Calpe / Calp Tourist Information
Calpe is located some 67 kilometres north of the city of Alicante is the lovely coastal town of Calpe (Calp), dominated by one of the best known landmarks of the Costa Blanca region - the Peñon de Ifach, Calpe is a very busy seaside resort, with a resident population of approximately 26,000 (this of course rises considerably in the summer months), it is
in the Community of Valencia. With some excellent beaches, fine shopping and a great selection of bars and restaurants, Calpe is a superb location for a holiday, but is also a worthwhile spot for the day tripper, who will find some interesting places to visit, apart from the Peñon de Ifach, which is worth seeing on its own merit.
Calpe has a rich and interesting history and has been settled over the centuries by Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. The Romans constructed a fish salting factory in Calpe at Los Baños de Reina (the Queen’s Baths), close to the present day promenade, and the Moors built the Castle of Calpe, from where they controlled the area until defeated in around 1240 by the forces of the Christian king Jaime I.
A tiny town called ‘Ifach’ was built on the slopes of the Peñon in about 1290 by Roger de Lauria (an Aragon Admiral), and later the walls were fortified by Pedro II, to protect the town from attacks by morisco pirates. The town of Ifach was finally destroyed during the War of the
Two Pedros (1359), and the town’s people fled to a farmhouse, overlooking the Bay of Calpe, it was around this farmhouse that modern day Calpe developed. This emerging town also built a defensive wall to ward off attacks, though it still suffered frequent incursions.
In 1659 Calpe suffered badly when the town was sacked, and almost 300 of its citizens were taken to Algiers, where they were held for 5 years, until returned in exchange for gold and the release of some pirate prisoners.
From about this time onward, Calpe began to grow considerably and buildings began to appear outside of the town walls as the threat of pirate attacks diminished. The main industry at this time was fishing, but almost as important was the production of salt, Calpe having its own area of salt flats.
During the 1930’s the vestiges of a tourism industry began to emerge in Calpe and some seafront hotels appeared to cater for the new middle-classes. This industry grew throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s and rocketed in the 1960’s, when cheaper and more efficient transport, brought visitors to the town from all over the world.
Calpe has continued to grow, along with the rest of the Costa Blanca, and today has something of the appearance of a ‘mini Benidorm’, with a number of high-rise apartment blocks and hotels, particularly at the northern end of the town. Apart from the Peñon de Ifach, most of the interesting places to visit are located in the old town and these
include the Torreó de la Peca (dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries), the Iglesia Antigua (‘Old Church’, originally from the 15th Century), Placa dels Mariners (Mariners Square), and the Ermita de San Salvador (Hermitage of Saint Salvador - originally from the 18th Century but later re-built). There are many other interesting places to visit in and around Calpe, both old and new, and these are all described in a useful leaflet that can be obtained from the local Tourist Information Office. Calpe enjoys a fabulous climate and all year round Calpe weather is generally warm and sunny.
The amazing Peñon de Ifach will be the subject of another article, as it deserves more than just a passing mention here, but briefly it is made up of 50,000m2 of calcareous rock, which rises vertically from the sea, to a height of 332 metres, dominating the skyline of Calpe. It is now a
protected Natural Park, although visitors are allowed to climb to the summit by way of a tunnel, carved into solid rock, to facilitate the journey. Visitors allowed onto the rock are limited in number and you should arrive early and obtain a free entrance ticket.
Calpe is located north of Benidorm and can be easily accessed from the N332 coast road and the A-7 motorway. Most visitors travel into the area through the Alicante airport, which is located about 60 kilometres from the city. The Valencia airport is located about 105 kilometres from Calpe. Buses are available from both these airports to the city. If you prefer to have a vehicle, car hire companies operate at both airports for convenient car rentals.
Calpe’s main attraction is not its town nor even its beautiful soft sandy beaches but the tall craggy rock formation called the Penon de Ifach. The Penon de Ifach is a large, craggy rock formation. This is also the smallest natural park in the country. It is protected due to the many varieties of vegetation and indigenous birds that are located near the rock. This formation is very popular among rock climbers. There is a spectacular view of the Costa Blanca from the top of the formation. It is hard to believe, but this is the smallest natural park in Spain together with the Columbretes Islands in Castellon. It was declared a Natural Park in 1987 because its 300 varieties of vegetation and
colonies of birds needed protection from the expansion that this small fishing village was undergoing at an incredible speed. It measures about 35 hectares and has a botanical, landscape and tectonic interest. The swift or martin birds together with the silver seagull and plants not found anywhere else are closely protected because some of these were about to be become extinct. Not everyone may feel capable of climbing this fascinating rock formation, but from the top, the panoramic view of
the Costa Blanca is unforgettable. You can zig-zag your way up, changing direction and passing through a tunnel which was built in 1918. Even though it is free, during the summer season and Easter week, you have to get a ticket because there is a limit of about 50 people who can go up every hour. If mountain climbing has always been on your list of something impossible to do, then you will have to cross it off once you have done this marvellous experience.
The Old Town area is at the centre of the city. This area is home to an Arts and Crafts fair every day in the summer months, except Mondays. There are a variety of local merchants and crafts people offering goods for sale here. The original town walls are located near the original
Moorish quarter in the old town area. These walls were used to defend the village against invasions from pirates many years ago. Also in this area are the remains of an ancient Roman villa. This is historical evidence of the Roman heritage of the city.
The city has a vibrant night life, particularly in the months of June through September. You will find a variety of live entertainment to enjoy. In addition, there are art exhibitions and a variety of workshops to attend.
If you rent a car for your vacation, you can enjoy many nearby attractions during your stay. The Jalon Valley is located about fifteen kilometres from the city. This is also known as the valley of wine. The Jalon valley is famous for a variety of wines. A market in the area sells wine by the litre, as well as food and clothing from local
merchants. Also close to Calpe is the city of Benidorm. This large city is a major tourist attraction. Benidorm is home to a few theme parks, a vibrant night life and many other attractions. Renting a car is the best way to explore Benidorm and the surrounding areas during your stay on the Costa Blanca.
There are a variety of options for accommodations during your holiday in this city. Resort hotels are located right near the beach areas. These hotels offer luxury and a variety of amenities. Rooms tend to book quickly in the summer. If you plan to stay in a resort hotel, book your
reservation well in advance of your trip. There are several less expensive options in the city. Economical hostels are available and offer a nice place to stay. However, you can expect less luxury and fewer amenities than you will find at the larger hotels.
Many people come to the area to climb the rock formation that gives the city its name. Climbers often choose to stay at one of the camping areas that are located near the formation. These are very popular with climbers and other people wanting to enjoy an outdoor experience in
nature. If you prefer more privacy, consider renting a property for your vacation. There are many apartments and condos available for rent. Many are located near the beach areas. If you are staying for a longer period of time, this can be less expensive than the larger hotels. In addition, a rental offers a more private place to stay and relax.
Map of Calpe
Weather Forecast for Calpe
Live webcam for Calpe
Shops, Supermarkets and Services for Calpe
For reception of UK Satellite TV in Calpe, Sky TV in Calpe and Freesat TV in Calpe see "The Sat and PC Guy - Satellite TV Installations".
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The Colina Club retirement village - RETIREMENT VILLAGE IN PARADISE.
The Colina Club Retirement Village nestles on the lower slopes of the hills surrounding Calpe on the Costa Blanca area of Spain.
The apartments are compact and easily manageable for the older person.
There is a selection of one and two bedroom apartments, which are available for long-term rent and there are two one bedroom apartments, which are used exclusively for short-term rentals (such as for friends and family of residents) and for those who wish to try out the Colina Club, before committing to a long-term contract.
Bars and Restaurants in Calpe
Taricks Bar
C/18 de Julio, Calpe
Taricks Bar is a cool and trendy place to come and meet with your mates, listen to some cool tunes and enjoy the extensive range of drinks.
Zurigo Rock Bar
C/18 de Julio, Calpe
Telephone 96 5839870
Whatever you are doing take the time to visit Zurigo Rock Bar. Open every day at 8pm
Website zurigorockbar.com
El Chiringuito
Telephone 9658 345 667
A great place to eat, drink, be entertained, hold a party or just sit with a coffe under the thatched umbrellas, and watch the world go by
Bar La Botella
Calle 18 Julio Calpe, Calpe
Telephone 965 830 010
Friendly bar
Pub Delfin
Calle Delfins
Telephone 965 835 562
English menu
Al Andalus
Avd rosa de la viento
Telephone 965874866
International Food
Andalucia Restaurant in Calpe
Edif. Timiquel
Telephone: 965 884 074
Speciality is seafood cuisine
As De Oro Restaurant in Calpe
Calle Jose Antonio 19,
Telephone 965 832 376
Spanish Tapas restaurant
Las Salinas Restaurant in Calpe
Av. Juan Carlos, 36
Telephone 965 874 500
Serves International Cuisine
Number 7 restaurant
Blasco Ibanez, 24
Calpe
Telephone 965 836 904
Pizzeria La Rusticana
The Calle Pinto Sorolla no5
Edi. Apolo VII
Calpe
Telephone 965 874 520
They are open daily from 18:00 and serves pizzas, pastas, risottos, meat dishes and more…
