Calpe Town |
Calpe Beach |
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Calpe
Facts
Inhabitants 29666
Level above sea 0 meters
Nearest airport Alicante
Distance to airport 50 km
Distance to beach 0 meters
Max. temperature 40 C
Min. temperature 12 C
Calpe
At the heart of the Costa Blanca, within the region of Valencia lies the ancient fishing village of Calpe. Now transformed into a tourist magnet, the town sits in an ideal location, easily accessed by the A7 motorway and the N332 that runs from Valencia to Alicante; its approximately one hour drive from the airport at Alicante.
Calpe has a wonderful mixture of old Valencian culture and modern tourist facilities. It is a great base from which to explore the local area or enjoy the many local beaches. Calpe alone has three of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coast.
History
Calpe is a town rich in history and culture and its strategic position on the coast has attracted many voyagers and settlers throughout history. Remains of Iberian tribes have been found around the town. Later, the Romans founded Calpe as a prosperous colony, whose main activity was drying and salting fish.
Christians and Moors lived peacefully for a time but were subjected to attacks by pirates during the 14th-17th centuries.
The peace of the 18th century enabled Calpe to regenerate and form the current tourist location.
The Rock of Ifach
Calpe is dominated by the towering rock of Ifach which reaches an impressive 332m, rising almost sheer above the sea and is a nature reserve. The summit of the rock is reached after a tough climb up a footpath, by means of a short tunnel through the upper part of the rock. Be warned the path above the tunnel has almost no safety features and is not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights, the very young, or the remotely unfit.
It is a genuinely tough and dangerous climb. From the top, magnificent panoramic views can be had. On a clear day, the island of Ibiza is visible.
Sightseeing & Culture
When it comes to sightseeing, the ancient town centre, next to the Moorish quarter is a good place to start. The old town walls and the church known as Iglesia Vieja are well worth visiting. This church is the only remaining example of Mudejar-Gothic architecture within Valencia.
Alongside the modern Paseo Maritimo are the recently discovered remains of a Roman villa, once forming part of the Roman fish factory, known as the Banys de la Reina (Queens Bath).
Overlooking the Mascarat ravine are the ruins of the Moorish Castle of Calpe and all over the local countryside are the typical rui-rau country houses, with arched porticos for raisin drying.
The town centre is also home to the Museum of Archeology and the Fiestas Museum.
Excursions
Calpe has a wonderful modern marina that sits alongside the old fishing port; from here it is possible to take boat rides around the rock and to the nearby resort of Benidorm.
One of the best ways to enjoy the local coastline is by means of the narrow gauge railway that runs from Alicante to Denia, stopping at Calpe.
Leisure & recreation
The port has a nautical club and facilities for yachting, windsurfing and water skiing. If its dry-land sports you want then the rock of Ifach offers climbing facilities.
Golf
The Ifach golf course is situated in Moraira (Benissa) on a country estate. The challenging course offers magnificent views of the sea and mountains. It’s a nine holes course and although the holes are quite short, the terrain and the narrow fairways make them tricky and entertaining.
Within one hour’s drive there are a good selection of golf courses to keep the fans of this Scottish game thoroughly entertained.
Cuisine
Cuisine from the Costa Blanca combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.
The diet is a typically, healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).
If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the area is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.
While on the Costa Blanca you can delight the palate with the wonderful regional wine selection. It’s worth giving a special mention to the local wine ‘Jalon’, due to its quality and bouquet.
There are many international restaurants close by offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.
Climate
Calpe enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.
In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination.
Inhabitants 29666
Level above sea 0 meters
Nearest airport Alicante
Distance to airport 50 km
Distance to beach 0 meters
Max. temperature 40 C
Min. temperature 12 C
Calpe
At the heart of the Costa Blanca, within the region of Valencia lies the ancient fishing village of Calpe. Now transformed into a tourist magnet, the town sits in an ideal location, easily accessed by the A7 motorway and the N332 that runs from Valencia to Alicante; its approximately one hour drive from the airport at Alicante.
Calpe has a wonderful mixture of old Valencian culture and modern tourist facilities. It is a great base from which to explore the local area or enjoy the many local beaches. Calpe alone has three of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the coast.
History
Calpe is a town rich in history and culture and its strategic position on the coast has attracted many voyagers and settlers throughout history. Remains of Iberian tribes have been found around the town. Later, the Romans founded Calpe as a prosperous colony, whose main activity was drying and salting fish.
Christians and Moors lived peacefully for a time but were subjected to attacks by pirates during the 14th-17th centuries.
The peace of the 18th century enabled Calpe to regenerate and form the current tourist location.
The Rock of Ifach
Calpe is dominated by the towering rock of Ifach which reaches an impressive 332m, rising almost sheer above the sea and is a nature reserve. The summit of the rock is reached after a tough climb up a footpath, by means of a short tunnel through the upper part of the rock. Be warned the path above the tunnel has almost no safety features and is not recommended for anybody with a fear of heights, the very young, or the remotely unfit.
It is a genuinely tough and dangerous climb. From the top, magnificent panoramic views can be had. On a clear day, the island of Ibiza is visible.
Sightseeing & Culture
When it comes to sightseeing, the ancient town centre, next to the Moorish quarter is a good place to start. The old town walls and the church known as Iglesia Vieja are well worth visiting. This church is the only remaining example of Mudejar-Gothic architecture within Valencia.
Alongside the modern Paseo Maritimo are the recently discovered remains of a Roman villa, once forming part of the Roman fish factory, known as the Banys de la Reina (Queens Bath).
Overlooking the Mascarat ravine are the ruins of the Moorish Castle of Calpe and all over the local countryside are the typical rui-rau country houses, with arched porticos for raisin drying.
The town centre is also home to the Museum of Archeology and the Fiestas Museum.
Excursions
Calpe has a wonderful modern marina that sits alongside the old fishing port; from here it is possible to take boat rides around the rock and to the nearby resort of Benidorm.
One of the best ways to enjoy the local coastline is by means of the narrow gauge railway that runs from Alicante to Denia, stopping at Calpe.
Leisure & recreation
The port has a nautical club and facilities for yachting, windsurfing and water skiing. If its dry-land sports you want then the rock of Ifach offers climbing facilities.
Golf
The Ifach golf course is situated in Moraira (Benissa) on a country estate. The challenging course offers magnificent views of the sea and mountains. It’s a nine holes course and although the holes are quite short, the terrain and the narrow fairways make them tricky and entertaining.
Within one hour’s drive there are a good selection of golf courses to keep the fans of this Scottish game thoroughly entertained.
Cuisine
Cuisine from the Costa Blanca combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.
The diet is a typically, healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).
If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the area is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.
While on the Costa Blanca you can delight the palate with the wonderful regional wine selection. It’s worth giving a special mention to the local wine ‘Jalon’, due to its quality and bouquet.
There are many international restaurants close by offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.
Climate
Calpe enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.
In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination.
Calpe
Calpe is a large tourist town located to the north of Benidorm. The main attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful blue flag beaches with golden sand and crystal clear water. The whole resort of Calpe is dominated by the huge Peñon de Ifach, an enormous Gibraltar like rock which separates the two main beach areas of Playa la Fossa and Playa Cantal Roig.
The majority of restaurants are geared towards Spanish cuisine with local fish and rice dishes proving popular. Because it is a bustling town with a fishing harbour, many of the local restaurants serve fresh seafood directly from the harbour as a special treat for locals and tourists. There are also a selection of British and American establishments which will cater for those wanting a more familiar taste.
The promenade stretches the full length of the beach with a number of bars and pubs which help to generate a lively nightlife in the town.
Whatever your budget, you'll find a hotel to suit in Calpe, from the basic through to several 4 star luxury hotels. Calpe is a destination generally popular with Spanish tourists, however it is becoming more popular with Brits who are starting to discover what else the Costa Blanca has to offer.
The majority of restaurants are geared towards Spanish cuisine with local fish and rice dishes proving popular. Because it is a bustling town with a fishing harbour, many of the local restaurants serve fresh seafood directly from the harbour as a special treat for locals and tourists. There are also a selection of British and American establishments which will cater for those wanting a more familiar taste.
The promenade stretches the full length of the beach with a number of bars and pubs which help to generate a lively nightlife in the town.
Whatever your budget, you'll find a hotel to suit in Calpe, from the basic through to several 4 star luxury hotels. Calpe is a destination generally popular with Spanish tourists, however it is becoming more popular with Brits who are starting to discover what else the Costa Blanca has to offer.
Calpe Old Town
Calle Puchal
Calle Puchal with the fishermen's houses and access on foot. The narrow Calpe Old Town streets are decorated with potted plants and decked out with flags and streamers on fiesta days. Calpe originally consisted of the walled old town around the church and an a single street (now Avenida Gabriel Miró) leading down to the sea. It has traditionally been a fishing village with the fishing boats sheltering under the Peñon de Ifach until the harbour was built. Only part of the original wall remains around the church square but the medieval old town plan can be seen in Calpe's narrow, shady and winding streets.The old townhouses are still occupied and are surprisingly roomy considering their small frontages. They're designed to keep out the sun so they're quite dark inside although many of them do have a roof terrace, often with good sea views. Parking can be a problem but most of the Calpe old town residents have everything that they need on their doorstep such as bakeries, shops, newsagents, restaurants etc. making the area a small world in itself. It also benefits from the weekly Saturday street market that provides every kind of fresh produce.
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Cannons
Cannons recovered from the sea beside Calpe Rock. They are thought to be British and no doubt there is some interesting unknown history explaining how they got there. They've been mounted on carriages and are now on display beside the old town wall under the Church Square. A new trend is for older unsound properties to be removed completely and new town houses built in their place that respect the traditional style. This works very well and makes these properties much more liveable apart from smartening up the town.
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Calpe old town wall
The "Torreon de la Peca". The Calpe old town wall built to defend the residents against the frequent attacks by North African pirates that continued until the 17th century. Only part of the wall remains along with a watchtower towards the port and another overlooking the Mascarat pass. This part of the wall incorporates the excellent "La Plaza" Swiss restaurant with private apartments that we currently have for sale as of this writing. You can see part of it on the left of the picture and find more information if you click on the "Calpe property for sale" link at the foot of this page. Sorry for the quick change of subject, but it's a good property.
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Another view of the wall
Another view of the wall with Calpe church tower in the background. The path leads up to the Plaza de la Villa with some good restaurants located here such as the Calambache (very good Argentinian steaks), Los Dos Canones, La Plaza (Swiss) and the Campanari (pizzas and home baked bread). Where possible, the town hall, under the active and creative leadership of the mayor, Javier Morato, is introducing small parks and squares in calpe Old Town along with Mediterranean wall paintings that respect the traditional style.
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Calpe church entrance
Calpe church entrance facing the Plaza de la Villa with a decorative mosaic donated by a Calpe resident. Calpe church is not as large as those of Altea or Benissa but it has a good following and is the focus of the Fiesta de Carmen (July 16th) honouring the Virgin and commemorating fishermen lost at sea, the Virgen de las Nieves (August 5th) with an offering of flowers and the Santisimo Cristo del Sudor patron saint of Calpe since 1682 that combines with the Moros and Cristianos Fiesta. Spain has more public holidays than any other country in Europe and a town like Calpe takes public holidays, regional Valencia, Calpe, Alicante, Altean holidays and local Calpe holidays. The town has an active British Christian Fellowship located in the Perlamar building on Avenida Gabriel Miró.
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Wall paintings at the entrance to Calle Santisimo Cristo leading into Calpe old town
The town houses are being renovated or rebuilt respecting the traditional style like the one on the left and trees are being planted in squares around the town. In the picture they are new orange trees (bitter seville marmalade oranges to stop you picking them) in a new square near the cultural centre.
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The old town square, "Plaza de la Villa"
The old town square, "Plaza de la Villa", is located at the top of the town in front of the church. The cobbles have been re layed and the attractive cast iron Castilian steetlamps renewed. Small pedestrian streets lead off this square and are worth exploring on an evening out with a visit to one of the well known townhouse restaurants such as El Santo or Calambache (both Argentinian).
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Calpe Market
This is held on Saturday mornings
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Calpe Saturday morning market
Calpe Saturday morning market fruit and vegetable stall. The market runs for about 1 km along Avenida del Norte and sells everything that fits in a shopping bag. One thing that you'll notice if you come to live on the Costa Blanca and join the many people who shop in the street markets, is that the produce is perfectly fresh and of excellent quality. What isn't produced locally often comes from the Murcia area of Spain, that has turned into one of Europe's main sources year round fresh vegetables.
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Every kind of fruit and vegetable is available
Every kind of fruit and vegetable is available with plenty of peppers, onions, tomatoes and garlic that are a big feature of the Mediterranean cuisine. A specialty that is grown locally is the Nispero fruit from Callosa d'en Sarria that is somewhere between a plum and a nectarine. Each Costa Blanca town has it's market day on a different day of the week so that the stall holders can travel from one town to the next each day. Some of them also visit the mountain villages and their vans provide most of the shopping needs in these remote areas.
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The other half sells everything else
Saturday shoppers in Calpe. If half of Calpe market is devoted to fruit and vegetables, the other half sells everything from clothes, to household goods to furnishings, cloth, toys, music and most things that you might need. The market is very popular with locals and foreign residents alike and starts early on Saturday morning, finishing around 1.30pm. The local bars and restaurants are full of Saturday shoppers and there is not much parking space left in the north of the town.
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This stall sells all the hardware you need to prepare a paella
This stall sells all the hardware you need to prepare a paella, including the pans of different sizes, the special gas rings and even the gas pipes and gas bottle connectors. Paellas are traditionally prepared out of doors in summer kitchens that range from a setup of bricks in simple rustic fincas to elaborate tiled roofed "paella houses" with fitted appliances and a table can that can seat all the family and friends in comfort.
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