Calpe

🏛️ Why Visit Calpe, Spain?

Calpe is heaven for big rock fans (fans of big rocks, not massive led zep heads) - it's dominated by Peñón de Ifach – a whopping 332-metre limestone rock that perches on the cliff above the town. It's like being in a vampire novel and having a castle watching over you, except you’ve also got bright sunshine and brilliant beaches and you can actually climb to the top of the rock for views that'll make your Instagram followers properly jealous.

You've got two stunning Blue Flag beaches, ancient Roman ruins where you can swim among 2,000-year-old pools, and salt lakes where pink flamingos hang out like they own the place. It's got that lovely, welcoming, family-friendly vibe without being too touristy, all in all, perfect for a Spanish jollie.

Top reasons to visit Calpe:

• 🗻 Peñón de Ifach climb – conquer the iconic 332m limestone rock for absolutely jaw-dropping coastal views

• 🏖️ Two brilliant Blue Flag beaches – from buzzy Arenal-Bol with golden sand to quieter La Fossa with perfect family vibes

• 🦩 Flamingo spotting at Las Salinas – these gorgeous pink beauties flock to the salt lakes during migration season

• 🏛️ Roman ruins you can swim in – the ancient Baños de la Reina pools are like having your own private Roman spa

• 🎣 Authentic fishing port – daily fish auctions and proper Spanish seafood restaurants where the locals actually eat

🏨 Top Hotels in Calpe

Perfect for Families

ESTIMAR Calpe Suitopia sits right on Arenal-Bol beachfront with loads for families – large lake pool, kids' pool with slides, playground, and a kids' club with three animation rooms featuring virtual reality and interactive projectors. There's also a heated pool, exclusive sky bar, and bike tours. Proper luxury with everything families need.

Hotel RH Ifach is just 150m from Fossa Beach with an outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, kids' club, and entertainment for parents and children. The buffet restaurant serves local dishes, there's a fully equipped gym, and you can book excursions and water activities through reception.

Port Europa Aparthotel sits right on the beach with apartments featuring kitchenettes – brilliant for self-catering families. Rooftop pool with sea and mountain views, children's playground, and most apartments have terraces overlooking either the sea or Las Salinas salt lakes.

Great for Couples

SOLYMAR Gran Hotel is right in the centre on Arenal Beach with impressive views of Peñón de Ifach. The new rooftop infinity pool on the 10th floor is proper romantic with panoramic views, there's a bar service, and the rooms feature Nespresso machines and sea-view terraces. Suites come with whirlpool baths – lovely for a couples' escape.

Pierre & Vacances Bahia Calpe is just a 1-min stroll from the beach and 5-min walk to town centre. Stylish rooms with balconies for sea or city views, buffet restaurant, lobby bar for cocktails, and that perfect balance of being close to everything without the noise.

Self-Catering & Budget-Friendly

Paraiso Mar sits right on Calpe beach about 500m from Peñón de Ifach. One, two, and three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, and sea-view terraces. Outdoor pool with children's area, heated pool (October-May), and brilliant beachfront location.

ESTIMAR Calpe Apartments offers studios with kitchenettes, perfect for couples or solo travellers wanting flexibility. Swimming pool, sun terrace, snack bar with pool table, and access to SOLYMAR's exclusive rooftop infinity pool. Great value for money.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Calpe

Adventure Seekers & Hikers

🗻 Peñón de Ifach Natural Park – The star of the show! This dramatic limestone outcrop is Spain's smallest natural park but packs the biggest punch. The hike to the summit takes 2-3 hours and involves scrambling through a tunnel carved in 1918, but the 360-degree views from the top are absolutely mental. You'll need proper hiking boots and decent fitness, but it's worth every drop of sweat. Book ahead – only 300 people per day are allowed up!

🥾 Coastal Walking Trails – Follow the Paseo Príncipe de Asturias around the base of the rock for spectacular clifftop views without the climb. Perfect for families and anyone who wants those Instagram shots without breaking a sweat.

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers

🏖️ Playa Arenal-Bol – This stunning 1.2km stretch of golden sand is where all the action happens. The promenade's buzzing with palm trees, beach bars, and restaurants, plus the water's shallow and crystal-clear – perfect for families. It faces south so you get sun until late, and the views of the Peñón are absolutely cracking.

🏖️ Playa La Fossa – The quieter of Calpe's two main beaches, this Blue Flag beauty sits on the other side of the rock with equally gorgeous golden sand and calm waters. It's got that lovely family atmosphere and all the facilities you need for a proper beach day.

Culture & History Buffs

🏛️ Baños de la Reina – These ancient Roman fish farming pools carved into the rocks are absolutely brilliant for snorkelling. Legend says a Moorish queen used them as her private baths (hence the name "Queen's Baths"), but they're actually 2nd-century Roman ruins where you can swim among history. The water's turquoise and shallow – proper magical.

🦩 Las Salinas Salt Lakes – Right in the heart of town at the foot of the Peñón, these pink-tinged salt lakes are home to flamingos, herons, and loads of other birds during migration season. There's a lovely circular walking trail around the lakes, and it's completely free. Best time for flamingo spotting is spring and autumn.

Families & Food Lovers

🎣 Calpe Fish Market & Port – Experience the daily fish auction (Monday-Friday, 5-7pm) where local fishermen sell their fresh catch. It's only €1 to watch and gives you a proper taste of authentic Spanish fishing life. The surrounding restaurants serve the freshest seafood you'll ever taste.

🏘️ Calpe Old Town – Wander the charming cobbled streets of the historic centre, perfect for photos and discovering local shops. The atmosphere's lovely and relaxed, with plenty of cafés for a proper Spanish coffee break.

When to Visit Calpe 📅

Peak Season (June-September) ☀️🏖️

This is when Calpe's at its absolute best – temperatures hitting 27-31°C (peaking at 32°C in July!), the Med warming to a gorgeous 22-26°C by August, and barely any rain. You'll get 10-11 hours of sunshine daily, making it perfect for the Peñón de Ifach climb (book ahead – only 300 people per day allowed!), beach days, and exploring the Roman pools. July-August are the busiest and hottest, so if you don't mind a proper scorcher, this is your moment.

What's On:

• Peñón de Ifach hikes walk bathed in sunshine and enjoy the world looking happy (but remember to book early!)

• Swimming in Baños de la Reina Roman pools at their best

• Summer fiestas – San Juan (24th June), Virgen del Carmen (16th July), Virgen de las Nieves (August)

• Beach life at both Arenal-Bol and La Fossa in full swing

Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October) 🌸🍂

Brilliant weather without the peak crowds – April-May sees temperatures climbing from 18-24°C, whilst September-October gives you comfy 25-30°C in September cooling to 20-24°C by October. The sea's still lovely for swimming in September (around 24°C), and you'll get slightly better hotel deals.

What's On:

• Easter Week (March/April) – religious processions depicting "The Passion of the Christ"

• Flamingo migration season – best time for spotting pink flamingos at Las Salinas (spring and autumn)

• Hiking weather a bit cooler but still warm, which some people would say is perfect for coastal trails and Peñón de Ifach (with less competition for those 300 slots)

• Moors & Christians Festival (mid-late October) – elaborate costumes, mock battles, beach storming, parades  

Off-Season (November-March) 🌤️❄️

Calpe gets 325 days of sunshine yearly, so even winter's surprisingly pleasant – think 16-20°C days with about 6-7 hours of sun. December-January are coolest (around 16-17°C), and November's the wettest month (but still only about 16mm of rain). Not beach weather, but brilliant for exploring the old town, Roman ruins, hiking without the heat, and experiencing authentic local life. Hotels are dead cheap, and you'll feel like you've got a private holiday!

What's On:

• Three Kings Parade (5th January) – procession through town distributing gifts and candies

• Carnival (February) – games, street dancing, fancy dress in the old town

• Fallas Fiesta (17-19th March) – huge puppets paraded then set ablaze with fireworks

• Lowest prices on hotels and flights

Top Tip: June-September gives you the best beach weather overall, but April-May and September-October offer that sweet spot of gorgeous temperatures (18-26°C), warm seas and fewer crowds.