Calpe / Calp
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.
Bars and Restaurants in Calpe
Tarick's Bar
C/18 de Julio, Calpe
Telephone
Tarick's 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.
Website taricksbar.com
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
Serves pizzas, pastas, risottos, meat dishes and more…
