Free walking tours in Calpe and what to see

Must-sees

Calpe is on the northern coast of Alicante and its best-known sight is the Peñón de Ifach, a huge limestone rock that juts into the sea and is protected as a nature reserve. A path climbs towards the top through a tunnel cut into the rock. At the foot of the Peñón is the fishing port, where in the afternoon you can watch the fish auction from a viewing area.

Between the two main beaches, Arenal-Bol and La Fossa, are the salt flats, a lagoon where flamingos are often seen. By the sea are the Baños de la Reina, the remains of an old Roman fish factory. The old town, higher up, keeps the Old Church, in Gothic-Mudéjar style, the Peça watchtower and a mural of the flag painted on a flight of steps.

Free tours and guided visits

Calpe has a few pay-what-you-like free walking tours of the old town, which explain the history of the town, its defences against pirates and its fishing past. Even so, guided visits and day trips from here are more common, especially in high season.

Among the paid activities, the highlights are guided walks on the Peñón de Ifach, boat and kayak trips along the coast and inland excursions. Visits to Guadalest, a village perched on a rock with its castle, and to the Fonts de l’Algar, with waterfalls and pools, are very popular. Altea, with its white old town, is very close.

How long to spend

One full day is enough to see the main sights of Calpe: the morning for the Peñón, the port and the salt flats, and the afternoon for the old town and the Baños de la Reina. With three or four days you can add the beach, a kayak trip and an excursion to Altea, Guadalest or the Fonts de l’Algar.

Where to stay

The Arenal-Bol area is the most practical, because it is close to the old town, the Baños de la Reina and many restaurants. La Fossa beach is closer to the Peñón and usually a little quieter, with apartment blocks facing the sea. If you want total calm, the surrounding developments are an option, although you will need a car.