The Costa Blanca resort of Calpe is renowned for its excellent beaches, fine restaurants and, most of all, the enormous rock of Penon de Ifach. Due to its strategic coastal location, the town has a long and varied history. There is some evidence of early Iberian tribes in the area, but it was the Romans who established a thriving colony with an economy based on the production of dried fish. Between the 14th and 17th centuries Calpe was often subjected to pirate attacks, hence the strong defenses that were built during this time.
There are several historic sights within the old town, most notably the 15th century church which was converted from an earlier Moorish fortress. Interestingly, parts of the church are incorporated into the old town walls. Inside the church is a well-preserved painting on wood which dates from the 15th century. Next to the remains of a Roman fish factory is the Museum of Archaeology, which houses a number artifacts discovered in the local area. Also within the old town is the Festival Museum which displays historical costumes which have been worn during the town's fiestas. The most important of these fiestas is the Moors and Christian festival which takes each September.
Dominating Calpe is the 332-metre high rock, Penon de Ifach, which is one of the Costa Blanca's best known landmarks. If you are feeling fit you can hike to the top of the rock to enjoy the magnificent views. The whole area is now a nature reserve, attracting a variety of birds including peregrine falcons and marine ravens. An extremely rare wild orchid can also be found here. Close to the foot of the rock are salt flats which provide the ideal habitat for flocks of flamingoes and migratory birds. The Penon de Ifach, which is reminiscent of Gibraltar, has been strategically important since ancient times. Several interesting artifacts have been excavated from here, including Roman coins and fragments of Greek and Byzantine pottery.
Calpe has about 6 miles (7km) of coastline consisting of small coves, long stretches of golden sand and some high cliffs. The main beach in town is the 2km Playa Arenal-Bol which has been awarded a European Blue Flag. To the north is the Playa de la Fossa (also known as Playa Levante) which is separated from the Playa Arenal-Bol by the Penon de Ifach. Both of these beaches have clean, fine sand. Playa de la Fossa also boasts excellent facilities, including a children's play area, while alongside it runs the promenade of Paseo Infanta Cristina which has some good Spanish restaurants. This area also has plenty of cocktail bars which makes for a lively night-time scene.
Around the Penon de Ifach are several rocky coves, such as El Raco, Del Panyo and Playa Cantal Roig. There is also a small marina and fishing port, Puerto Pesquero, which has a sailing school, restaurants, bars and a daily fish market. It's possible to take glass-bottomed boat trips from here around the rock. This area is also popular amongst scuba diving due to the clear waters.
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For more advice and tourist information about Calpe please see Calpe
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