How to get to the city of Calpe Spain. Open the left calpe menu. Hotels and entertainment
Calpe (Calpe), a municipality located in the resort area of the Costa Blanca, part of the province of Alicante of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. It is located in the Marina Alta region. The nearest international airport is Alicante, 72 km from Calpe. The city itself is located at the very foot of the rocky cliff of Peñon de Ifach.
History of Calpe
Archaeological excavations confirm that the settlement of these places began in the Bronze Age. Somewhat later, the presence of Iberians, Phoenicians and Romans was discovered on this land. During the period of dominance of the latter, the settlement actively developed due to the trade in salted and dried fish. During the period of liberation of the lands from Arab influence, the city resisted for a very long time and surrendered only under the pressure of Jaime I of Aragon in 1240. Then the construction of the castle and fortifications begins. Christians and descendants of the Moors lived peacefully on the territory of the settlement for many centuries. In 1386 Calpe became a separate city. During the 14th–17th centuries, like many coastal cities, Calpe was attacked by North African pirates. The settlement gradually expanded beyond the boundaries of the old city; development was driven by fishing and salt mining.
In the 20th century, the tourism industry began to actively develop in Calpe. Fishing is still very developed in Calpe; the city is a generally recognized center of gastronomic tourism in the province.
Calpe on the world map
Attractions of Calpe
Calpe combines not only a great beach holiday, but also many truly fascinating places and attractions that simply cannot be missed. The old town and many picturesque natural spots are within walking distance, among them the following are worth noting:
- The Peñon de Ifach is a huge rock cliff overlooking the coastal waters and the city of Calpe. The rock is accessible to visitors and has several climbing routes. On the slopes of the mountain there is a state-protected natural park, and archaeological excavations are actively underway at the foot. At the top of the mountain there is an observation deck from which picturesque views of the surrounding area open;
- The Las Solinas Nature Reserve consists of a large salt lagoon and wetlands and is especially protected by the state;
- Royal Baths (Baños de la Reina). Archaeological excavations carried out here have suggested that the Romans used them for salting fish;
- The Cathedral of La Iglesia Antigua is uniquely built in the Moorish Gothic style, the construction of which began in the 1400s and lasted several centuries;
- The Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves was built in 1973 in a modernist style, a striking example of modern art;
- Museums of Calpe: ethnological, archaeological, costume museum, collectors' museum;
- La Lonja de Calpe - the building where the fish market is located, which is definitely worth a visit to see how the fish auctions take place;
- The Prince of Asturias embankment is the most romantic place in the resort.
Population of Calpe
Calpe is a very cozy city on the Costa Blanca. From a small fishing village, over time, it became a popular resort center. Currently, about 30,000 people permanently live in the city, and during the holiday season the population increases by several tens of thousands.
Climate and ecology of Calpe
The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers (up to +30°C) and mild winters (+13-15°C) and the vast majority of sunny days a year. The length of the beach line is about 11 km, a small part of which is purely sandy. There are many secluded coves. Most of Calpe's beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and amenities.
The resort is home to the Las Solinas Nature Reserve, home to pink flamingos, storks, royal herons and families of ducks, as well as rare endemic plants characteristic of salty soils. The Peñón de Ifach Rock Nature Reserve is home to about 80 species of birds nesting and many rare plants growing.
Calpe is an extremely remarkable and actively developing city, where the tourism industry, together with a rich excursion program, creates optimal conditions for the recreation of travelers from all over the world.
Calpe is a popular seaside resort located on the Mediterranean coast, in south-eastern Spain and in the heart of the Costa Blanca. Calpe belongs to the province of Alicante and is located in the region of Valencia. The city has a population of about 30,000 inhabitants (as of 2012), of which 60% are foreign citizens. These are primarily British and German pensioners who have settled here. During the tourist season in July and August, the population of Calpe reaches 200,000 people.
Calpe is a city in Spain, located 64 km northeast of the provincial capital Alicante and 122 km south of Valencia. The city's main industry is tourism, but fishing also brings in considerable income. Calpe has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, and can offer over 300 days of sunshine a year.
From Calpe you can take the train to Altea and Benidorm. There are also good bus connections to other cities in Spain and Alicante airport.
Calpe is a very well known city in Spain on the Costa Blanca. There are, of course, more beautiful places than Calpe, but none of these places have the amazing attraction that is Peñon de Ifach. This is a giant granite rock that rises 600 meters above the sea. This rock is located right on the beach of Calpe.
Many tourists believe that Calpe is a little spoiled by high-rise residential and hotel buildings that spoil the appearance of the coast. Just behind these high-rise buildings are the salt licks of Salinas de Saladar. Calpe is definitely a big bustling city that has moved away from its original appearance as a tiny fishing village. However, there are still places that have a traditional Spanish atmosphere. We recommend visiting the local market, which sells fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other locally produced goods. Market day in Calpe is Saturday.
Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals on the Costa Blanca. It is organized by the Calpe Carnival Club and the city hall. The traditional German festival in Calpe is dedicated to beer, so tourists from different countries can take part in it.
Spain is famous for its beaches, and the Calpe area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. On both sides of the Ifach cliff there are two fantastic sandy beaches, which are the main "lure" of tourists, because most visitors come to Calpe because there are wide sandy beaches and clear sea water.
Calpe's beaches are long and wide, so unlike the neighboring town of Benidorm, you can always find a spot on any beach. By the way, almost all beaches in the Calpe area are well equipped and have playgrounds for children.
Many Calpe beaches have received the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and safety. This means they are great for families with children. The beaches are surrounded by dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs offering a wide range of food, drink and entertainment.
On the right side of the Ifach rock is the famous fish market. When you get to this market, it will be difficult for you to imagine that Calpe is not a fishing village. Even today, fishing boats bring in their catch every day, and you can watch the fish auctions that take place on the waterfront. Most of the fish goes to local restaurants, so they almost always offer fresh fish dishes.
The old town of Calpe has wide avenues lined with modern and ancient buildings. Calpe has retained a sense of history and tradition for almost three thousand years. The earliest archaeological remains left by the Iberians were found in the area of the Ifach rock. Later, the Romans established a rich colony on the coast, whose main activity was trading in dried and salted fish.
In the Middle Ages, the local population was engaged in the development of agriculture. Christians and Muslims lived here peacefully, despite numerous pirate attacks from the 14th to 17th centuries. In the 18th century, this threat of pirate attacks disappeared and the city of Calpe experienced an economic boom that continues to this day.
You know that our compatriots love everything cool and premium? I think you know.
Today I will show you a town on the Costa Blanca, which everyone considers a premium class city and which is very loved and chosen by Russian tourists and summer residents.
Who are these summer residents, you ask? This is, in fact, us)))
In fact, this is what local expats call people who come here for three to four months. Cute, isn't it)
Well, okay, let's get down to business. Today we have the town of Calpe in Spain.
Lovely town of Calpe
Reviews about Calpe are mostly enthusiastic. And it was here that we initially wanted to live when we chose a place for our Spanish autumn. Did not work out. Or rather, they didn’t pull it. The price tag for apartments in Calpe was much higher, so we gave up on this idea and took an apartment in Benidorm. Which, by the way, we didn’t regret at all in the end. And even more likely, we were very glad that we live here.
One of the main streets of Calpe.
We were obliged to go to the “city of dreams” at least once, which, in fact, we did in the month of October. By the way, the weather in Calpe was no different from Benidorm. In October it was very warm, even hot. On the day we were there, it started to rain in the evening. But it was so warm and ended so quickly that many did not even leave the beach. We swam in the rain.
Alsa buses run from Benidorm to Calpe. They run from the main bus station of the city, according to a specific schedule. You need to see the schedule Here. Travel time is 40 minutes. The fare is 5.40 euros per person for a round trip ticket. Distance about 25 km.
Impressions from the town were mixed. I seemed to like everything, but nothing caught my attention internally. Especially when compared with Althea.
Streets of Calpe
Streets of Calpe
Modern buildings in Calpe
New generation houses
It must be admitted that, of course, you cannot form an objective opinion in one day. Especially considering that we were in the same part of the city. Therefore, everything written in this article may be erroneous in some way and does not claim to be the ultimate truth)
I liked Calpe beach. At first glance it seemed more childish and cozy. Although we were there in October and impressions can be very deceiving. It’s not clear what’s going on here during the season.
Beach in Calpe
Beach in Calpe
I didn't like the embankment at all. Small and somehow insignificant. In Benidorm the embankment is much steeper.
A piece of the city embankment
There are a couple of beautiful houses on the embankment
There's not much to see in the city itself. Famous Mount Ifach, lake with flamingos and old town. There is also a famous fish exchange where you can watch a fish auction and buy a fresh catch if you wish. There is also a list of restaurants on the exchange that can cook the fish you buy for free. You just need to buy drinks.
We didn't get to the auction because... It was Sunday and the stock exchange was not working. But we took a quick look at the rest.
The town is surrounded by mountains. And it's beautiful
Mount Ifach is truly impressive and inviting. You can go up to see the city. I know that with children they reach a certain tunnel, but then further on without children. We didn't even go to the tunnel, because... and there was little time, and it was hot and I didn’t want to frankly. We were at the Benidorm lookouts for so long that there weren’t enough of us for this climb. Therefore, we climbed only part of the mountain, to the first lookouts. The view is beautiful, of course. No questions asked here.
The mountain is visible from almost anywhere in the city
Beautiful and powerful
The climb up the mountain is quite comfortable
Everything upstairs is well equipped
View of Calpe from above
At the first viewpoint of Mount Ifach
View from it
Picture for the soul)
The lake with flamingos is located not far from the mountain itself. It’s interesting because pink flamingos live there. It's really interesting to see birds in the wild, but there's nothing else to do on the lake.
Lake with pink flamingos in the center of Calpe
Lake with birds
I really liked the old town of Calpe. Beautiful, cozy and atmospheric. True, we ran through it in a hurry, hurrying to catch the bus.
We ended up spending 8.5 hours in Calpe. We've had enough. It was Sunday and the shops weren’t open, so maybe we could have walked around a little longer. It turned out that in one day we watched everything. I can’t imagine what we would do there for three months. For us, although the place is beautiful, it is definitely not suitable for a long stay. We love to have more life. By the way, after my post in instagram about this place, one girl wrote that they vacationed there and a week later they were just howling. And there was nowhere to go and nothing to entertain the children with.
On the streets after the rain you could shout Oy. Almost no people)
By the way, another disadvantage of this city is its location and transport. There is no tram in the center, so either cars or buses. It turns out that getting to Calpe is also not so easy. We spent a month gathering our courage to get there)
My world conqueror. Oh, Calpe)
After this trip, the question remained in my head, why this particular resort town is considered premium and what we missed there. One thing I will say for sure is that it was there that I heard a lot of Russian speech. Perhaps I have never met so many Russians anywhere else. So if you want to relax with your family and at a premium, then this is the place for you. And if you need a more active, cheerful life and fewer compatriots around, then definitely bypass Calpe.
The city of Calpe, also known as Calpe, Calp (Spanish and Valencian names, both are used, although the second, Valencian version is now officially adopted) is a small town on the Costa Blanca, famous and popular thanks to its magnificent rock Peñon de Ifac (aka - Ifach, again two names, and although it is more correct - de Ifach, because it is in the local Valencian language, the first option is much more common, and for the Russian ear it is more harmonious) and has long sandy beaches. He is very loved by both European pensioners and young families from Russia.
It has its own old town (small but nice), a fish exchange (selling fresh catch), walking routes, an embankment, and a whole range of recreational activities.
Rock of Peñon de Ifach
Perhaps, the rock can safely be called the main attraction of the city. Rising above the waters of Calpe and above the city on330 meters, it is so picturesque and photogenic that it has long become one of the symbols of the Costa Blanca, along with the blue domes of the church in Altea and the Santa Barbara castle in Alicante.
View of Calpe and the rock from the neighboring mountain:
Today the Ifach rock is nature reserve with an area of about 50,000 m2, it grows a number of rare plants(black juniper, sea buckthorn, sea grapes, honeysuckle, mountain jasmine and others), but the main inhabitants of the park are birds: 80 species, including the crested cormorant, falcons, kites, swifts and, of course, yellow-legged gulls dominate all. It is these noisy inhabitants who circle the rock all day long, enjoying soaring in the currents of air, screaming loudly and protractedly, at once reminiscent of cats and babies, and mockingly laughing with the whole flock at the traveler who dares to climb to the very top.
Seagulls are important and imposing, having their own strong opinion about who is the boss here. It’s not for nothing that climbing to the very top is not recommended in June - during their nesting season - because if a person approaches(on purpose or through negligence)to the nest at a distance that is unsafe, from the point of view of the winged owners, then he will have not only the opportunity to personally hear a real bird market, but also a well-aimed bombardment from above with very caustic and fetid droppings.
The route to the top can be divided into 3 parts:
1.First part passes along the most flat part of the rock, through the green zone. These are civilized paved paths, twisted in a dashing serpentine, not steep at all, very convenient for walking for children and adults. This part of the route is very simple, the height difference is about 130-150 m, the path will take no more than half an hour at a calm pace for an adult.
In the lower right photo you can see dark spots on the seabed. These are algae that perform an important role: they retain beach sand and provide food for many species of fish and sea urchins, and also provide habitat for many sea inhabitants.
Another interesting area of Calpe, which can be clearly seen from above, is salt Lake, located right in the logical center of the city. Although salt has not been mined here for almost a hundred years, this lake has a rich history of its production: a natural preservative that helps preserve food. And in a place like Calpe, with waters rich in fish and seafood, the ability to salt the wealth caught from the sea waters was simply necessary.
It is believed that the history of salt extraction from this lake goes back at least 2000 years, because even then a decent amount of this salt was necessary to maintain the functions of the “Baths and Baths of the Queen” (the remains of this structure, dating back to the Roman period, can be seen on the Cantal Roig beach).
Subsequently, from the 13th century, the right to own and develop salt marshes became part of the regalia transferred along with important positions: they were received by the princes and dukes of these lands.
By the way, the pools of fresh water that formed on the territory of the salt marsh for many centuries (probably as a result of salt mining) were also the breeding ground for mosquitoes that carried malarial fever. This fever decimated the ranks of the inhabitants of Calpe with enviable consistency, until the 20th century, when the new owner of these lands, Vicente Buigues, destroyed these puddles and saved the city from this serious scourge. Mosquitoes do not hatch in salt water.
"Salinas" - a salt lake - can be seen in the center, a little to the left, behind the houses.
This part of the route ends with a man-made tunnel about 25 meters long, which allows you to go to the southeastern part of the rock. Going through a tunnel is usually terribly interesting. It has no artificial lighting, but in daylight there is no problem. For the comfort and safety of travelers, ropes are laid along the walls, which are convenient to hold on to.
The path after the cave is not allowed for people with poor health or in poor physical shape, for children under 16 years old and for those who do not have special trekking shoes, or at least sneakers (although boots are still safer). No one controls, but believe me, this ban is quite reasonable, although many families go further completely. You decide!
2. The second part of the route one could perhaps name a part from the cave to the observation deck(very conditional name: an unequipped point, the end of the route with very beautiful views) on the southeastern part of the cliff facing the sea, this point is called "Cape St. Anthony" . Part of the path goes along a path carved into the rock; there is also a rope nailed along the wall, which is convenient to hold onto for safety. You go straight, without turning anywhere, and you find yourself in exactly the right place: on the edge of the earth, in front of the endless expanses of the sea. About 20 minutes from the cave, the path is also relatively easy: the main part is just a path.
3. K third part of the route can be attributed climb to the top where the observation deck is located(same conditional as in point 2) with city view. The most difficult part of the path, along a steep slope, along a rock, with a serious difference in height and the absence of an obvious path - rather, just a direction along which the passage options branch. Good shoes are very important here, otherwise you will have to crawl like a crab, clinging on with all four limbs. From time to time you will have to use your hands, but still not constantly. Hiking poles will be very useful. In winter, the part where the path goes is almost not illuminated by direct sun, so the humidity turns out to be quite dirty there: say goodbye to your favorite white trousers if you were careless to wear them on this short hike...
However, this part of the path is surmountable. You don't need to have any special climbing skills or equipment or anything like that. It will take 40-60 minutes from the cave.
A prize awaits those brave souls who make it to the top: magnificent panoramic views in all directions...
And a herd of seals living at the very top. Seals feel no less important than seagulls, and they also consider themselves rulers of the world, overlooking their domains from the sky, but for a piece of food they will gladly stoop to your level and, perhaps, allow themselves to be stroked. If you love seals, grab them a friendly ration and share some water (you can pour it into the niches of the rocks): they will be very grateful to you. It’s hard to imagine what they actually eat there: seagulls, or what?...
So, if you decide, don't forget suitable shoes, water, snacks, sun cream and hats. And gifts for cats! :) And watch the time: going down in the dark will be very difficult. It is not recommended to climb further than to the cave in the hot season: from mid-June to mid-late September (difficult at temperatures of 30 and above and with the scorching sun).
4. To be completely meticulous, then there is a fourth route, associated with a rock, and accessible to absolutely everyone who is able to walk a kilometer in a straight line: this path along the base of the cliff, below, approximately a quarter of the perimeter length. It starts from the port and goes further towards the sea. You don’t need anything, the route will take you at most an hour, if you walk very leisurely, climb on rocks, go down to the water and meditate on the rock above you.
In bright sunshine, the color of the water becomes incredibly, fantastically azure...
Rock on Google maps (picture enlarges by clicking):
- Parking and start of the route to the top, 30 m above sea level
- Entrance to the tunnel, at an altitude of 160 m above sea level
- Exit from the tunnel
- Lower observation deck, 200 m above sea level
- Upper observation deck, 300 m above sea level
- Beach at the foot of the cliff, small Raconada del port, ideal for snorkeling (snorkeling)
- Walking promenade along the cliff.
Old town and beaches
The old town of Calpe is quite small, located a little far from the sea, but close to the bus station and the market, something like this. On the territory of the old town you will find several museums, a church, the famous staircase painted in the colors of the Spanish flag, a number of restaurants and, of course, the “right atmosphere” of a city with history.
Market
The main market takes place on Saturdays from approximately 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There are smaller regional markets: farmers' markets, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in the summer on Tuesdays, also in the morning.
Transport
Nearest airports:
- Alicante - 76 km, we offer transfer from the airport to Calpe and back,
- car rental: We have indicated the main companies located in the city.
A little history
Without a doubt, the characteristic outline with Cala Peñon de Ifach made it visually noticeable a reference point for seafarers since time immemorial.
Later he became an important observation point to protect against pirate incursions, was used both as a lookout point and as a shelter for the inhabitants of the settlement. It must be added that, in addition to physical protection, the rock also provided a feeling of some kind of psychological protection; people felt reverent respect for it, as a symbol of safety.
Human settlements have been located here since ancient times.. For example, at the foot of the massif, on the western side, traces of an Iberian settlement were found. During the Roman era, the site moved to the isthmus connecting the peninsula with the main part of the land. Thanks to the finds of archaeologists - ceramics and coins - it can be argued that in the Middle Ages the inhabitants of the rock moved to the slopes.
Other archaeological finds tell us about the Byzantine settlement of the 6th century, about the protective wall of the Muslim period, about the walls and towers of the village of Ifach in the early Middle Ages.
At the moment, archaeologists continue to work; excavations can be seen along the route up.
Interesting fact: territory of the rock and today's reserve for a long time - from 1862 to 1987 - was privately owned. A tunnel was made in the rock one of these owners Vicente Paris Morla, in 1918, so that you can go to the second part of the peninsula. He built his house on the slope (and called it “Paris” - “Paris”, probably from part of his name), which today is a reception center for visitors, and the manager’s house, which becameinformation center.
Photo from 1940. On the left is the manager's house, on the right is the Paris house
Entertainment in Calpe
Besides the obvious - climbing the Ifach rock and enjoying the excellent beaches - here you can find:
- water sports : schools and rentals of diving, kite surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, etc.;
- a range of restaurants offering both international and local cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood;
- many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains;
- enjoy the city holidays: "Moors and Christians" (a few words about the essence of the holiday - ) (October), beer festival "Oktoberfest" (October), holidays of patron saints and others.
- e Another entertainment is to swimaround the cliff on a multi-seat catamaran(a full-fledged vessel, and not one where you need to pedal) with windows below the water level, which allow you to admire the underwater inhabitants in dryness and comfort, like in a large aquarium.
Cost: 12.5 euros for adults, 10 for children.
In winter, the service usually does not work, it is open from Easter (April) until the end of September-early October (the dates are not indicated on the website, so we can only suggest checking with them at the box office or by calling the website).
Catamaran. Photo from the carrier’s website, http://www.excursionesmaritimasbenidorm.es/
Views from the catamaran. photo from the carrier’s website: http://www.excursionesmaritimasbenidorm.es/
By clicking anywhere on our site or clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of cookies and other technologies for the processing of personal data. You can change your privacy settings. Cookies are used by us and our trusted partners to analyze, improve and personalize your user experience on the site. These cookies are also used to target advertising that you see both on our site and on other platforms.
