Calpe 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 bustling seaside resort located in the Community of Valencia, with a resident population of approximately 26,000 that swells significantly during the summer months. Renowned for its excellent beaches, diverse shopping opportunities, and a wide array of bars and restaurants, Calpe is not only an ideal holiday destination but also a rewarding spot for day trippers seeking interesting places to explore beyond its iconic landmark, the Peñon de Ifach.
The history of Calpe is rich and storied, having been inhabited over the centuries by various civilizations including the Iberians, Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors. The Romans notably established a fish salting factory at Los Baños de la Reina (the Queen’s Baths), near the present-day promenade. The Moors, who built the Castle of Calpe, ruled the area until their defeat around 1240 by King Jaime I of Aragon.
In about 1290, a small town named ‘Ifach’ was constructed on the slopes of the Peñon by Roger de Lauria, an Aragon Admiral. Subsequently, Pedro II fortified its walls to protect it from attacks by Moorish pirates. However, during the War of the Two Pedros in 1359, Ifach was destroyed, prompting its inhabitants to relocate to a farmhouse overlooking the Bay of Calpe. This marked the beginnings of modern-day Calpe, which fortified itself against frequent incursions with defensive walls.
In 1659, Calpe suffered a devastating attack during which the town was sacked and nearly 300 citizens were taken captive to Algiers, where they were held for five years before being ransomed. Despite these hardships, Calpe continued to grow, expanding beyond its protective walls as the threat of piracy diminished. Fishing and salt production were major industries during this period.
The emergence of tourism in the 1930s brought seafront hotels catering to the burgeoning middle-class visitors. This industry expanded rapidly in the following decades, particularly in the 1960s with improved transport infrastructure bringing tourists from around the world.
Today, Calpe retains the charm of its old town, offering visitors a glimpse into its historical heritage through landmarks such as Torreó de la Peca (14th-15th century tower), Iglesia Antigua (Old Church dating to the 15th century), Plaça dels Mariners (Mariners Square), and Ermita de San Salvador (Hermitage of Saint Salvador, originally from the 18th century). Beyond its historical sites, Calpe boasts a modern appearance reminiscent of a ‘mini Benidorm’, characterized by high-rise apartment blocks and hotels, particularly in the northern part of the town.
The climate in Calpe is delightful throughout the year, with warm and sunny weather prevailing, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and exploration of its cultural heritage.
Calpe’s standout feature is not its town or its stunning sandy beaches, but rather the impressive natural wonder known as the Peñon de Ifach. This large, craggy rock formation is a prominent landmark rising vertically from the sea, towering over Calpe’s skyline at a height of 332 meters. It is recognized as the smallest natural park in Spain and is protected to preserve its unique geological and ecological characteristics.
Composed of 50,000 square meters of calcareous rock, the Peñon de Ifach offers a challenging yet rewarding climb to its summit. Access is facilitated by a tunnel carved into solid rock, providing visitors with a pathway to experience panoramic views of Calpe and its surroundings. Due to conservation efforts, access to the rock is limited, and visitors are advised to arrive early to obtain a free entrance ticket, ensuring a controlled and sustainable visitor experience.
This natural marvel not only attracts nature enthusiasts and climbers but also offers an opportunity to appreciate the biodiversity and geological formation that make the Peñon de Ifach a cherished natural treasure of the Costa Blanca region.
More on the Calpe Peñon de Ifach here
Where is Calpe
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.
One of the best ways to enjoy the local coastline is by means of the narrow gauge railway that runs from Alicante to Denia, stopping at Calpe.
Calpe 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.
The Ifach golf course is situated in Moraira (Benissa) on a country estate. The challenging course offers magnificent views of the sea and mountains. It’s a nine holes course and although the holes are quite short, the terrain and the narrow fairways make them tricky and entertaining.
Calpe enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.
Calpe Facts
Inhabitants 29666
Level above sea 0 meters
Nearest airport Alicante
Distance to airport 50 km
Distance to beach 0 meters
Max. temperature 40 C
Min. temperature 12 C
Tourist Information Office Calpe
Plaza del Mosquit
Calpe,
Tlf:965 838 532
Tourist Office
Avenida Ejercitos Espanoles
Tel. 965 83 69 20
Calpe
Calpe General Information
Calpe Bars and Restaurants
Calpe Beaches
Calpe Clubs & Societies
Calpe Map
Calpe Places to Stay
Calpe Shops and Services
Calpe Sightseeing and Places to Visit
Calpe Sports – Gyms, Water Sports, Tennis
Calpe Useful Telephone Numbers
Calpe Weather Forecast
Peñon d’Ifach – Calpe Rock