Join us on a tour of its history, culture, nature and gastronomy.
Calpe is a captivating destination that combines the charm of its natural and cultural attractions with the beauty and accessibility of its beaches, a rich gastronomy based on the fruits of the Mediterranean and a wide and varied sports and leisure offer.
For families traveling with children, Calpe is an ideal destination: its long beaches with calm waters are perfect for swimming and fun for the little ones. Emotion lovers? The area has amusement parks and a wide range of water activities, from paddle surfing to boat rides. In addition, the wide range of hotels for children in Calpe guarantees that both children and adults will enjoy an unforgettable stay, full of comfort and entertainment.
Would you like to discover the best things to do and see in Calpe? Keep reading because we’ll show them to you below!
10 Must-Do Plans in Calp / Calpe
1. Stroll through the Historic Center
A visit to the historic center of Calpe is a must. Although skyscrapers have transformed the landscape of the town, the village was born on top of a hill, protected from the pirates who terrorized the population in the Middle Ages. The historic center preserves medieval elements of great attraction, such as the walls or the Torreó de la Peça. And charming corners such as Puchalt Street, which will delight the most patriotic.
To discover the interesting history of the various monuments I recommend you to book this guided tour that, for only 12 euros, will allow you to learn about the history and the most photogenic corners of Calpe.
✓ Red Wall Apartment. If you’re an instagramer, you’ve surely seen photos of the Red Wall, that iconic residential area of Calpe. Only if you stay there will you be able to access it for a photo shoot.
✓ Residencial Terra de Mar. Located in the old town of Calp, it offers a “zen” and relaxed atmosphere.
✓ Hostel SEA&DREAMS Calpe. It offers shared rooms, private rooms and suites. Activities for guests.
2. Port of Calpe, Lonja and El Racó Cove
Calpe is a town with a seafaring tradition and, as such, a stroll through its fishing port and marina is a must. In this area you will find many tourist-oriented restaurants where, if you like to bargain, you can agree on a menu with seafood and seafood rice. Although in the gastronomic section, I have more recommendations for you later.
Fish Auction
From Monday to Friday, at around 5 p.m., the fish auction takes place at the fish market, with the catches obtained during the day by the Calpe fishing fleet. A whole seafaring ritual of about 2 hours that is worth knowing during your stay on the Costa Blanca.
El Racó Cove
From the port, continue walking in the shadow of the Peñón de Ifach to reach Cala El Racó, one of our favorites and especially recommended for snorkeling. Depending on the time of year and especially at sunset, continue walking along the Paseo Príncipe de Asturias (next to the cove).
3. Baños de la Reina (Roman site)
Calpe has exceptional beaches of fine golden sand, such as Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol, as well as rocky coves and boulders that are difficult to access, such as Cala del Racó del Corb, shared with neighboring Altea.
But, probably, the most special beach in Calpe is the one known as “Calpe Beach”.The Queen’s Baths“a complex and fascinating 2,000-year-old Roman site which consists of 3 parts: a Roman villa, a thermal complex and fish farms excavated in the rock in which today we can swim or snorkel, emulating the “Moorish queen” that the popular legend places in these rafts interconnected by various channels.
3. Eating at a Michelin Star Restaurant
Calpe holds the prestigious “Michelin Star” award in two of its restaurants. Getting a table at any of them is no easy task, so if you plan to enjoy Calpina’s gastronomy during your visit, don’t forget to book in advance.
Beat, under the direction of chef José Manuel Miguel, presents a fusion of his Mediterranean origins with influences from his career in France, a balance that has earned him the revalidation of the Michelin Star.
Audrey’s, with award-winning chef Rafa Soler at the helm, offers an innovative interpretation of local cuisine. Each dish at Audrey’s is a symphony of flavors, a culinary masterpiece that combines tradition with a touch of creativity.
Both restaurants define Calpe’s rich and varied gastronomic scene, offering high-end culinary experiences that will delight the most demanding palates.
Nautical Activities in Calpe
5. Sailing in the bay of Calpe
A day of sailing in the bay of Calpe is an experience that I recommend you to include during your stay in this destination. Sailing around the Peñón de Ifach and being able to dive in crystal clear waters, away from the crowds, is priceless.
Here it is time to choose. Do you prefer a private tour on a skippered boat or a more economical catamaran excursion around the Rock?
6. Diving baptism in Calpe
Have you ever dreamed of diving into the sea and exploring the secrets of the Mediterranean? If you have always wanted to start diving, Calpe is a fantastic destination to do it.
The experience will take place in a place we have already told you about: Cala El Racó, at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach. Can you think of a better scenario? The activity is carried out under the supervision of expert instructors from a diving club in Calpe with more than 20 years of experience.
Book here your diving baptism in Calpe.
Are you coming with children and prefer a simpler activity? Then book this snorkeling trip in Calpe.
Routes and viewpoints in Calpe
4. Look out over the Mediterranean from the Serra d’Oltà.
One of the best viewpoints of the Costa Blanca is located in the Morro de Toix, natural border between the towns of Calp and Altea. To reach this spectacular observation point, you will have to enter the Maryvilla urbanization, built on the northern slope of the Sierra de Toix. Once the vehicle is parked -make sure it is out of the way-, you will have to walk for only 10 minutes (uphill, of course) to reach the viewpoint. I tell you all the details here:
Morro de Toix viewpoint
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5. Hiking in the Serra d’Oltà
In addition to the well-known Penyal d’Ifac, Calpe has other natural areas of great beauty and environmental relevance. One of them is the
Oltà mountain range
One of them is the Sierra de Oltà, an excellent vantage point from which to look out over the Costa Blanca and from where, on clear days, the outline of the island of Ibiza can be seen towering above the horizon.
To enjoy Oltà we can take the complete hiking route or simply walk from the Oltamar park to the Ermita Vella or Ermita de Sant Francesc, from where you can see a magnificent panoramic view of the coastal town and its eternal watchman.
9. Mascarat Canyon Route
If you arrive in Calpe from the south, on the N-332 road, you will be struck at a certain point by a series of tunnels and bridges that span a spectacular ravine. In this fantastic scenery you can enjoy an excursion suitable for the whole family , the route of the Mascarat Canyon, a spectacular rock chasm sculpted by the force of water.
By the way, if you practice climbing, in the Sierra de Toix you will find some of the most spectacular routes in the whole Mediterranean.
Natural Spaces
9. Watching flamingos in the salt flats
Along with the Peñón de Ifach, the Salinas de Calpe are one of the most unique natural areas of the town. If you love birding, that is, bird watching, here you will be able to contemplate a good number of species, being the flamingo the most striking.
The salt pans, nowadays in disuse, are evidence of Calpe’s past in terms of fishing activity. Thanks to the exploitation of the salt mines, already in Roman times, food could be cooked using the traditional brining or salting method.
Also in this case we recommend hiring a guided tour in order to learn about the history and environmental importance of this wetland area of the municipality.
11. Climb to the top of the Peñon de Ifach.
In this selection of essential plans, we have left for the end the “highlight” of the activities that can be enjoyed in Calpe. Climbing to the top of the Peñón de Ifach is possible and highly recommended if you want to enjoy exceptional views.
To do so, you will have to book in advance, as the daily capacity of visitors is regulated. If you want to know all the details, do not miss the article with the detailed guide to the Peñón de Ifach.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy the Rock in a different and more relaxed way, we encourage you to book this guided night tour suitable for children.
Plans near Calpe
12. Altea, the Mediterranean Dome
If you enjoy a few days of vacation in Calpe, you can not miss Altea, known as “the dome of the Mediterranean” for the fantastic blue tile roof of the parish of Ntra. Señora del Consuelo, at the top of the village. Discover here the best plans in one of the most charming towns in Alicante: what to see and do in Altea.
13. Teulada / Moraira
One of the best plans for a day trip from Calpe is to take the coastal road towards Moraira. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful coves of Benissa and its coastal promenade. Once in the neighboring town, coves and beaches, hiking trails and excellent cuisine await you. Discover the best plans below:
14. Benissa and its charming historic center
Very close to Calpe, Benissa will surprise you with the beauty of its charming and well preserved historic center, as well as a coastline no less beautiful punctuated by beautiful coves that are among the most beautiful in Alicante.
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