Calpe, a sun-drenched gem on the Costa Blanca, proves to be more than just a postcard destination. From the enchanting old town to the imposing Peñón de Ifach and the flamingo-filled lake, Calpe offers a journey full of discoveries.
Old town of Calpe
In the narrow streets of the old town, the timeless charm of Calpe unfolds. One of the notable spots is the Spanish Steps. In the colors of the Spanish flag, the steps lead to cozy squares, where tapas bars serve local flavors. A stroll here feels like a journey back in time, surrounded by historical splendor. In the many streets, you’ll encounter unique art, and the city offers more than you’d expect. There are several charming squares where you can leisurely enjoy a coffee or Spanish wine, along with local tapas.
Peñón de Ifach – The symbol of Calpe
The skyline of Calpe is dominated by the impressive Peñón de Ifach. Climbing this limestone giant is rewarded with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea. If you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views. On clear days, you might even see as far as Ibiza! The rock can be climbed, but it’s quite a challenge. It stands at 332 meters high and is about a kilometer long. It takes about 2.5 hours to walk up in two parts. The first part is relatively easy, and eventually, you walk through a tunnel of 30 meters to the second part, which is very steep. If you want to climb the rock, you need to register in advance. Since it’s a national park and many birds breed there, the government has decided to limit the number of climbers to 300 per day.
Flamingos in the lake
In the middle of the city, we find an old salt lake that separates both parts of the city. Here, nature comes to life, and walking paths invite to serene reflection. This makes it possible to find peace and quiet in a big city. Long ago, the rock was separated from the land, but over the years, the area between the Peñón de Ifach and the mainland filled in. This created a very rich soil for salt mining. The salt in the lake was harvested for a long time for preserving fish and other food, as refrigerators weren’t available back then. In 1970, the salt mines closed, and the area became a protected nature reserve for birds, allowing you to see flamingos in the lake all year round.
Sun, sea and beach
Finally, Calpe is also known for its golden beaches where you can enjoy the sun. From lively beaches to idyllic coves, the sun-drenched spots invite sunbathing and refreshing swims. The sea breeze and the sound of lapping waves make it a paradise for beach lovers. The renovated promenade is lined with luxury hotels and resorts, and if you’re really in need of some peace and sun, you can enjoy a wonderful stay in one of these establishments.
Camping Calpe
For campers, there is fortunately plenty of space in Calpe, whether you want to park freely or find a good campsite. We personally park our camper in the market square, where there is a market once a week. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the many campsites. One of our favorites was Camping Partida Marisol, which costs 25 euros per night.
Conclusion
Calpe, with its blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation, leaves a lasting impression. Whether you stroll through the old streets or explore the heights of Peñón de Ifach, Calpe enchants with its irresistible allure. But don’t forget about the beautiful wildlife here or the delightful Spanish cuisine. A Spanish treasure awaits to be discovered.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain, be sure to check out our other blogs.