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.
Visit the Salt Lake
An absolute natural beauty, Las Salinas is a natural salt lake in the middle of Calpe that is home to many bird species and exotic species including flamingos. It’s a great spot for bird-watching and photography.
Dining Out
Calpe offers a diverse culinary scene with a mix of traditional Spanish and international cuisines.
Llauna. Calp pic.twitter.com/6JnoFRWvh9
— javier ferrer (@javierferrerm) March 11, 2017
Don’t miss out on trying the local seafood paella and the town’s speciality, Llauna de Calpe, a traditional fish dish made with fish from the Calpe bay, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Calpe’s Climate
Like much of the Costa Blanca, Calpe enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it an ideal year-round destination.
Weather in Summer
Summer months (June to September) see average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). August is typically the hottest month, with temperatures occasionally reaching 35°C (95°F).Make sure to use high-factor sunscreen and stay hydrated during these months.
Calpe is a perfect summer town to visit as there are three beaches you can cool down at and plenty of activities that open up in the summer!
Calpe is also not far from Benidorm, which is home to the two waterparks Aqualandia and Aqua Natura. If you’re travelling in a group of friends or with your family, I highly recommend visiting as it’s a super fun day out and also a good way to stay cool in the sun.
Weather in Winter
Winters in Calpe are mild, with temperatures averaging around 12°C to 18°C. It’s rare for temperatures to drop below 10°C. Rainfall is infrequent but can occur, particularly during the ‘gota fría’ episodes in late autumn.
Calpe is much quieter during the winter months due to far less tourists visiting as its colder. The beaches resemble the picture above, as its too cold to swim! There’s still plenty to do during the winter, if you like a quieter getaway.
Practical Information
Is there any public transport in Calpe?
While Calpe has a local bus service, it’s infrequent. Renting a car is recommended for greater flexibility. Taxis are also available but can be costly for long trips.
There is a dedicated bus station with ALSA buses travelling from town to town. The bus station is located on the Av. Diputación, 51, 03710 (see the embed map below)
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.
