Calpe is a beautiful beachside town to visit on Spain’s famous Costa Blanca. We recently spent one month here and absolutely fell in love! So what are the best things to do in Calpe Spain on your first visit? Here’s all about the Calpe beaches, outdoor activities, and places to eat from our own experience.
How to Get to Calpe Spain
Calpe is conveniently located in between the two cities of Alicante and Valencia making it easy to get to. The most inexpensive option would be to fly into one of these major airports and then catch the bus to Calpe Spain.
If you’re arriving in Alicante there is also a transfer company called Beniconnect. We didn’t find out about this great service until our 2nd visit, and have since saved a ton of money! Read all about our experience using the Beniconnect airport shuttle here.
On our first trip, we actually hired a private transfer van from Alicante Airport which took us directly there. The price was 90 Euros, so just know it wasn’t cheap. However, after almost 48 hours of sleepless travel to get to Spain, we were happy just to get there.
If you’re looking to rent a car for your stay we recommend using this website. It allows you to compare the different rates and companies and you can even find great monthly deals.
Having a car is ideal for a stay in Calpe as there are so many other great coastal towns to explore. Two of our favorites to check out nearby are Moraira and Javea. Also, rental cars can be extremely inexpensive in Spain, especially if you are visiting in the off-season.
We’ve booked vehicles after the summer months for just 50 Euros per week! Here’s our complete guide to renting a car at Alicante Airport for your next vacation to Calpe in Spain.
Where to Stay in Calpe Spain
There are a wide range of options when searching for where to stay in Calpe Spain. You can find everything from luxury hotels on the Calpe beaches to hostels, and even stunning villas in the mountains.
We rented a dreamy long-term apartment on Airbnb for our own stay that had a view of the coastline. Below are some accommodations and areas to consider on your own Calpe vacation.
Calpe Old Town: This is one of the most popular parts of Calpe as it’s packed with restaurants, bars, and an amazing beach. If you’re looking for a luxury stay check out Gran Hotel Sol y Mar. It has over a 9.1 score with thousands of reviews. Also, Suitopía – Sol y Mar Suites Hotel is an incredible 4 star hotel with large balcony rooms overlooking the water.
Port of Calpe: If you’re up for somewhere outside of the downtown then Hotel Porto Calpe could be right for you. It’s located in the bustling port area and nearby one of our favorite Calpe beaches. The sea views from their balcony rooms are definitely worth splurging on!
Platja de la Fossa: Most of the buildings on this lovely long beach are actually apartments. Just a block back from the beach is AR Diamante Beach Spa Hotel which is a great option. Definitely be sure to check out these apartments as well if you’d prefer a different style from your standard hotel room.
10 Best Things to do in Calpe Spain
1. Hit the Calpe Beaches
Without a doubt, most of the best things to do in Calpe are around the beaches. We stayed on Playa de la Fossa during our visit and loved every moment. Every day would start with a swim in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea with a unique view of Peñon de Ifach rock.
While we grew partial to Playa de la Fossa, know that there are so many more Calpe beaches to enjoy. Just around the corner will take you to the the glorious Playa de Cantal Roig next to the harbor which was our go to for sunset.
After that, you can head to one of the most popular beaches in Playa del Arenal Bol. This is Calpe’s longest beach which stretches 1.5 kilometers from Cantal Roig to the old town area. The closer you get to Calpe Old Town, the more beach bars and seaside restaurants there are to enjoy.
There are also a number of smaller sandy spots and coves to visit in Calpe Spain. Be sure to check out Playa La Fustera, Platja Mascara, Cala La Calalga, Cala El Raco, and Cala El Collao.
2. Stroll Along the Calpe Spain Boardwalks
Something we really liked about Calpe was how easily accessible the beaches are. Paved walkways stretch along the entire coastline and are specifically scenic on Playa de la Fossa and Playa del Arenal-Bol.
From the concrete walkways, they have wooden paths build down to the water. At the entrance of each one there are also foot wash stations and recycling bins.
One of our favorite things to do in Calpe Spain was take a coastal walk and grab a drink with a view for happy hour. We recommend stopping into Restaurante La Casita Beach during golden hour if you’re passing by Playa de Cantal Roig.
3. Hike El Penon de Ifach Rock
Back to the famous Calpe rock! The unmistakable feature of this Spanish beach town towers high above and can be seen from miles away. It was formed millions of years ago and its peak extends a staggering 332 meters into the sky.
After arriving, we were surprised to learn you can actually climb to the top. There are several hiking trails that wind their way up the mountain through Parque Natural del Peñón de Ifach.
Once you reach the visitors center you will have to go through a cave to reach the summit. We want to stress that this section must be booked in advance on the official website as there are only a limited number of people per day allowed.
El Penon de Ifach is also one of the best places for adventure sport enthusiasts. There are more than 40 rock climbing routes that go up the sides for expert climbers. On a clear day, you may even see paragliders launching themself off the top to the beaches below.
4. Indulge in a Seafood Meal at Calpe Harbor
Calpe Spain is home to countless restaurants which are perfect for seafood lovers. While there are many around town, some of the very best can be found in Calpe Harbor.
Here you will see fresh fish displayed and you can even pick your own meal from the display. Also, keep an eye out for signs for the menu del dia. This 3-course meal is an awesome deal which usually includes a drink and dessert.
If you plan to cook meals for yourself you should definitely make a visit to the Calpe Fish Market. This is where you can buy your own fresh octopus, shrimp, and more at cheap prices.
You can also attend the nightly fish auction that takes place Monday through Friday around 5pm. It’s such an exciting experience to see local fishermen sell their goods to buyers from around the area.
5. Jump on the Calpe Spain Tourist Train
One of the most fun things to do in Calpe Spain is to take the tourist train! This is a great activity for families and it will take you to many of the towns best attractions. It’s even a very convenient way to get from Old Town Calpe to Platja de la Fossa.
The tourist train cost just three Euros for a round-trip ride. We used this instead of the public bus a couple of times just to switch it up.
If you’re starting in Calpe Old Town this is the location of the pick up spot. Know that there will be an updated timetable depending on which season you’re visiting.
6. Explore Calpe Old Town
Even though we stayed on the other side of Calpe in Playa de la Fossa, we made regular trips to Old Town. You can easily spend days here exploring the winding streets and cute cafes.
The real charm is found at the top of Old Town where the walls are adorned with art. This is where many of the best restaurants and bars are located as well.
We were lucky enough to be in Calpe Spain during the Moors and Christians festival in October. Locals dressed in colorful costumes paraded through the streets while traditional music was played. What a great experience!
Stopping at Olé BAR was a common occurrence for us here whenever we needed an afternoon drink. It’s always packed with customers and directly across from the famous Spanish flag steps.
7. See Flamingos at Las Salinas
Tucked directly behind Playa de la Fossa is Calpe’s large salt flats. Every so often, we would walk this back way behind the beach to see the hundreds of flamingos that call Las Salinas home.
Believe it or not, this was once the main source of salt for Calpe and the surrounding area during Roman times. These days a scenic trail leads around the water and is a real highlight for bird watchers.
8. Visit Baños de la Reina
Speaking of Roman ruins, there is another historical site worth seeing in Calpe Spain! Banys de la Reina or “baths of the Moorish queen” are located along the beach near the port. The ruins here date back 2,000 years and show some of the many luxuries the Romans built for themselves.
Excavations also found the Muntanyeta Hot Springs which contained a thermal complex. It showcases traces of Roman baths and the unbelievable engineering of from this time period.
There are also small natural pools under the boardwalk that were once used for fish breeding. Today, these small rock cut outs make a great place for a summer soak in Calpe.
9. Take a Boat Tour From Calpe Spain
By now you know there are so many great things to do in Calpe. Still, if you have time, you should make an expedition to other towns along the coast.
A boat tour is one of the best ways to experience Costa Blanca Spain. Many even have the option to jump in the water and drink sangria as you sail along the coast. Others will take you to nearby historic towns like Altea and Moraira.
One of the most popular options is the Sunset Catamaran Cruise which is a spectacular time to be out on the water. Just know if you are here in the winter season these boat tours can limited.
10. Weekend Fruit and Flea Market
Up for some shopping on your trip to Calpe Spain? Well, you’re in luck if you’re visiting on the weekend!
The Mercadillo Frutas y Verduras is a large Flea Market held every Saturday morning from 9am to 2pm. Here you can find a variety of goods ranging from clothes to jewelry, and much more.
It’s also a great place to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables to bring back to your accommodation. The Saturday market can be found on Avenida Del Norte in Calpe Old Town right near the beach.
Is Calpe Spain Worth Visiting?
Yes! Calpe in Spain is the perfect beach town to enjoy, whether you’re on vacation or with a long-term rental as we did. For us, it was an amazing introduction to Costa Blanca and this beautiful region of Spain.
We loved the mix of Calpe beaches, archaeological sites, old town, and of course all the amazing food options. After our stay, it’s clear that Calpe Spain truly has something for everyone!
Have any questions about this article or want to share more of the best things to do in Calpe Spain? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Spain Travel Planning
Flights: We always find the best flights using Skyscanner. Sometimes it’s even cheaper to fly between cities in Spain then driving or taking the train.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to get around with a vehicle. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Spain road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around Spain. You can book a tour of the Madrid Royal Palace, skip the line entry at Alhambra de Granada, or even jump on a Tenerife Dolphin cruise.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been customers of SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Beaches are definitely on our list when we visit Spain but I didn’t think of hiking Calpe rock! This list has so many gems and ideas on how to maximize time.
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It’s such a beautiful town to visit on Costa Blanca!