Many long, sandy beaches make up Calpe, and every beach has a unique and stunning view of the mighty Peñón de Ifach – make it your mission to visit all of them! Visiting all of the beaches should be high on your list of things to do in Calpe.
In this dedicated Calpe beach guide, I’ve covered everything from must-visit beaches, the best family-friendly beaches with shallow waters, to more secluded coves for snorkelling and seeing aquatic life. Bear in mind that swimming in the sea is highly dependent of the weather at the time – I’ve written an in-depth guide to weather in Calpe that you can read.
You’ll learn about the facilities, activities, and best features of each Calpe beach, helping you choose the perfect spot for your many days relaxing by the beach.
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.
Browse Calpe Boat Trips 🌊Firstly, see a map below with all the Calpe beaches in this guide.
Playa Arenal-Bol
Playa Arenal-Bol is one of Calpe’s largest and most popular beaches, stretching for about 1.3 kilometres along the coast.
It’s a perfect spot for families and sun-seekers alike, with soft golden sand and shallow, calm waters.
Behind the beach, you’ll find the main Calpe promenade filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Playa Arenal-Bol offers plenty of amenities, including sunbeds, parasols, showers, and access for those with reduced mobility. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, adding an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
Playa de la Fossa
On the north side of the Peñón de Ifach, you’ll find Playa de la Fossa, a long sandy beach known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of amenities.
This beach is a favourite for families, offering plenty of facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a variety of water sports.
One of the highlights of Playa de la Fossa is the floating platform anchored in the sea during the summer months, equipped with slides and climbing areas. It’s perfect for keeping the kids entertained while you soak up the sun.
The beach is also lined with a promenade, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk with beautiful views of the Ifach and the Mediterranean.
Playa del Cantal Roig
Cantal Roig is a smaller, quieter beach located right next to the Calpe fishing port and on the right side of the Peñón de Ifach. This beach is perfect for those looking to escape the busier stretches of sand and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. The calm, shallow waters make it a great spot for families with young children and for swimming in peace.
In my experience, it’s a lovely beach to visit in the early evening when its much cooler. The sunset against the Peñón de Ifach is an absolute wonder to see, and makes it such a vibe to visit.
As this beach is much nearer the port, you can literally watch the fishing boats arrive at the port in time for the auction at the end of the day. or taste the local cuisine in nearby restaurants.
Cala el Racó
Cala el Racó is one of the closest beaches to the Peñón de Ifach hike entrance, sitting on the right side. It’s a pebbly beach located within a small beach cove near the Calpe port. This small, rocky cove offers crystal-clear waters perfect for spotting fish and other marine life, and is one of my favourite beaches in Calpe.
Cala el Racó is a fantastic beach for snorkelling and exploring the underwater world, as the water is clear and calm. You can find schools of fish, crabs, urchins, algae, coral, and much more.
There’s even a beach bar called Xiringuito del Racó located on the beach, offering drinks and snacks. They even have live music shows during the summer to visit!
Cala el Racó doesn’t many amenities including sunbeds or umbrellas to rent. Also, parking is very limited, so I advise coming early in the day or early evening to secure a spot.
What the beach lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for with stunning views, its very own beach bar, and an excellent day out.
Cala Manzanera
On the opposite side of the Peñón from Cala el Racó, you’ll find Cala Manzanera – a secluded rocky cove that feels like your own private beach. This small beach requires a bit of a walk to reach, but it’s absolutely worth the effort to visit – and you’ll get to see this amazing view too!
The crystal-clear waters here are perfect for snorkelling, and you’ll often have the place almost to yourself. The rocks provide excellent spots for jumping into the deeper water if you’re feeling adventurous, and the underwater visibility is some of the best you’ll find in Calpe.
There are no facilities here at all – no sunbeds, no beach bars, no showers – so come prepared with everything you need. The lack of amenities is actually part of its charm, making it feel like a proper hidden retreat.
Best times to visit Calpe’s beaches
Early morning visits (before 10am) are perfect if you want to secure parking at the smaller beaches and enjoy a peaceful start to your beach day.
Evening visits work brilliantly at Cantal Roig and Cala el Racó – you’ll catch those incredible sunset views with the Peñón silhouetted against the sky.
Parking tips: The main beaches (Arenal-Bol and Playa de la Fossa) have better parking options, while the smaller coves fill up quickly. For Cala el Racó and the other rocky beaches, arrive early or be prepared for a bit of a walk.
Water sports are available mainly at Playa de la Fossa and Playa Arenal-Bol, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet ski rentals during the summer months.
Most beaches are within walking distance of Calpe town centre, with the furthest being about a 15-minute walk. The smaller, more secluded coves might require a slightly longer walk but the peace and quiet you’ll find makes it worthwhile.
