Population of Calpe. Calpe, Costa Blanca, Alicante. Main attractions of Calpe

Before I got to Barcelona and other metropolises in Spain, I was lucky to begin my acquaintance with this country from the small coastal city of Calpe. Do I have any regrets? Not at all. I will say more, I think this is the only correct path if you want to truly experience the life and culture of the country.

If you think that you need to go to Calpe only for sunbathing, you are mistaken. This small city perfectly combines both ancient streets and nature reserves. I invite you on a tour!

How to get there

In Calpe from Russia, I suggest traveling by plane, and within Spain you can also travel by land.

By plane

The easiest and most affordable way to get to Spain is by plane.

The nearest airport to Calpe is in. In winter, flights fly three to four times a week, and in summer almost every day.

Direct flights from Moscow to Alicante are operated by S7 and Vueling airlines.
Ticket prices for S7 start from 91 EUR, travel time is 5 hours. Of course, if I’m talking about trips during the non-tourist period. From May to October, you should plan your trip in advance to get cheap tickets.
Vueling airline tickets are slightly more expensive, the price range starts from 150 EUR in non-seasonal months, the flight time is 5 hours.

From May to October you can get from Moscow via Valencia Airport, flights from S7 airlines twice a week (once on Wednesday, the second on Saturday). Ticket prices start at around 130 EUR, flight time is 5 hours. You can compare ticket prices.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg to Alicante. So it’s more logical to first get to the capital, and from there fly to Spain on the flights listed above.

How to get to Calpe from the airport

What are the prices for holidays?

In Calpe, I would highlight the following price order:

• Food expenses. In my experience, the average cost of lunch (if you take the so-called “menu of the day”) is 10–15 EUR. Paella costs about 10–15 EUR per serving. Breakfast, for example, a cup of coffee and a bocadiya (sandwich) – 3–5 EUR. Dinner for two in a restaurant – 50–70 EUR with drinks. Of course, the rule “the further from the coast, the cheaper” applies.
• Going to the supermarket. I mostly cooked at home myself. An average trip to the supermarket to stock the refrigerator for an average of 3 days for a family of three costs about 50 EUR, depending on the number of delicacies you consume. For us, this amount always included the purchase of fresh fish.
• Excursions. From 25 EUR to infinity.
• Souvenirs. Purchasing memorabilia will cost approximately 3–7 EUR per piece.
• How to save money? Book in advance. According to statistics, planning for a summer vacation begins in January; the earlier you start, the less money you will spend. This applies to air tickets, car rental, and housing rentals.
• Average. It is optimal to assume that a no-frills holiday in Calpe will cost about 50 EUR per day per person.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

At first I discovered Calpe as a city with amazingly beautiful nature, where it smells of salt and sun. You walk on the sand and breathe in the sea. You forget about time. Having thoroughly enjoyed the coastline, I went to explore the old city and discovered many urban legends and amazing interweaving of narrow stone streets.

The trick is that you can spend time in nature during the day and go sightseeing in the evening.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

I'll start with two large city beaches - Arenal-Bol And La Fossa – Levante.

These beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, a worldwide mark of quality. On the plus side: you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers and get to cafes, restaurants and shops in a matter of seconds. The downside is that it is very crowded here in July and August.

When you get tired of swimming and sunbathing, you want to diversify your trip. I can suggest small coves for boat trips, snorkeling or just enjoying the stunning views of the waves crashing against the rocky shore.

Scooter rental prices are approximately as follows:

• 45 EUR for 15 mins
• 70 EUR for 30 mins
• 90 EUR for 45 mins

If you want to take a boat trip, the cost will start from 90 EUR per hour.

You can see the prices at the diving school, it all depends on your level of training.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

What to see in 1 day

• Early in the morning I go to the port for breakfast, because what could be more wonderful than drinking a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the yachts?
• Then I continue to enjoy nature - I leisurely stroll along the Prince of Asturias promenade at the foot of the Ifach rock.
• Around 10-11am is the time to head to the beach! Choose what you like best: the endless sandy Levante and La Fossa, or the quiet and cozy bays. I prefer small beaches where there is no city bustle.
• Eating the freshest fish at one of the local restaurants is a must!
• Having rested a little after lunch, I head to the city museums or to the Monte Toix observation deck.
• In the evening I walk around the old city, wandering along the narrow stone streets, taking a break from the scorching sun in the cool of the evening twilight. A glass of wine in an authentic restaurant will be a good end to a busy day.

What to see in the area

I would suggest you to explore the following places near Calpe:

Food. What to try

If you prefer to cook yourself, there are several large supermarkets in Calpe: Mercadona, Mas Y Mas, Consum. Every weekend there is a street market in the city.

The service in local supermarkets will surprise tourists from Russia: they will clean the fish and seafood in front of you and prepare it for traveling in a frying pan, they will cut the meat, and if you ask, they will make minced meat. Don’t forget to take a coupon – large supermarkets have an electronic queue.

Budget

1. Pizzeria La Rusticana. The cuisine is Italian. Address: Edificio Apolo VII | Calle Pinto Sorolla 5, 03710.
2. Ni Hao. The cuisine is Asian. Address: Calle de Gibraltar 15.
3. Pizzeria Mamma Leone. The cuisine is Italian. Address: Calle Blasco Ibanez 1 | Esquina.
4. Casa Rolando. The cuisine is Spanish. Address: Calle Doctor Fleming 3, 03710.
5. Salsa's. Cuisine - Spanish. Address: Calle Pinta 5 | Esquina Calle la Pau, 03710.

Mid-level

1. El Toro. Steakhouse, address: San Jaime Conqueridor, 03710.
2. La terraza. The cuisine is Spanish. Address: Avenida Juan Carlos Primero Paseo Infanta Cristina Ed Cancun 2, 03710.
3. El Andaluz. Cuisine – Mediterranean, Spanish. Address: Calle Pintor Sorolla, 03710.
4. Ristorante Italiano Il Pomodoro. The cuisine is Italian. Address: Edificio Apollo 3 Calle Santamaria | Local 9, 03710.
5. Sabores Y Copas 78. Cuisine – Mediterranean. Address: Avenida Juan Carlos I 20 | Av. Juan Carlos l, 20, 03710.

Expensive

1. Puerto Blanco – Mediterranean cuisine. Address: urbanizacion Canuta Baja 35B, 03710.
2. Restaurante La Viña de Calpe - Mediterranean cuisine. Address: Avda. Jaime I 1H | La Merced 1H, 03710.
3. Audrey's Restaurant - Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Address: Avenida Juan Carlos I 48 | AR Diamante Beach, 03710.

Holidays

In Spain, holiday is a way of life! I say this in all seriousness. It is mandatory to celebrate holidays in both large cities and small villages.

There is always a reason to celebrate. Each region has three official regional holidays, plus one holiday for each province and city. According to statistics, no country in the world celebrates more holidays than. Maybe this is the secret of the goodwill, friendliness and hospitality of the Spanish people?

New Year (Año Nuevo) – January 1

Unlike Christmas, New Year is a public holiday. Of course, the Spanish climate allows you to celebrate New Year on the beach without freezing. This is a holiday for friends, for a large noisy company that gathers in city squares around decorated Christmas trees.

Perhaps the most famous Spanish New Year's tradition is the twelve grapes. For the Spaniards, grapes are a symbol of wealth, happiness and health. You need to have time to eat a grape after each strike of the clock and make a wish (some of my friends make one wish per grape!). If you find yourself in a bar or restaurant on New Year's Day, twelve grapes will be served to all guests. This is a very long tradition.
I can give an example of a fairly young New Year's custom, for example, wearing red underwear to make the year successful.

Of course, New Year is unthinkable without a glass of champagne. I recommend trying the national drink – Cava. This is not an imitation of French champagne, but a special type of sparkling wine made from certain grape varieties.

Santa Claus is also present in Spanish New Year traditions, but his name is papá Noel. Papa Noel also brings gifts to the children, but not through the chimney, but leaves them on the balcony.

Day of the Magician Kings (Día de los Reyes Magos) – January 6

The third Christmas holiday is the Day of the Magic Kings, which is loved by Spanish children much more than the New Year.

According to legend, three Kings set out with all kinds of gifts in search of the newborn Jesus, guided by the Star of Bethlehem (Estrella de Belen). The first was King Melchor - he brought gold as a gift as a sign of power. The second - King Balthazar - gave myrrh, a symbol of man and humanity. The third Kolol - Gaspar, gives the baby Jesus incense - a symbol of deity.

In Calpe, they traditionally organize a costumed procession along the main street, from the sea to the old church. Children are showered with candy, and adults are allowed to consume delicacies in incredible quantities.

Another symbol of the holiday of the Three Kings is the round roscon de Reyes cake with whipped cream. It is believed that whoever gets a piece of pie with a little king inside will be lucky this year, and whoever pulls out the bean will pay for the treat.

Las Fallas – March 15

In my opinion, Las Fayas is celebrated most luxuriously in the heart of the region, in Valencia.

This year, Las Fallas was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list, which greatly pleased the entire Valencian community.

Fayas is one of the most spectacular, vibrant, noisy festivals I have ever seen! The celebration begins on March 14–15, the culmination of the holiday occurs on St. José's Day (Father's Day in Spain) - March 19, and the preparation of Valencians for Fayas lasts all year.

The main characters of the holiday are the huge “faya” (falla) figures, which are made by hand. Most often, such figures show various characters and celebrities from political and cultural life; they are real works of art! The creators of the faya are the firemen, members of the “teams” who compete for first prize in this festival. The best faya is chosen by vote and sent to the Las Fayas Museum, all the rest are mercilessly burned. This holiday has many common traditions with our Russian Maslenitsa, such as the burning of figures - essentially a cleansing by fire, so that everything old leaves our lives, leaving room for the new.

March-April – Easter (la Pascua)

Easter in Spain begins with Holy Week (la Semana Santa) and involves daily Christian processions where participants wear pointed caps with slits for the eyes (penitents). Such attire allows the appearance of the one seeking repentance to be kept secret. Everyone, regardless of age, participates in the processions, because they await Easter, the holiday of resurrection, with trepidation in their souls.

Participants in Easter processions carry large platforms on their shoulders, decorated with flowers and depicting various scenes of the Passion of Christ. All this is accompanied by an orchestra and singing.
In Spain there is a tradition of dyeing eggs for Easter, but the more popular Easter bread is Mona de Pascua.

Night of San Juan (Noche de San Juan) – June 23

A significant event of the summer season is the shortest night of the year, the San Juan Bonfires. This holiday is similar to the usual Ivan Kupala day, of course, with some differences.
It all starts with dancing and jumping over fires. It is not customary here to put wreaths in the water, but after hot fires it is nice to swim in the sea. The San Juan night ends with bright fireworks and dancing on the beach until the morning.

Festival of Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos)

The historical holiday of the Moors and Christians has been celebrated in seventeen Spanish provinces for two centuries; in 2017 it will be held in Calpe from October 14 to 16. Spanish lands were liberated from Muslim invaders gradually, so the period of celebration is slightly different.

Of course, the influence of Arab culture on Spain is obvious - we see it in architecture, traditions, holidays, food and even in language. The Festival of Moors and Christians is not one of the many fiestas on Spanish soil, but a tribute to those who defended their native land and fought for its independence.

In general, the holiday imitates the capture of the city by the Moors and its subsequent liberation by Christians. A theatrical performance with luxurious costumes is prepared in advance. Of course, there has been no hostility between the Arab and Spanish peoples for a long time, so you won’t see any contempt among the population. Like any big holiday, the Moors and Christians festival ends with a grand fireworks display.

Christmas (Navidad) – December 25

As in any Catholic country, Christmas in Spain is the most important family holiday. On Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) the whole family gathers at one table, even the most distant relatives try to reunite on this day.
I love walking around Calpe at Christmas. The streets and squares are decorated, you can spend hours looking at the henbanes in shop windows - models reproducing the plot of the birth of Christ.

Be sure to try turon, a Christmas sweet that most often consists of nougat and nuts.

Christmas is the time when dreams come true. If you ask a Spaniard what the first association comes to mind when hearing the word “Christmas”, he will say: “Lottery”. This tradition is more than two hundred years old and has never been broken, and this lottery is the largest lottery in the world.

Safety. What to watch out for

Even in civilized Europe, you shouldn’t let your guard down and discount the possibility of stumbling upon thieves or pickpockets. You just shouldn't carry large amounts of money with you.

Make photocopies of all your documents.

In case of any emergency, you should call 112.

Things to do

Calpe is a coastal city, so activities related to the sea are very popular: boating or yachting, surfing, diving. If you have experience in sea travel, rent equipment and go on your own. I guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience!

Don't miss the opportunity to take a few lessons from an instructor if you are still new to sea sports. Prices for lessons can be viewed.

Various sea boat excursions cost from 90 EUR for a group of 7 people.

In addition to sea activities, such popular sports as tennis, volleyball, golf - the climate allows you to practice all year round!

As an option for an unusual pastime, sign up for Spanish courses. Learning the language is another great way to experience Spanish culture.

Shopping and shops

Souvenirs and small purchases can be made in the center of Calpe (for example, on Gabriel Miro Street), and for large shopping I recommend going to neighboring cities -

Memories and impressions cannot be wrapped in a gift wrapper, but there are things that can tell a lot about Spain:

1. Cold pressed olive oil. Olive oil is the liquid gold of the Mediterranean. Not a single dish of Spanish cuisine is complete without it! produces 40% of the world's olive oil. Needless to say, Spanish oil is one of the best in the world. Look for the Aceite de oliva virgen extra label - this is an oil of the highest category. It is obtained from olives without defects or damage. This oil has a greenish tint and a slightly bitter aroma, and is most often used in Spanish cuisine. If you try dressing a salad with virgin extra oil at least once, you will refuse to try anything else.
2. Jamon. The best jamon is Iberico jamon, made from pigs of noble Iberian blood. Jamon, just like wine, has its own quality mark. It means that the jamon was produced in a certain province in compliance with all standards. Treat yourself and your loved ones to top quality jamon, and you will understand why the Spaniards are so proud of this product, sometimes even more than wine.
3. Saffron is grown and harvested in the province of La Mancha. The history of this spice goes back thousands of years, and only saffron has managed to retain its value for so many centuries. Valencian paella is unthinkable without saffron! Try preparing some of our usual rice dishes at home using saffron, and you will once again take your memories back to sunny Spain!
4. Wine. In the Valencian community, more than 2.2 hectoliters of wine are produced annually - this is a significant part of the total market turnover. Nearby, most of the vineyards grow Moscatel and Muscatel of Alexandria varieties. Of course, local winemakers also cultivate traditional varieties and skillfully mix them with Moscatel, which is traditional for this area, resulting in very sophisticated combinations.
5. Turron is a nougat with nuts, a traditional Christmas sweet. Turron appeared very close to Calpe. A 20-minute drive away is the small town of Gijona, where the turrón recipe originated in the 14th century. Turron can be hard, made of honey and nuts (mostly almonds), or soft, similar to halva.

How to get around the city

Obviously, the most convenient way to get around Calpe is by rental car. Despite the challenge of finding parking during the summer months, I highly recommend considering renting. After all, having a car at hand gives you freedom of movement, and on vacation you don’t want to think about the schedule.

Buses lines 1 and 2 will take you from one end of Calpe to the other, making a fairly large number of stops to get to the desired point in the city. The only difference is that line 1 operates all year round, line 2 only operates in July and August.

Third line buses go from Calpe to Teulada and Moraira.

Transport rental

For a long time now I can’t imagine traveling without renting a car, because despite the developed public transport network, I want to feel more freedom and not be tied to a schedule.

It is better to rent a car in advance via the Internet and pick it up at the airport (list of companies at the airport). You will return it there at the end of the trip.

What you need to know if you decide to rent a car:

1. Your driving experience must be at least 1 year (sometimes - at least two years, companies themselves set the limit)
2. You must be 21 years old (for some companies, the driver age starts at 23 years old)
3. An international driver's license may be required, but not all companies require it - a Russian license is sufficient.
4. A credit card is required. A credit card is not a debit card with a limit; it is a credit card issued by your bank.
5. Pay attention to office opening hours! If you arrive at night, you most likely will not be able to get a car.
6. A child seat is a must when traveling with a child. When ordering a car on the website, add a seat to the car package; it’s better not to deal with fines again.
7. Another advantage of renting a car at the airport is the price. You can book a car in advance on the website, prices start from about 10 EUR per day (depending on the class of the car).
8. Read the rental conditions carefully. If the contract stipulates that the car should be returned with a full tank of gas, then this is what you should do. Looking for the nearest gas station when you are already late for your plane is not the most pleasant experience.
9. I strongly recommend getting a navigator, it will greatly simplify your life. You can prepare in advance and set up a navigator in Russian.

Car price options can be compared by.

In Calpe, as throughout Spain, there are several types of parking. Be prepared for the fact that in the summer there will be a lot of cars and you will have to try to find a place for your car.

Parking types:

1. White – free parking.
2. Blue and green parking is always paid.
3. Red parking is paid only in July-August.

On each parking machine you will see the rules for payment and use of parking. Usually, you need to pay for a space from 9 to 14 pm and from 17 to 20 pm - the rest of the time you can park for free even in blue and green parking lots.

Calpe - holidays with children

The main places of recreation and entertainment for children are city beaches (Aren-Bol, La Fossa, Levante). Each beach has a large children's playground.

At the height of the tourist season, outdoor amusement parks appear.
You can ride through the streets of Calpe on a small steam locomotive with open carriages. The route runs from the end of La Fossa beach to the promenade near the Solymar Hotel.

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Calpe is a small Spanish town in the Costa Blanca resort area. Mount Peñon de Ifach, the symbol of the Costa Blanca, rises 322 m above Calpe and extends almost a kilometer into the sea, dividing the coast into two picturesque bays - Arenal-Bol and La Fossa. There is a busy fishing port nearby, with a famous fish market open all year round. Not far from the port are the famous fish restaurants of Calpe, attracting gourmets from all over the coast.

The area where the town of Calpe is located has been inhabited since ancient times: archaeologists have found evidence of the presence of Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Moors (Arabs), Visigoths and Romans. Until the 17th century, the coast was regularly attacked by African pirates, to protect against which city walls and an observation tower were erected.

How to get there

Calpe is 72 km from the international airport of Alicante. A flight from Moscow will cost approximately 16-17 thousand rubles. From there you can get to the resort town by bus or train. The journey will take a little over an hour. Road communication is via the A-7 motorway and the national highway no. 332.

Search for flights to Alicante (closest airport to Calpe)

Weather in Calpe

The climate in Calpe is mild and warm, with an average annual temperature of about 20 °C. In winter, the temperature does not drop below +5 °C, in summer it rises to 40 °C. The sun shines in Calpe about 300 days a year.

Beaches of Calpe

The length of Calpe's beaches is 11 kilometers. The best on the local coast are Arenal Bol and Cantal Roig - both of them were awarded the Blue Flag (a sign of very clean water and good beach infrastructure). Cantal Roig is located near the port, next to Mount Ifach. Another famous beach - Puerto Blanco - is located next to the yacht club of the same name. This sand and pebble beach is well equipped and even has its own lifeguard service.

Connoisseurs from all over the coast flock to Calpe's fish restaurants.

In addition, Calpe has many small bays, some of which are so isolated that they can only be reached by sea. This is an excellent option for lovers of diving and a secluded holiday away from the noisy multilingual crowd.

For example, it is worth paying attention to the bays of Collao, Rasodel Corb and Gasparet, separated from the city by a rocky ridge. They are perfect for diving, spearfishing and fishing. The bays of Calalga, Mallorca and Manzanera are suitable not only for diving, but also for beach holidays. They are equipped with toilets and trash bins, and Kalalga also has a rescue service. The small bays of Raso, Les Urques, Morello and Penal are most suitable for a quiet beach holiday.

Maps of Calpe

Cuisine and restaurants

The famous fish market in Calpe attracts many people every day. It begins its work at three o'clock in the afternoon, when the fishing schooners return to the port. There are also many cafes and restaurants here - a real paradise for gourmets.

Literally an hour or two after the opening of the fish exchange, in the surrounding restaurants you can try fish delicacies prepared from the fresh catch. In total, there are 168 restaurants in Calpe and the surrounding area, offering both traditional Valencian food and cuisine from around the world. There are both simpler establishments offering Spanish tapas and top-class restaurants awarded with Michelin stars.

Fried squid, octopus, cuttlefish (“cholitos”) or small fish (“pescaitofrito”) will cost 5-6 EUR, assorted seafood “Mariscada” will cost about 30 EUR.

Calpe Hotels

In Calpe you can stay in 2, 3 and 4* hotels. Depending on the degree of comfort and the range of services provided, prices vary from 30 EUR to 70 EUR per day, although cheaper options can be found. In the city you can rent an apartment or even a separate villa for 175-700 EUR.

Entertainment and attractions of Calpe

The observation deck of the Peñon de Ifach rock provides travelers with a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Local residents claim that in clear weather you can see Ibiza from here. You can climb the mountain through a 1 km long tunnel cut through the rock. Cape Peñon de Ifach itself has the status of a protected park area, in which there are up to 300 species of plants.

Las Salinas del Calpe is a unique natural area of ​​the resort. This is a salt lake, along the shores of which flocks of migratory birds settle in the summer. These include storks, flamingos, royal herons and ducks. Since ancient times, the lake itself and the adjacent territory have served local residents as a source of table salt, including that used for salting fish for export.

Los Baños de la Reina, or "Royal Baths", is an ancient Roman bath consisting of several baths, into which water came from four different entrances. According to some sources, this design could also be intended for salting fish.

Old town of Calpe

In the Old Town of Calpe, traditional for Spanish resorts, the remains of a fortress wall from the time of Moorish rule and the only cathedral in Spain built in the Gothic-Moorish Mudejar style have been preserved. Of interest are the chapels of San Salvador and Cometa from the 18th century, as well as the mill of Tore Moli del Morello from the 19th century. Also worth a visit are two picturesque local churches - Iglesia Antigua and Senora de las Nieves.

Museums

Calpe has several interesting museums: the ethnological Casa del Coco, the archaeological museum, the Casa de la Señoretta Lithography Museum, as well as the Museum of Festive Costumes and the Museum of Collectibles.

Sports and entertainment in Calpe

Lovers of boat trips will appreciate the yacht clubs of Calpe, where you can rent both a small boat and a luxury yacht. You can also take sailing and diving lessons here. The local club “Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers” organizes rock climbing classes and direct walks along mountain routes.

In addition, the Don Cayo golf course is located at an altitude of 3078 meters above sea level. There are also lower altitude courses for beginners and professionals. The city also has several clay tennis courts and volleyball courts.

Holidays

In Calpe, the traditions of their ancestors are reverently respected. In accordance with them, magnificent processions, colorful performances and fireworks dedicated to local holidays are held throughout the year. For example, on January 5, the Three Kings holiday is celebrated in the city's Plaza Colon square. It is accompanied by theatrical performances, and all children present at the celebration receive gifts.

On March 19, Calpe hosts a festival of funny statues and figures made of papier-mâché “Fallas”, at the end of which, after the winners are determined and awards are presented, all presented figures are burned.

On August 5, the city has traditionally held the Virgen de las Nieves fiesta for the last 100 years. On this day, various cultural events are held, flowers are laid at the monuments, and in the evening the lights of numerous fireworks flash in the sky.

10 things to do in Calpe

1. Taking advantage of Calpe's advantageous location, ride along the coast in both directions - towards Denia or Benidorm.
2. Attend a musical performance at the local theater - famous Spanish musicians often perform there.
3. Walk along the long beach not only up to the rock protruding into the sea, but also after it.
4. At the local travel office in the city center, collect discount coupons for amusement parks and maps of Calpe and surrounding towns.
5. Wander around the old part of the city, admiring the colorful painted walls of the houses.
6. Try the freshest fish at a local restaurant.
7. Buy something authentic to remember your trip at the Saturday market.
8. Be inspired by modern architecture in the Manzanera district, designed by the outstanding Ricardo Bofill.
9. At least from afar, look at the pink flamingos flying to the Salinas salt lake in the city center.
10. Take your time and make photo stops to climb Peñon de Ifach and say hello to the seagulls that live on the rock.

As for religious holidays, they are given no less attention in the local calendar: on June 24, a solemn liturgy in honor of Saint John is held in the Chapel of La Cometa. On July 16, the “Fiesta Carmen” is celebrated, during which fishermen who disappeared at sea are remembered and the Blessed Virgin Mary is honored.

At the end of October, Calpe's oldest festival takes place, called "Muslims and Christians", dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Santisimo Cristo del Sudor. The celebrations have been held invariably since 1682 - all spectators participate in a costume performance that plays out the historical defense of the city by Christians from Muslim Moors. They are divided into two camps - those attacking the city and defending it. The whole action is accompanied by colorful fireworks and a parade.

Neighborhoods of Calpe

In the vicinity of Calpe you can go to the Algar waterfalls with cool, refreshing water in the heat and to the fortified city of Guadalest. Guadalest is so beautiful it looks like it came straight out of a postcard. It is located on the shore of a lake in the mountains of amazing emerald color. The shores of the lake are dazzling white, and the mountains surrounding the city and lake are covered with a thick green carpet.

Calpe (Calpe), a municipality located in the resort area of ​​the Costa Blanca, part of the province of Alicante of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. It is located in the Marina Alta region. The nearest international airport is Alicante, 72 km from Calpe. The city itself is located at the very foot of the rocky cliff of Peñon de Ifach.

History of Calpe

Archaeological excavations confirm that the settlement of these places began in the Bronze Age. Somewhat later, the presence of Iberians, Phoenicians and Romans was discovered on this land. During the period of dominance of the latter, the settlement actively developed due to the trade in salted and dried fish. During the period of liberation of the lands from Arab influence, the city resisted for a very long time and surrendered only under the pressure of Jaime I of Aragon in 1240. Then the construction of the castle and fortifications begins. Christians and descendants of the Moors lived peacefully on the territory of the settlement for many centuries. In 1386 Calpe became a separate city. During the 14th–17th centuries, like many coastal cities, Calpe was attacked by North African pirates. The settlement gradually expanded, going beyond the boundaries of the old city, development was due to fishing and salt mining.

In the 20th century, the tourism industry began to actively develop in Calpe. Fishing is still very developed in Calpe; the city is a generally recognized center of gastronomic tourism in the province.

Calpe on the world map

Attractions of Calpe

Calpe combines not only a great beach holiday, but also many truly fascinating places and attractions that simply cannot be missed. The old town and many picturesque natural spots are within walking distance, among them the following are worth noting:

• The Peñon de Ifach is a huge rock cliff overlooking the coastal waters and the city of Calpe. The rock is accessible to visitors and has several climbing routes. On the slopes of the mountain there is a state-protected natural park, and archaeological excavations are actively underway at the foot. At the top of the mountain there is an observation deck from which picturesque views of the surrounding area open;
• The Las Solinas Nature Reserve consists of a large salt lagoon and wetlands and is especially protected by the state;
• Royal Baths (Baños de la Reina). Archaeological excavations carried out here have suggested that the Romans used them for salting fish;
• The Cathedral of La Iglesia Antigua is uniquely built in the Moorish Gothic style, the construction of which began in the 1400s and lasted several centuries;
• The Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves was built in 1973 in a modernist style, a striking example of modern art;
• Museums of Calpe: ethnological, archaeological, costume museum, collectors' museum;
• La Lonja de Calpe - the building where the fish market is located, which is definitely worth a visit to see how the fish auctions take place;
• The Prince of Asturias embankment is the most romantic place in the resort.

Population of Calpe

Calpe is a very cozy city on the Costa Blanca. From a small fishing village, over time, it became a popular resort center. Currently, about 30,000 people permanently live in the city, and during the holiday season the population increases by several tens of thousands.

Climate and ecology of Calpe

The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers (up to +30°C) and mild winters (+13-15°C) and the vast majority of sunny days a year. The length of the beach line is about 11 km, a small part of which is purely sandy. There are many secluded coves. Most of Calpe's beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and amenities.

The resort is home to the Las Solinas Nature Reserve, home to pink flamingos, storks, royal herons and families of ducks, as well as rare endemic plants characteristic of salty soils. The Peñón de Ifach Rock Nature Reserve is home to about 80 species of birds nesting and many rare plants growing.

Calpe is an extremely remarkable and actively developing city, where the tourism industry, together with a rich excursion program, creates optimal conditions for the recreation of travelers from all over the world.

Calpe is a resort on the Costa Blanca, located on both sides of the huge Ifach rock, which crashes into the sea like the bow of a ship. This is a pleasant place with a relaxed resort atmosphere and excellent fish restaurants. Crazy running of the bulls is still held here.

You can see the beauty of the city of Calpe in this author's video:

Many tourists choose Calpe for its snow-white beaches, as well as natural beauty - the picturesque Ifach rock and the salt lake where flamingos live. The twin rock of Gibraltar has become a source of inspiration for photographers, artists and poets of different times.

Don’t forget about the proximity to Alicante, where there is an international airport with budget flights to Moscow.

How to get to Calpe

Photo: Detailed map of Calpe

From Alicante

To get to Calpe, it is best to take a cheap flight to Alicante. Then you need to take the special tram (Alicante TRAM) L1 to Benidorm station, where you change to L9 to Calpe. The journey takes 2 hours along a picturesque route, the fare is about 7 €.

There are also direct buses from their airport in Alicante (4 times a day) - the journey takes 1.5 hours, the cost is about 11 €.

From Valencia

You need to take the bus (ALSA) - the journey takes 3 hours, the fare is about 14 €. You can also get there by buses of the same carrier from Benidorm, Altea and other cities.

When is the best time to go?

Photo: View of the city of Calpe

Calpe is a typical resort, where there are no more than 50 cloudy days a year. In summer it is hot here - up to +30°C, the water warms up to +25-26°C (July-August), and the number of tourists is simply off the charts. In September-October it is much more pleasant - +25-27°C, the water is still warm - +25°C in September, +23°C in October, and the number of tourists is thinning every day. November is already cool, there are rains and wind.

In spring, Calpe is quite fresh - +16-22°C, which is very suitable for walking around the city and its surroundings. Las Fallas is celebrated in mid-March. Winter is mild - +13-15°C, there are seasonal sales, there are no queues or crowds in museums and restaurants.

Story

The first inhabitants of Calpe that we know about are the Iberian tribes, Phoenicians and Carthaginians. The city then became a Roman colony with a thriving fishing industry. The Moorish period ended in 1240 with the invasion of Christian troops led by Jaime I of Aragon.

In the Middle Ages, Calpe suffered severe attacks from pirates, and in the mid-17th century the city was ravaged by the Berbers, as a result of which a large number of the local population were taken away and imprisoned for 5 years in Algerian prisons. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the city flourished due to fishing and salt mining. The need for salting to prevent spoilage of meat and fish made salt one of the most valuable goods of that time.

The excellent sea location, magnificent beaches, the second Gibraltar (the Rock of Ifach) led to a tourist boom in 1930, which has not ended to this day.

Attractions

Photo: Rock of Peñon de Ifach

Rock of Peñon de Ifach 332 meters high, it is the symbol of Calpe, which towers powerfully over the city, creating a special panorama. The limestone rock cliff, similar to Gibraltar, was “born” thanks to the Sierra de Olta landslide. The slopes of the rock have become home to a huge number of flora and fauna, and unforgettable landscapes open from its top. Ifach Rock can be reached in 2 hours on foot from the center of Aula de Naturales.

– the most delightful place for walks in Calpe. It ran around Cape Ifach among palm trees, ficus trees, picturesque rocks and the sea.

Photo: Promenade of the Prince of Asturias

Salt Lake Las Salinas In the Middle Ages, Calpe was fed by salt mining, and now attracts tourists with the opportunity to see pink flamingos, storks, Royal herons and ducks. Rare plants grow on the salt flats of Calpe, characteristic only of salty soils.

Royal Baths or Queen's Baths (Banos de la Reina)– a landmark from ancient times (4-5 centuries AD). The baths have been corroded by erosion, but their structure is clearly distinguishable - they have 4 entrances for water entry. Even with strong waves, the water in the baths remains calm. Some historians believe that these are not baths, but containers for salting fish.

Photo: Royal Baths or Queen's Baths

You can find it nearby the old mill of Morello. Next we will head to the center, which is located west of Mount Ifach.

Museum of History and Archeology in the Cultural Center (Casa de Cultura) interesting for its finds of the 3rd-8th centuries AD: coins, funerary objects, household items, etc. Some of them were found in the Royal Baths.

Museum of Modern Art (Galeria de Arte Contemporaneo)– located exactly north of the archaeological museum.

Photo: Old Mill of Morello

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Nieves 1973 - a beautiful church decorating the heart of the old city. Particularly striking are the mosaic biblical scenes on the facade and the bright, modern interior with beautiful stained glass windows, marble floors and straight lines, unusual for a church.

Old Church (Iglesia Vieja/ Antigua) It is a combination of a religious and fortification structure in the Moorish Gothic style, the like of which is not found in the territory of the Valencian autonomy.

Photo: Old church in Calpe

Chapel of San Salvador (Ermita de San Salvador) The 18th century building is located a little away (to the west) from the attractions of the Old Town.

You can also visit the Museum of Ethnology in one of the village houses of Casa del Coco and the Museum of Festive Costumes.

Beaches

Photo: Fossa Levante beach

The beaches of Calpe are long and wide, many of them are Blue Flag holders. Best beaches:

• Fossa Levante (Playa de Levante o La Fossa) is a 2-kilometer beach on the right of Mount Ifach. Numerous hotels rise behind;
• Cantal Roig (Playa del Cantal Roig) is an excellent beach near the port on the left side of the Ifach rock;
• Arenal-Bol (Playa del Arenal-Bol) is one of the best beaches in Calpe in the Old Town area, 2 km long.

To take those pictures of the mighty Ifach rock, head to the Mirador Monte Toix viewpoint between Calpe and Altea. And if you go in the evening, you are guaranteed unforgettable pre-sunset views.

Shopping

Photo: Famous Spanish jamon

The main shopping street of Calpe is Avenida Gabriel Miro with many shops. It can be accessed directly from the Arenal Bol beach. To buy souvenirs, you should go to the Old Town, dotted with shops selling similar goods.

What to buy in Calpe:

• Magnets and postcards with views of Mount Ifach;
• Ham, wine, goat cheese, olive oil, etc.

Things to do

10 things to do in Calpe:

1. Make a breathtaking climb to the Ifach rock;
2. Wind through the streets of the Old Town, studying ancient frescoes on houses;
3. Rent a boat for a romantic trip around Cape Ifach;
4. Sunbathe on the golden sand of Arenal Bol Beach;
5. Visit the fascinating fish exchange in the port;
6. Go diving in the rocky bay of Cala del Penal;
7. Admire the enchanting flamingos on Lake Las Salinas;
8. Eat real paella with seafood at El Rincon de Calpe;
9. It's blissful to walk along the Prince of Asturias promenade;
10. Take the famous shot of the Ifach Rock at the Mirador Monte Toix lookout.

What and where to eat

Photo: Paella with seafood

The main ingredient of local restaurants is fresh fish, but it is worth considering that not all the fish on the menu is local; there are also frozen Chinese products. To know for sure, we advise you to visit the fish exchange in the port at 6 pm and see what kind of fish is caught in the Mediterranean Sea.

Calpe is one of the best places where you can taste real paella. We recommend drinking local white wines and sangria.

Restaurant El Boqueron de Plata located near the Arenal-Bol beach along Valencia Street. Excellent seafood is prepared here, as well as excellent sangria.

At the restaurant El Rincon de Calpe They serve the best paella of all kinds in the city. Moreover, you will be served authentic paella, and not just boiled rice with additives.

Resto-Bar Tu Sitio is famous for its low prices and delicious dishes. Order steak, tapas and crema catalana dessert.

How do we save up to 25% on hotels?

Everything is very simple - we use a special search engine RoomGuru for 70 hotel and apartment booking services with the best price.

Bonus for renting apartments 2100 rubles

Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (on average 1.5-2 times cheaper) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registration

Calpe(or in Valencian dialect and in official documents - Calp - Calp) is a picturesque town on the Spanish coast with, perhaps, the main attraction of the coast - jutting out into the sea, as well as some of the best beaches in the region. Once just a fishing village, Calpe has over time turned into the most popular resort on the Costa Blanca.

Calpe weather:

How to get to Calpe

• Airport: closest to Calpe airport located near . You can go from the side.
• From Alicante airport to Calpe: there are direct lines, or you can get there through the city , and then on or on a picturesque route along the coast.
  • Bus from Alicante airport to Calpe: 1:30 travel time, departure from the airport at 8:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00.
  • Ticket 9.45 €, with commission and insurance on the website - 11.48 €.
• By train: There are no railway trains at the RENFE station, only a tram-train stop.
  • A ticket for the Alicante tram from Alicante to Calpe costs 6.05 € (1 change in Benidorm).
• By bus to Calpe: from many cities of the Costa Blanca: , Benidorm, as well as from outside. ALSA buses.
  • The ticket costs 2.85 € from Benidorm, 13.55 € from Valencia, 21.10 - 36.20 € from Madrid (+ small commission on the website + insurance).
  • Bus route map for the Valencia - Alicante - Murcia region
• By car: toll highway A7 or free N332. A paid one will cost about 6 euros from Alicante and a 30-40 minute drive. The free highway wanders a lot and goes through cities, the time can be one and a half times longer if you get there from Alicante.

History of Calpe:

The strategic location of Calpe has attracted various civilizations that have left their mark on its appearance. Excavations were carried out at the foot and traces of the Iberian civilization were found. The history of Calpe begins when the Romans founded a prosperous colony engaged in the trade of salted fish.

The medieval period is characterized by the formation of many separate settlements around Peñon. Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully, enduring continuous pirate attacks since the 14th century. The 19th century saw the beginning of a slow restoration and regeneration of the area, turning Calpe today into one of the key resort towns on the coast.

Sights of Calpe:

In the ancient city center near the Moorish quarter you will see ancient buildings Torreó Peça, the walls and ancient church of which constitute the only example of the style Gothic - Mudejar and in the provinces.

The coast is bordered by beautiful embankments, next to which the remains of a Roman city were recently found, which was previously part of a fish farm called “Baños de la Reina” (Queen's Baths).

On a hill overlooking the bay is Chapel of San Salvador 18th century, and in the “La Cometa” area there is another chapel And “Casa Nova”, belonging to the same era.

Near the Mascarat ravine there are ruins of the Muslim castle Calp.

Village houses are scattered throughout the area of ​​Calpe. riuraus" One of them - " Casa Coco” has already been converted into the Ethnological Museum (Museo Entológico).

Landscape of Calpe

The municipal district is located around a bay, the northern part of which is Peñon de Ifach rock. This monumental rocky mountain, whose slopes are covered with a variety of rare plant species and where numerous species of birds live in the branches of trees, has been declared a nature reserve. Peñon de Ifach rises 332 meters above the city and goes deep into the sea to the tip of Carallot, to the top of which you can climb along a path, enjoying a magnificent view. The nature reserve is open during certain hours, but you can visit the Nature Auditorium with
exhibitions, films and information about the Reserve.

At the foot of the cliff there is a former roman saltworks- an important area that attracts a large number of migratory birds.

The bay closes from the south hill of Morro de Toix. And the tops of the hills la Cometa, Oltá, Mascarat and Collao are located on its inner side, alternating with
fruitful fields and forming a beautiful landscape.

The coast is surrounded by the steep banks of Ifach, Toix and Manzanera, numerous bays of Racó, Collao, Gasparet, Les Urques, Penyal, Morelló, Mallorquí, Calalga,
Manzanera and Les Bassetes, as well as golden sand beaches - la Fossa, Levante, Arena-Bol, Cantal Roig and Puerto Blanco.

Climb the Peñon de Ifach rock

If you want to not only warm your bodies on the beach, but also add a little sportiness to these bodies, you can go on foot to Mount Peñon de Ifach, which sticks out so beautifully from the coast into the sea. Depending on how athletic and well equipped you are, a walk up the mountain from Calpe can take from an hour (from the park to the cave) to several hours (if you go higher).

The lower part of the park is a very pleasant park with equipped paths. You can just walk here, no special shoes are required. All this continues until the cave, after which an unequipped rocky path begins, very uneven and very slippery. From time to time the only help is a rope along the rock. This is where you need special shoes, and in general some kind of sports training wouldn’t hurt.

Beaches in Calpe:

The beach in Calpe is one of the most beautiful, with amazingly colored water and pleasant sand. But in the high season it is significantly overcrowded, in addition, the water here will be colder than on the beaches in the same /.

This is what the beach looks like in the off-season (April) - you can sunbathe, it’s +20 degrees warm outside, and the water is icy. In July-August, there is, of course, nowhere for the apple to fall.

Things to do in Calpe:

• stroll through the ancient city center with its narrow streets along medieval cobblestones, enjoying the frescoes on the walls of the houses of the old fishing village;
• visit the Fester, Archaeological, Collectibles and Cómic museums;
• walk through the spacious squares of the city and, in the end, climb the hill to visit the chapel of San Salvador.
• climb the Ifach rock to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the sea and the city stretching along the coast,
• take a walk along the Prince of Asturias promenade, which borders the sea.
• in the evenings in the port, watch the arrival of fishing vessels and the subsequent fish auction.

Cuisine of Calpe:

Calpe offers its guests a huge number of restaurants. Although many specialize in international cuisine, most
restaurants offer you traditional local cuisine, consisting mainly of fish and rice: La Llauna de Calp And Arrós de Senyoret- specialties of rice and seafood, putxero de polp(vegetables with fideos and octopus), traditional from the Valenciana region paalia(saffron rice with seafood, vegetables or meat), arrós amb fesols i naps(rice with turnips), ambleds(rice and beans) and al fron(rice baked in the oven). They will also not forget to treat you to delicious coca, homemade cakes and delicious national desserts! All this gastronomic diversity, in addition to a magnificent ruby-colored wine with purple and garnet tints - this is a real celebration of this fertile and hospitable land!

Holidays in Calpe:

• January: Day of the Holy Magi
• February: Carnival, International Folklore Day, Andalusia Day
• March: Fayas
• April: Mig Any Moors and Christians
• May: South Cross
• June: Bonfires of Saint John
• July: Fair of Andalusia, Feast of Our Lady of Carmen
• August: Our Lady of Nieves: patron of the city of Calpe, "Bous al Carrer"
• September: Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Rocío, Our Lady of Merced
• October: Pilgrimage to Saint Francesco, German Beer Festival, Moors and Christians: in honor of the patron saint of Calpe Santísimo Cristo del Sudor
• December: Christmas

Neighborhoods of Calpe:

Around Calpe you can visit other towns on the Costa Blanca and Valenciana. From south to north:

• - 86 km - palm forest (