Tourist information - Calpe
Dominated by the imposing image of the Rock of Ifach, Calpe is situated to the shore of the Mediterranean, surrounded by an exquisite surroundings filled with mountains and vineyards. Several ancient civilisations settled in this town of the Marina Alta region of Alicante, a history narrated by the preserved remains, including the Roman bath "Baños de la Reina" (Queen's Baths).
Deeply-rooted traditions harmoniously coexist with the tourist industry, making it one of the primary destinations around Costa Blanca. Eleven kilometres of beaches and coves, a marina, as well as an exquisite natural environment is part of the immense appeal of the town. Including, of course, its astounding gastronomy, an authentic showcase of Alicante's cuisine.
Calpe, a town with a long history and deeply-rooted traditions, is also one of the primary tourist destinations in Costa Blanca.
The Marina, the promenade, and eleven kilometres of coastline, marked by cliffs, beaches and coves, are the numerous destinations.
Furthermore alluring is among the symbols of the town, the Rock of Ifach, an enormous calcareous rock, 332 metres high, that penetrates the sea, and gave the town its name. This region has been proclaimed Nature Reserve, because of its botanical and faunal diversity. One of the best views of Calpe and its particular coastline are seen from the top of the rock, available through guided tours at the park.
The mild climate, and also the peculiar orography of the area, make this town the suitable place to go for everyone, from those seeking beachfronts along with sun, to lovers of outdoor sports activities.
Refreshment kiosks and equipment-hiring stands that offer windsurfing boards and jet-skis are placed all around the beaches of La Fossa and Arenal, which have a magnificent viewpoint, and offer several services.
Among the many calm coves on the bay, Les Bassetes stands out, famous for its eye-catching seabed and crystal waters. This cove rivals in elegance with others just like La Manzanera and Les Urques, best for sailing as well as scuba diving. Calpe also has a sailing school for both beginners and advanced students, including a scuba-diving centre in Puerto Blanco.
Lovers of outdoor sports can climb the Rock of Ifach, or even go potholing it the Barranc Del Mascarat, and the Oltá Mountain.
Calpe was populated by many numerous Mediterranean cultures. Iberians, Phoenicians, and Romans all found in this land a privileged point of surveillance, thanks to the Peñón de Ifach.
The present town of Calpe was established in the area surrounding the Rock; its history is narrated by the remains that it preserves, including the Baños de la Reina (Queen's Baths), from Roman times.
The historic quarter of Calpe is delimited by the old walls, erected during the 15th century to defend the city against pirate attacks. Next to the Moorish quarter of Arrabal, part of the medieval walled precinct is maintained, some fronts, as well as the large Tower of Peça. Nearby, the parish church dedicated to the Virgin of the Snow, dating back to the 15th century, is the only Gothic-Mudejar temple in the Region of Valencia.
Two beautiful examples of religious architecture are also present in Calpe: the hermitages of La Cometa and San Salvador, both from the 17th century.
The rural tradition of this town is present in the outskirts. Hillsides covered with vineyards alternate with magnificent examples of local architecture, like for example Casa Nova, a typical farm that has the appearance of a fortress, and Pou Salat, the old water supply.
Calpe's traditional gastronomy is mainly based on rice and fish. In addition to the famous paella, there are other rice dishes with beans and turnip, which are baked or served with Swiss chard. Furthermore typical are dishes like the octopus casserole, and Llauna de Calpe (fish stew). The wines with the label Designation of Origin - Alicante should accompany any of these delicacies.
As it is typical around the rest of the towns of Alicante, Calpe also has cultural calendar brimming with fiestas and leisure activities. From the Carnival to Fallas de San José (March 19), and along with the Bonfires of San Juan (June 24) and the festival of Muslims and Christians (October). The local holidays, devoted to the Virgen de las Nieves (Virgin of the Snow), occurs on August 5.
From Calpe, many different adventures could be taken to other towns in Costa Blanca. Denia and Jávea can be found north of Cabo de la Nao (Nao Cape); they are tourist towns with an extensive coastline along with beaches and coves. The visit may continue to the Montgó Nature Reserve, where the outline of the mountains dives into the Mediterranean, creating impressive cliffs.
To the south we have the town of Teulada, famous for its muscatel vineyards. Altea is covered with the blue dome of the church of Virgen del Consuelo. L’ Alfàs Del Pi is an interior town that meets the ocean to the beach of Albir. Benidorm, featuring its excellent beaches, makes this region one of the most essential tourist destinations around Alicante.
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