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15 Top Things to Do In Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain
Calpe is the perfect destination on the Costa Blanca for those looking to combine relaxing beach days with outdoor activities and a charming old town. It’s perfect for hiking, bird watching, swimming, sunbathing, or simply exploring a beautiful old town.
While it’s possible to experience most of the best things to do in Calpe on a day trip, I recommend staying at least one night to make your visit more enjoyable and less stressful, as some of the attractions are quite spread out.
There are three main areas in Calpe, the old town, the beach promenade, and the rock of Ifach, each offering a unique experience.
Top Things to Do in Calpe
1. Take Pictures of Carrer Puchalt
The most Instagrammable street in Calpe old town is without a doubt Carrer Puchalt. The steps leading up this narrow alley are painted in the colors of the Spanish flag. It’s the perfect photo spot in Calpe.
Just be mindful while taking pictures on this beautiful street that people actually live in the buildings here.
2. Admire the Street Art at Placa del Mosquit
My second favorite spot in the old town, after these cool steps, is the Placa del Mosquit. There’s an amazing street art piece on a building wall, along with some benches in front.
You can rest on the benches, have a drink nearby, or simply just stroll past to admire the street art.
3. Explore the Rest of Calpe Old Town
Take some time to explore the rest of Calpe’s old town. You’ll find picturesque streets adorned with crochet patterns, providing shade for pedestrians.
And there are plenty of beautiful, narrow streets in the old town lined with colorful buildings. Just wander around and keep your eyes open. I even found some trees with scarfs and crochet animals decorating them.
Don’t miss area around Placa de la villa, there are historic city walls, a modern church and more narrow streets.
4. Stroll Down the Promenade
The promenade in Calpe is a great place for a leisurely stroll, taking in the views of the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the way, making it a perfect spot to enjoy some delicious Spanish cuisine while people watching.
5. Relax on the Beach
The two main beaches, Playa del Arenal-Bol and Playa del Cantal Roig, feel like one massive stretch of a beautiful, sandy beach.
Conjunto Arqueológico Los Baños de La Reina are Roman ruins in the ocean, with the ancient fish farm resembling smaller pools in the sea.
A smaller beach by the marina is Cala el Racó. It’s a rocky beach filled with pebbles.
All the beaches can get a bit crowded in the summer months, but they are very beautiful with the view of Penon de Ifach.
6. Take a Picture With the City Letters
Next to the beach are the city letters of Calpe, made from recycled ocean plastic. It’s the perfect photo spot in this coastal town.
7. Shop at the Evening Market (Only in Summer)
In summer there’s a daily market from 7pm to 1am next to the beach at the end of Calle Alemania.
You’ll find a variety of stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to souvenirs and local products.
8. Eat a Delicious Smoothie Bowl
The best food on a hot day is a smoothie bowl and cold-pressed juice at PLANT SHACK. This Spanish chain has multiple locations, and the one in Calpe is near the beach, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing snack on a hot beach day.
9. Spot Flamingos at the Salines de Calp
The Salines de Calp are salt flats in the city that are home to a large population of flamingos. You can walk along the shores and watch the birds. It’s incredible how close the flamingos are to you.
Be sure to take your trash with you, it’s a shame that not everyone does so, there’s some trash lying around near the shore.
10. Stroll Through the Marina
The marina in Calpe is a great place to take a stroll and see the boats and yachts. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stalls nearby.
From the marina you can also set off on a boat tour to explore the nearby area.
11. Go Hiking at Penon de Ifach
The iconic Penon de Ifach rock is a must-visit in Calpe. You can hike to the top for stunning views of the town and coastline.
Be prepared for a somewhat challenging hike, as it involves steep inclines and narrow paths. You definitely need good foot ware for the hike and in summer you even need a permit to hike up the mountain. But the views from the top are worth it.
Great Things to Do Near Calpe
12. Walk the Passeig Ecològic de Benissa
Another great hiking opportunity near Calpe is the Passeig Ecològic de Benissa. It’s a 5.5km long coastal trail connecting Calpe and Benissa, that takes you through beautiful landscapes and views of the sea.
The hike runs along the coastline and is quite easy. It’s also a great choice for families or anyone seeking a more relaxed hiking experience.
13. Enjoy the View from Mirador Morro de Toix
For some unique views of Calpe, head to Mirador Morro de Toix. It’s a cliff top viewpoint at the other side of the bay from Penon de Ifach.
You’ll get breathtaking views of the town and the Penon de Ifach in the back.
14. Visit a Russian Orthodox Church
One of the most unique things to do near Calpe when you have a car available is to visit the Russian orthodox church, St Michael Arcangel.
The church was built in 2007 for the many Russian expats and vacation home owners. Adorned with golden domes and intricate details, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture or religious sites.
15. Do a Day Trip to Altea
If you have extra time in Calpe, consider a day trip to nearby towns on Costa Blanca. Here’s a list of some close options:
- Altea – a charming town known for its white-washed buildings and blue domed church.
- Fonts de l’Algar – a stunning natural waterfall and swimming spot. It can get crowded in summer, but during the shoulder seasons, it’s one of the best activities in Costa Blanca.
- Guadalest – a picturesque Spanish village with stunning views from the castle.
- Javea – another popular coastal town known for its beaches and shopping opportunities.
- Denia – the most northern town on the Costa Blanca known for its towering castle on a hill top.
Where to Stay in Calpe
The most Instagrammable stay in Calpe is undoubtedly La Muralla Roja, a colorful, cube-shaped apartment complex designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill in the 1970s. Staying there is the only way to experience this unique building from the inside.
🤩 Check prices and availability for this unique accomodation!
There are also plenty of great accommodation options in the old town of Calpe:
Final Thoughts: Is Calpe Worth Visiting?
All in all, yes Calpe is definitely worth visiting. I loved the picturesque old town, the beautiful beaches, and the great hiking opportunities.
It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a beach vacation with some cultural and outdoor activities mixed in. And with all the nearby towns and attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay in Calpe.
Don’t forget to check out my post about the best towns on Costa Blanca for more amazing destinations to explore during your trip!
Read more about Costa Blanca:
- 10 Top Costa Blanca Cities and Towns to Visit
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Alicante, Spain
- Is Alicante Worth Visiting? The Answer Surprised Me!
- 11 Best Things to Do in Benidorm: Beaches, Views, and More
- Is Benidorm Worth Visiting? Only If You Have Kids or Want to Party
- Top Beaches in Benidorm Within Walking Distance of the City Center
- Top Things to Do in Villajoyosa: Hidden Gem on Costa Blanca
- 15 Top Things to Do In Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain
- 13 Absolute Best Things to Do in Torrevieja, Spain
- How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain
- Top Things to Do in Altea: The Stunning White Town of Costa Blanca
- 9 Top Things to Do in Dénia: Travel Guide to The Coastal City
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