Calpe in Spain. What is worth seeing? What are the attractions?

Calpe is a picturesque town in the north of the Costa Blanca. The Peñón de Ifach, clean beaches and attractive properties for sale await tourists here. Find out what to see if you are going to Calpe, Spain!

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Calpe, also called Calp, is a typical holiday destination, suitable for both holidays and longer stays, e.g. for retirement. The Spanish city attracts visitors with its high average temperature, clean beaches and various activities. There is something for everyone, from water sports enthusiasts to fans of the architecture for which Calpe is famous. What is there to see during your stay on the Costa Blanca?

07.04.2025

Calpe – basic information. Location, temperature and how to get there

Calpe is situated in a unique location on the Costa Blanca, between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. This means that both residents and tourists can enjoy beautiful views. However, this is not all that the holiday resort has to offer. How far is Calpe from other cities? Alicante is about 67 km away, Benidorm 24 km and Valencia about 125 km. In addition, the town is located between two holiday resorts, Altea and Moraira, making it an ideal starting point.

And what about the weather? Calpe has up to 325 sunny days a year. This means it is warm even in autumn and winter. The average maximum temperature is around 28°C (in August), while the minimum is 9-10°C, but only at night (in January/February). So if you are looking for nice weather and a warm climate, there is no better choice than Calpe. The Costa Blanca has also been hailed by the WHO as the healthiest region to live in.

What is worth knowing about the journey to Calpe? Spain has very good transport connections. You can reach the town via the N-332 national road or the AP-7 motorway. The nearest airport is in Alicante. You can also buy a ticket to Valencia. The airport is about 160 km from Calpe.

Read also: Alicante – what to see in the sunniest city in Spain?

History of Calpe 

Calpe's history dates back to Roman times, when the town was a fishing and trading centre. In later years, it came under the rule of the Visigoths and then the Muslims. It was not until the Middle Ages that it joined the Kingdom of Valencia. Due to its location, Calpe was an important point during wars and also a popular destination for pirates, who attacked the city in the 16th and 17th centuries.

What is there to see in Calpe? Tourist attractions

The first stop on a walk through Calpe is the old town, or Casco Antiguo. Located on a hill, it impresses with its architecture: narrow cobblestone streets, visible Moorish influences and an authentic atmosphere contrast perfectly with the skyscrapers emerging in the centre. When you visit the old town, you will come across a defence tower from the 15th century, the Torre de la Peça. Go inside if you feel like visiting a museum.

Here is a list of other places worth seeing in Calpe:
 

  • the church of Nostra Senyora de les Neus (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves) – one of the examples of Spanish sacred architecture,
     
  • Castellet de Calp, the ruins of a medieval castle,
     
  • Casa Nova, once a fortified farmhouse, now a cultural centre.


When in Calpe, be sure to take some time to climb the Peñón de Ifach. The so-called Ifach Rock is a limestone formation with a height of 332 metres. It is not only the symbol of the town on the Costa Blanca, but also the smallest national park in the country. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town, the Mediterranean Sea and even Ibiza.

What attractions are there in Calpe? 

Traditional Spanish architecture meets modernity and remains of defence structures are just some of the things that await you in Calpe. The History and Archaeology Museum, where you can travel back to prehistoric times, is also worth a visit. Golfers can head to the Ifach course, while animal lovers should visit Las Salinas. It is a lagoon where you will meet flamingos. In March, you can take part in the Fallas de San José, or the Festival of Fire in Valencia.

What kind of beaches can be found in Calpe?

If you like spending time at the beach, Calpe and its surroundings will not disappoint you. The coastline in the town itself is 13 km long. Here are some places worth visiting:
 

  • Playa de la Fossa – also known as Playa de Levante. This beach is very popular among locals and tourists. You will find golden sand, crystal clear water and a range of facilities, attractions and eateries where you can sample local specialities.
     
  • Playa del Arenal-Bol – like the previous beach, this one also offers golden sand. Its location and short distance from the centre of Calpe are a big plus. It is a popular place among families who like to use the children's playground. A promenade runs along Playa del Arenal-Bol, which you can walk along to another beach, Playa de la Fossa.
     
  • Cala del Mallorquí – a good option for those who want to escape the crowds. It is a picturesque and secluded cove, providing ideal conditions for snorkelling.
     

Other beaches in Calpe that you can visit are: the cosy and cliff-surrounded Cala Calalga, the pebbly Cala Les Urques, as well as Cala La Manzanera and Playa de Puerto Blanco. If you want to buy fresh fish while sunbathing, be sure to visit Playa del Cantal Roig.

Transport between Calpe and Alicante

How to get from the airport to Calpe? Alicante is about 77 km away. There are several ways to get from the provincial capital to the town. The first is to rent a car, which is recommended for people who plan to visit other parts of the Costa Blanca or even other regions of Spain. The journey by car will take you about 50 minutes.

Another option is public transport, e.g. the bus. It takes less than 2 hours to get to Calpe from the airport, and 30 minutes longer from the centre of Alicante. This is not only a convenient but also a cheap solution. You will pay between 5 and 10 euros for the journey. A taxi, on the other hand, is the most expensive option – a journey can cost you hundreds of zlotys, so it's best to treat it as a last resort.

Properties in Calpe – where is it worth buying?

Are you wondering where to buy property in Calpe? Apartments for sale are available, for example, by the beach, with beautiful views of both the water and the Peñón de Ifach. Those who prefer a modern environment can choose an apartment further away from the beach in a high-rise area, while those looking for peace and quiet will love the luxurious villas far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Calpe is a great destination for families with children, active holidaymakers, as well as people fascinated by history and Spanish culture. It is also an ideal place for a peaceful holiday and retirement. Would you like to stay on the Costa Blanca for a longer period of time and are you looking for a property in Calpe? You will find apartments for sale in the Elite World Estates offer. Find out more!

Written by Lucyna Gacek on 05.03.2025 - 8m reading

Written by Lucyna Gacek on 07.04.2025 - 8m reading

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

TOP TOWNS IN COSTA BLANCA

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