Calpe: The Rock, the Sea, and the Stories in Between

On Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca, where the Mediterranean sea, glitters with postcard perfection, Calpe rises — quite literally — as one of the coast’s most striking destinations.

Dominated by the imposing Peñón de Ifach, a limestone rock that towers 332 meters above the sea, Calpe is a captivating blend of ancient roots, natural beauty, and modern Mediterranean living.

Long before it was a beachgoer's paradise, Calpe was a strategic lookout. The Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors all left their mark here, attracted by its safe harbor and the commanding height of the Peñón, often called “the Gibraltar of the North.”

Today, this ancient outpost has grown into a vibrant coastal town with a population that swells in the summer but retains a welcoming, laid-back rhythm year-round.
Wander into Calpe’s old town, and you’ll find narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, splashes of bougainvillea, and unexpected murals. The historic Iglesia Antigua (Old Church) blends Gothic and Mudejar styles — a quiet reminder of the town’s complex past.

At the heart of Calpe, literally and spiritually, is the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. This towering rock is not just a dramatic backdrop — it’s a sanctuary for over 300 species of flora and more than 80 bird species, including peregrine falcons. Adventurous visitors can hike to the summit, rewarded with panoramic views stretching from Ibiza (on a clear day) to the jagged cliffs of nearby Moraira.

Below the rock, Calpe’s salt flats (Las Salinas) shimmer pink in the sun, and often host elegant flocks of flamingos — a surprising and serene contrast to the nearby bustle of the town.
Calpe boasts two long, sandy beaches — Playa de la Fossa to the north and Arenal-Bol to the south — both backed by a promenade of restaurants, shops, and beach bars. The water is calm and clear, perfect for swimmers, paddleboarders, and families.

The town is also a haven for food lovers. Anchored by a working fishing port, Calpe’s waterfront restaurants serve up the catch of the day — most famously arròs del senyoret, a rich, seafood-packed rice dish. Don’t miss the daily fish auction at the Lonja, where you can see the freshest catch in action before it hits the plates.

While modern Calpe is equipped with luxury apartments, lively cafés, and high-rise hotels, it also retains a quieter soul. The old Roman fish salting factory, medieval watchtowers, and archaeological remains speak of a place that remembers its roots.
A growing community of retirees and expats has settled here, drawn by the blend of natural splendor, mild winters, and affordable coastal living. Yet, Calpe has managed to preserve much of its Spanish identity, especially once you step away from the beachfront and into the backstreets or local markets.

Few coastal towns manage to combine striking geological drama, rich history, and beachside ease quite like Calpe. It’s a place where every view seems cinematic — from sunrise over the sea to sunset behind the mountains.
Whether you come for the climb, the cuisine, or the calm, Calpe offers something elemental — a harmony between land and sea, past and present, and local life and global welcome.