounding areas – it’s brilliant for day trips from Calpe.
What languages do they speak in Calpe?
While Spanish is the primary language, English is widely spoken in the touristic areas of Calpe, including the coastline restaurants, bars and shops.
As you venture further into the town, it may be less likely that the locals are fluent in English, so learning a few basic and essential Spanish phrases will be helpful.
Where do I stay?
From boutique hotels in the Old Town, to beachfront hotels and villa rentals a bit further afoot, Calpe offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.
When is the best time to visit Calpe?
The summer months (June to September) are ideal for beach activities and enjoying the lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed experience with milder weather, consider visiting in April-May or October.
Calpe is a destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Spanish culture.
