Calpe

Calpe's Penon de Ifach, the 332 meters high rock which juts out into the sea, is the emblem of the Costa Blanca, and probably one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in the whole of Spain. The rock itself is a nature reserve, but what makes Calpe such a popular holiday destination is, undoubtedly, its privileged climate and superb beaches.

The old town of Calpe, with a population of about 12,000, rises at the western end of the long Arenal Beach. Here is where most of the indigenous population lives, and where you will find the majority of local businesses along its narrow streets. The holiday accommodation is mainly strung along Arenal Beach and Levante Beach, which stretches North from the rock. Along both these beaches there are promenades lined with shops, bars and restaurants.

Calpe's Beaches

Calpe's main beaches are Arenal and Levante. Arenal stretches from the old town to the port and rock. It is approximately 2 kms. long. Levante stretches northwards from the rock and is also approximately 2 kms long. Both beaches consist of fine sand and have promenades lined with shops, bars and restaurants. Both are well served with toilets, sunshades, children's play areas, peddle boats, etc. There are a few other small coves to the west and north of the main beaches.

Calpe's History and Monuments

Calpe is a town full of history and culture. Throughout the ages its strategic situation made its territory an area of passage and settling for numerous civilisations. Along the sides of the Penon de Ifach (the rock) are findings that belong to the Iberian period. In the plains the Romans set up a prosperous colony dedicated to the fish salting commerce and industry. The medieval stage was characterised by a settlement scattered around hamlets. Christians and Moslems lived together peacefully, suffering continuous plundering by the pirates from the 14th to the 17th century. Once the threat of the pirates was eliminated in the 18th century, Calpe began a slow recovery that strengthened in the 19th century and established the bases for its prosperity, making it the focus of national and international tourist attraction.

In the old town, next to the Moorish suburb of Arrabal, rises the estate formed by the Torreo de la Peca, the ramparts and the old church. In a hill dominating the bay, lies the chapel of San Salvador from the 18th century, and on the outskirts of the village is the chapel of La Cometa and the fortified building of La Casa Nova that belongs to the same period. Adjacent to the precipice of Mascarat are the ruins of the Moslem castle of Calpe.

The Penon de Ifach

The 332 meter high rock is a nature reserve and shelters a great variety of endemic plants and numerous species of birds which make their nests on the rock face. A path leads all the way up to the summit from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. You can also walk along the ecological promenade, the Principe de Asturias, that borders the sea on the south-western side of the rock.

Travelling to Calpe

Calpe is served by two airports,Alicante, 70 kms. away, and Valencia, 125 kms. away. There are many scheduled, low cost and charter flights to both cities from many UK airports.

Travel to Calpe by bus or by car.

Contact us if want airport transfer arranged for you to or from Calpe in a private car for up to 4 people, or minibuses for larger parties. From Alicante it costs about €80 each way, from Valencia about €140 each way. Ring us on our local call number 0845 330 2500 for a quote if interested. There are no shuttle bus services, however, there is a local bus service from both airports - further details on request.