Calpe, or “Calp” according to the Valencian pronunciation, goes through history as the fishing village with its unique massive limestone rock “El Peñon de Ifach”. This rock is 332 meter high and was used, during the centuries, as a landmark for sailors.
In 1987 the rock was declared a nature reserve “Parque Natural del Peñon de Ifach”. This rock has a rich fauna and flora with circa 300 different vegetation’s with several rare species (e.g. Anjer de Ifach - kind of wild Orchid) and 80 species of birds which have their nest and resting place over here.
At the foot of the Rock of Ifach, numerous salt mines were found. For Calpe, being a fishing village, salt played a very important role in the preservation of food. The origin of the saltwater lake “Las Salinas” goes far back in time. Today we know Las Salinas mainly as a protected nature area with its colorful flamingos.
Calpe owes its rich history to its rock, the pleasant climate, the strategic location, the rich fishing and salt extraction. As a result, Calpe was inhabited by many people very early in history. Archaeologists found remains of Calpe's former inhabitants namely the Iberos, the Romans and the Moors. An example of these archaeological discoveries is the “Baños de la Reina” or the Roman remains for the preservation of fish. Calpe was originally surrounded by city walls, for protecting against the many raids of pirates. These remains of the city walls “Torreón de la Peça”, the watchtower and the cannons are still on visible in the old part of Calpe.
Calpe has 5 beaches namely Puerto Blanco with its old fishing port, Arenal-Bol, Cantal Roig with the marina of Calpe, La Fossa and Levante. Calpe is enclosed by its 2 rocks and that is why this is also the ideal place for beginning Catamaran sailors, windsurfers, kite surfers and divers. And not to mention that Calpe is the place to be for professional and recreational cycling.
Calpe
Welcome in Calpe,
Sightseeing and activities in Calpe
On the Peñon de Ifach you can make a nice walk on the mountain for about 1 hour. You can hike straight up to the top for a magnificent panoramic view!
The ecological walking route, along the coastline from Calpe to Moraira, has a distance of 10-12 km. Thanks to its educational information along the hiking trails, in 2011 this route received an award named “Senderos Bandera Azul”.
Through the Mirador Monte Toix hiking trail you can take a walk on the “Morro de Toix” mountain between Altea and Calpe. This route has beautiful views over the coastline and the surrounding area. Tip: check www.wiciloc.com for your hiking, cycling and mountainbike routes.
The tourist train offers the opportunity to enjoy the environment with its beautiful nature and views. This train follows the coastline and then afterwards travels inland with its starting point in Benidorm and with the following stops in Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Teulada, Gata de Gorgos and has its final destination in Dénia.
Calpe is the place to be for cycling. For guided cycling tours and/or renting a race bike you are in the best place at Vuelta Turistica! Ex-professional cyclists, Jurgen & Inge Van Goolen, are the owners of a trendy bike- shop with bar nearby the La Fossa beach of Calpe. Overhere you can not only rent a professional race bike but also electric bikes. At the same time they organise Triathlon inter-ships, Yoga lessons at the beach and lots of other activities.
TIP: Discover the area by bike, rent an electric bike with or without a guide at Vuelta Turistica in Calpe!
Festivities in Calpe
In March, at the beginning of spring it is the feast of the burning puppets “Fallas”. The Calpinos make huge statues of public people. These sculptures play the leading part in the humoristic parades and are burned at the end of the festivities.
The feast “San Juan's fire” in June marks the beginning of the summer. The local population prepares a stake for a festival with dance and music in the urbanization “La Cometa”.
Since 1987, the Octoberfest or the German beer festivals is organized in October and is a well maintained tradition in Calpe.
The feast of the Moors and Christians is also an important and historically valuable tradition that is celebrated every year in October. This party is organized to memorize the victory of the Christians on the Moors.
Gastronomy
Because of Calpe its history as a fishing village, Calpe is known for his fish dishes. Formerly the Romans cooked the entrails of fish or they cooked fish in brine. This became a kind of fish sauce and is better known as “Garum” or “Liquamen”. According to the Romans, this fish sauce had an aphrodisiac effect and only the higher class was able to enjoy this specialty. Presumably the Spanish dish Zarzuela is derived from this specialty. Other typical dishes for Calpe are for example "Llauna de Calp", this is a combination of fish with potatoes and tomatoes or "Arròs de Senyoret" and this is a rice dish with fish and garlic.
And just like in Altea, you can order the traditional Cocas with salt or sweet garnishing at the bakery or in a restaurant.
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