Calp is located in the north of the province of Alicante, on the famous Costa Blanca. It’s an ideal place to spend the summer holidays and enjoy its sandy beaches and nice climate. Calp is full of incredible places that we must share with you. We have also selected the villages and natural parks near Calp that are worth your attention. Keep reading to find out the things to do in Calpe ?.
Things to do in Calpe and its surroundings?
Casco Antiguo
Get lost in the narrow streets of Calp’s old town. Many tourists just go around the beaches without leaving enough time for visiting the old town which we consider a big mistake. The locals took great care of making their city a magical place, with vegetation, flowers, and paintings adorning the walls. There is a welcoming atmosphere where peace and tranquility meet together. At night, the lights of the restaurants and bars make it even warmer and more romantic place.
During your journey in the labyrinth of its streets, you will find hidden treasures such as the Tower of Peça, the Contemporary Art Gallery, the Museum of History and Archeology called “La casa de la Senyoreta”, or the splendid parish church which is full of paintings depicting the landscapes of Calp. You will also find the small Gothic church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
The Peñón de Ifach
The Peñón de Ifach is a huge rock with a height of 332 meters, connected to the land by a narrow isthmus. It is located in the area of Marina Alta, and it’s the symbol of the city. This place was declared a natural park in 1987.
If you climb up Peñon de Ifach, you will be awarded with a breathtaking view where you can take beautiful pictures. The first part of the ascent is the easiest. You will then find a warning sign that the road will become more difficult. Once at the top, you will see the Salines and Sierra de Bernia. Throughout your journey, you will smell the aroma of lavender, Aleppo pines, as well as many other plant species.
Los Baños de la Reina
If you wonder about the things to do in Calpe, the Queen’s baths are a small archaeological treasure where you can observe the traces left from the Roman era. Once there, you will find small pools. They are called Baths of the Queen because it’s assumed that they were pools dedicated to the relaxation of the queen and the inhabitants of the Roman villa. A second hypothesis says that they were fish farms which is more likely to be the truth, but we just like the first version more. ?
The Salines:
It’s a large lagoon of salt water. Exploited since Roman times for the salt industry, Salines is now a protected area. You can see many bird species such as flamingos, storks, great cormorants, ducks, black-backed gulls. There are a total of 173 species. It’s a good idea to take binoculars or a telescope camera to be able to admire them.
Ecological trail of Calp and Moraira
If you are looking for things to do in Calpe and its surroundings, discover the eco trail of Calp and Moraira. It’s a perfect place to admire the impressive Ifach Rock. Following this path, along the coast, you will find dazzling cliffs and coves with crystal waters which are very little frequented. Don’t hesitate to take your swimsuit to enjoy a special moment in the middle of the clear waters, ideal for diving.
The trail starts at Calalga beach in Calp and ends at the center of Moraira. It takes approximately 3 hours round trip. It’s a very well constructed path and therefore suitable for all ages.
Fuentes del Algar
A 30-minute drive from Calpe is the Fuentes de l’Algar which should be definitely included in things to do in Calpe and its surroundings. This extremely well preserved natural area has been declared a protected wetland by the Government of Valencia Agreement in 2002. “Algar” comes from the Arabic meaning cave, which translated into English means the “sources of the cave”. You will find beautiful natural pools and waterfalls there. The water is so crystalline that it feels like a Carribean cenote. ?
What about swimming in a natural pool surrounded by vegetation? Not to mention the feeling of peace that a walk under the trees will give you, accompanied by the singing birds. ? You will find an area with toilets, snacks, and a picnic area. To get there by bus, take line 18.
? Our advice: Take comfortable walking shoes and a swimsuit!
Benidorm
23 km away from Calp is the charming town of Benidorm. Very popular with tourists, there are many beaches, such as the Levante, bars and restaurants, and a beautiful viewpoint called Balcon del Mediterraneo, where you can take beautiful photos. However, it’s difficult to find a parking spot during the summer, so it’s recommended to go there by bus. To book your bus ticket, visit the website of Alsa. You will leave the bus station of Calp and arrive at the Avenue of Europe (avenida Europa) in Benidorm, in 30 minutes.
Altéa
The village of Altéa, located 11km away from Calp, is one of the most enchanting villages in the region of Alicante. It consists of small white houses that descend from the top of the hill to the sea. On the top of the hill, you can visit the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo with its recognizable blue dome. We advise strolling through its charming narrow streets at night where you will find restaurants and a very warm atmosphere. In addition, go to the nearby beach of the Albir, if you have little time left.
So, did we manage to convince you to visit Calp? It’s an ideal destination for a family getaway. If you go there with children, you may be interested in our articles about the 5 restaurants perfect for eating in Calp with children and Calp with children: plans and ideas to enjoy it at any time of the year.
Happy holidays from the Muchosol team! ?
