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The district of Calpe stretches along a gently-curved bay, the northern corner is marked by the incredible Rock of Ifach. The rock is home for many varieties of plant life, like the rockrose, tree germander and the Ifach campion. It is for this reason that the local government turned the rock into a nature reserve. This very large icon of Calpe, towers 332 meters above the sea, to the punta de Carallot. You can reach the top by a pathway that has been built into the solid rock.
In the past, Calpe has become important strategically due to its coastal location, which has attracted many visitors throughout its history. Remains of both Iberian tribes and later the Romans were discovered next to, and around the skirts of the Rock of Ifach. The Romans created a wealthy colony that was devoted to the dried salted fish industry. During the 18th century, Calpe underwent a time of redevelopment where the town was consolidated in the 19th century and the foundations for the current period were laid. This has lead to economic propserity for Calpe, and has combined national and international tourism in this area between Alicante and Valencia.
Beaches in Calpe
The coastline of Calpe has a variety of beautiful areas, small rocky coves with wide sandy Calpe beaches, where crystal clear waters wash the shore. The beautiful and peaceful coves like Les Bassetes, to the north, with its perfect natural conditions for learning how to sail, and a seabed covered in underwater plants that is ideal for those in to Scuba Diving. The local schools for these sports are done in safe conditions. The beaches of La Fossa and El Arenal offer a unique contrast and include various services, a well maintained promenade and many rental facilities for watersports like windsurfing, pedal boats and jet skis.
Calpe Water Sport and Recreation
If you like sports and adventure activities, the sea and mountains of this area provides an endless opportunity. The old fishing port was used by both the Romans and the Phoenicians and has now been regenerated and houses a Nautical Club and yachting marina. Here you can find information on all manner of activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, swimming and sailing, courses for these activities are available. Walking and rock-climbing on Ifach and Toix and spelunking in Oltà is very popular among climbing enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Other opportunities include the sailing school at the yacht club, Puerto Blanco's diving centre and a golf club, all of which are shadowed by the 332 metres high rock, the Peñón de Ifach nature reserve.
Fiestas in Calpe
Festivities begin in Calpe in February, starting with the Carnival which has marching bands from all over Europe and Spain, that join together in Calpe. On the 19th March, St. Josephs Day, the Fallas festivity begins, where effigies are ceremoniously burnt. There is also a midsummers festival on June 24th, and August 5th is patron saints day of the town, Virgen de las Nieves. There are processions, fireworks, outdoor parties and many things to see. In October, as well as the Spanish-German Beer Festival, is the fiesta to honour the Santísimo Cristo del Sudor, on the 22nd, Moorish and Christian fiestas are also in honour of the same patron saint.
Calpe Old Town
Walk through Calpe's the ancient town centre, with old fashioned fishermans' houses and small streets. Visit the Fiestas Museum and see the hermitage of San Salvador, on the hilltop. You can also stroll down to the fishing port by the sea in the afternoon, and watch the fishing boats returing with their daily catch. Also of special interest are the auctions at the Lonja Fish Market. Travel along the quiet roads through the vineyards, and enjoy the local nature, from almond orchards to olive trees, or climb the Rock of Ifach to see panoramic views of the whole area of Calpe, on a clear day you can see Ibiza island. |
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