Calpe

Situated in north Costa Blanca, the large cosmopolitan town of Calpe is a popular tourist destination and with a 60% foreign population, a desirable area for expats and retirees looking to live in warmer climes. Dominated by the solid limestone bulk of the Rock of Ifach, Calpe has been inhabited since prehistoric times and boasts a rich history and ancient fishing industry that is still thriving today. With an abundance of fish and clever use of salt from the nearby El Saladar salt flats, the town further developed an important fish salting and curing industry providing much needed preserved protein for the frequent ships crews calling into port.

Beaches & Attractions

Having received the prestigious Blue Flag Award for their cleanliness and facilities, Calpe's sandy beaches sit on either side of the rock and provide great sunbathing and safe swimming in the calm clear waters. Scattered on either side of the beaches are small coves, ideal for enjoying a bit of snorkelling. The impressive modern marina offers boat trips and a selection of water sports, and there is a boat and yachting club for nautical adventures.

Exploring Calpe

Opportunities to explore include the Moorish quarter and old town centre where squares and plazas are lined with shops, cafes, tapas bars and a good choice of local and international restaurants. Fresh fish and seafood is a popular choice in Calpe, as are the local nougat ice cream and delicious pastries. A great way to explore further afield is the pleasant little train that stops in Calpe and runs on a narrow gauge railway line mainly along the coast offering wonderful mountain and sea views. Places of interest include a couple of museums, the old fishing port, ancient Queens Bath and the Iglesia Vieja Church.

Rock Of Ifach

Seen from miles around and likened by some to a mini Gibraltar, the soaring Rock of Ifach is a major Costa Blanca landmark and was an important lookout point for marauding pirates in days of old. These days the rock is a popular tourist attraction and offers hiking and climbing routes to its summit where, on clear days there are distant views all the way to the island of Ibiza. The rock can be climbed easily enough but a certain level of fitness is required and there are some parts of the climb where caution is advised.

Located in the marina, Vision Submarina proudly displays the Spanish flag in its paintwork and allows passengers to get a unique submarine view of the rock below the sea from its lower deck. During the boat trip around the rock passengers can also get some excellent photo opportunities from the upper deck.

Callosa de Segura

The sprawling rural town of Callosa de Segura lies at the base of the Callosa de Segura Mountain, about 20 minutes drive inland from the coast.