Calpe between Peñón de Ifach, coast and history

Calpe invites you to explore the coast, nature and history through specific places. Peñón de Ifach, the salt flats, historic buildings and fishing culture offer different perspectives during your stay.

Between rock, lagoon and sea

Peñón de Ifach is a limestone rock covering approximately 50,000 m², standing 332 metres high and extending for one kilometre. Its plant community comprises nearly 300 species, including Valencian endemics that are among the most endangered plants in the Iberian flora. The Paseo Ecológico offers views of the rock’s steep walls, native flora and fauna, and the Mediterranean.

The Paseo Ecológico is made of natural stone, covers 30,600 m² and extends for almost one kilometre. Along the route, planted areas, palm trees and various plant species alternate with viewpoints at natural breakwaters. The route around Peñón de Ifach takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and comprises two sections.

Las Salinas de Calpe is a lagoon of tombolo origin, formed through the development of a double beach barrier. There is an adapted, easily accessible, semicircular path for birdwatching. Up to 173 breeding and migratory bird species have been recorded in the surrounding area.

Coast with underwater trail

At Cala El Racó, at the foot of Peñón de Ifach, you can use an adapted underwater trail during the summer season. It is 120 metres long and has nine information panels located approximately one metre below the water’s surface. The Paseo Princesa de Asturias begins at Cala El Racó, at the foot of Peñón de Ifach, near the fishing port.

A one-hour boat trip from the port of Calp passes through the bay and offers views of Peñón de Ifach and the town of Calp from the sea. In this way, the coast appears not only from a path or shore, but also from the perspective of the water.

Walls, museums and Roman traces

Forat de la Mar consists of openings in the walls of Calp dating from the 18th century. They were opened after the end of the pirate threat and provided access to the Arrabal. In the past, fishing boat crews gathered there every morning to assess the condition of the sea and then decide whether they could set out. The name Torreó de la Peça comes from a fort demolished in the 20th century, which once housed a cannon.

The Iglesia Antigua was built at the beginning of the 15th century over an older chapel. The fortified building features Gothic and Mudejar styles and originally combined religious and defensive functions. Inside is a 15th-century tempera panel depicting Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saints Cosmas and Damian.

Baños de la Reina is a Roman coastal archaeological site in a quiet bay sheltered by Peñón de Ifach. The site is distinguished by its Roman architectural design and mosaics. Pools carved into the coastal rocks were used to supply fresh fish and gave the site its name. The Museo de Historia de Calp preserves Bronze Age materials from the Cosentari archaeological site, including bowls, quernstones and sickles. The archaeological remains of La Pobla d'Ifac have been extensively prepared for visits together with the Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ).

The Alquería of Calp also tells of a fortified past: it was fortified between the 13th and 14th centuries, and access to the citadel was through a single gateway called “El Portalet”.

Fishing and festive traditions

At the Lonja y subasta de pescado in Calp, visitors can watch the wholesale sale of fresh fish caught daily by the Calp fishing fleet. The Moros y Cristianos Santísimo Cristo del Sudor festival has been celebrated in Calp since 1977.

More destination pages

For your further selection of destinations, you can find La Canuta, Los Arenales Del Sol, Altea, Teulada, Agres, La Vall D'alcalà and El Mojón.

For the overarching travel overview: Alicante.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Calpe.