Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos)
The October festival celebrates the Holy Cristo del Sudor with spectacular parades and historical reenactments.
PlizioGo
A traditional fish stew. Look for restaurants directly in the fishing port (Lonja) area for the most authentic experience.
A delicious rice dish with peeled seafood. Try it at the traditional rice restaurants near the beach promenades.
The local white shrimp is a true specialty. Order it fresh at a tapas bar in the old town or down by the port.
Held every Saturday. A great place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and clothing near Avenida de Rumania.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the Casco Antiguo to find local ceramics and souvenirs away from the crowds.
A beautiful, paved promenade at the foot of the rock, excellent for a peaceful walk listening to the sea.
A shady pine forest park slightly inland, well-suited for a picnic or a relaxing break on hot days.
Water temperature…
The October festival celebrates the Holy Cristo del Sudor with spectacular parades and historical reenactments.
One of the largest Spanish Oktoberfests featuring Bavarian music, traditional beer, and German gastronomy.
The main August festival features nighttime fireworks, street parades, and the traditional running of the bulls.
A maritime procession honors the patron saint of sailors, followed by floral offerings at sea.
Locals gather at the Arenal-Bol beach to celebrate the shortest night of the year with bonfires.
The spring festival involves the creation and subsequent burning of giant papier-mâché sculptures in the squares.
Calpe is a fascinating blend of ancient history, remarkable nature, and bold modern architecture. Its most striking feature is the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, a gigantic rock connected to the mainland by an isthmus; climbing it has panoramic views as far as Ibiza on clear days. At the foot of the rock lie the ruins of 'Baños de la Reina', a Roman fish farm with basins carved into the stone. In the heart of the town, the Salinas de Calpe salt flats provide a vital habitat for flamingos and other migratory birds. Architecture enthusiasts visit Calpe for Ricardo Bofill's iconic projects, such as the 'Muralla Roja', a bright, postmodern residential labyrinth. The old town is equally welcoming, with cobbled streets adorned with flowers and murals reflecting its history as a coastal defense against pirates.
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 30 | 44 | 45 | 33 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 51 | 51 | 62 | 46 |
See what it looks like near Calpe right now.
Calp › South-east: Peñon de Ifach · 0.6 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Explore Calpe on foot, starting in the picturesque Casco Antiguo with its flowery stairs and narrow streets. Visit the historic fortified church and tower before walking to the world-famous 'Muralla Roja' complex. The afternoon ends relaxingly at 'Baños de la Reina', where you can swim in ancient Roman pools.
In the morning, the narrow streets of the Old Town provide some shelter from the rain. At noon, explore the covered sections of Torre de la Peça. In the afternoon, visit La Muralla Roja, where the colors remain vibrant even under grey skies. The evening ends at the Queen's Baths, where the churning sea offers a dramatic backdrop.
On a clear winter morning, the air in the Old Town is refreshing. At noon, the mild sun warms the church square. In the afternoon, the colors of La Muralla Roja glow intensely in the low sunlight. Before the early sunset, enjoy the tranquility at the Queen's Baths without the summer crowds.
Cycle along the Paseo Ecológico and enjoy the sea breeze. The route takes you past the Salinas, where flamingos are often seen. After a visit to the lively port and the ancient Roman baths, return to the heart of the city to see the watchtower.
Paseo Ecológico requires full concentration on a rainy morning due to slippery sections. At noon, the Salinas look particularly mystical under a cloudy sky. In the afternoon, head to the port where fishing boats seek shelter. End the day at Torre de la Peça while parking the bikes securely.
A fresh breeze accompanies us in the morning along the Paseo Ecológico. At noon, rest by the Salinas and observe the flamingos in their winter quarters. In the afternoon, the port is pleasantly quiet for a bike break. Finally, we cycle up to Torre de la Peça and enjoy the warm evening light.
Start with a hike up the Peñón de Ifach for an unbeatable view. Then head to the Salinas and the Roman baths. Marvel at the Muralla Roja and end the day in the winding streets of the old town, where you can feel the true Spanish way of life.
In the morning, drive to Peñón de Ifach, whose peak is often shrouded in clouds. At noon, the Salinas offer a good view of the flamingos from the car. In the afternoon, use the car as a base for short excursions to the Queen's Baths and La Muralla Roja. In the evening, park near the Old Town for a cozy finish.
In the morning, enjoy the crisp air at Peñón de Ifach. At noon, head to the Salinas, where the winter light illuminates the flamingos perfectly. In the afternoon, visit the Queen's Baths and La Muralla Roja under the low sun. In the evening, easily find parking for a stroll through the quiet Old Town.
May and October deliver 22-26C and half-empty beaches around Penyal d'Ifac. July-August get hot and the promenade is packed, with restaurant bookings essential. Winter stays mild enough for hiking, though the 14C sea is for hardy souls only.
Calpe rates as very safe, most issues are pickpocketing on Playa de la Fossa in peak season. The Penyal d'Ifac climb needs sturdy shoes, with the final stretch a secured via ferrata. Never leave luggage visible in rental cars around Cala del Penyal.
Over 30 percent of Calpe residents speak German or English, and menus are almost always multilingual. Still, a 'Bona vesprada' in the afternoon opens doors with the Valencian regulars. Locals appreciate a 'gracies' instead of the Castilian 'gracias'.
On the coast of Calpe, Playa de la Fossa delights visitors with fine sand and excellent water quality. An unforgettable highlight is the direct view of the imposing Peñón de Ifach rock rising majestically from the sea. Anyone seeking a lively beach atmosphere during the summer will find it here.
