Calpe

Calpe, or Calp in Valencian, is a large yet traditional Spanish town located centrally on the Costa Blanca coast in the Alicante region, 45 minutes north of Alicante airport 75 minutes south of Valencia airport. It has excellent shops, restaurants, bars, attractive harbour, charming "old town" and wonderful promenades linking all the sandy beaches.

There is a lovely family-friendly and festive atmosphere - especially on the promenades and in the evenings when the old town comes to life with traditional Spanish musicians and quality craft stalls - perfect for gifts to take home.

Calpe is famous for its sandy beaches and its dramatic "Peñón d’Ifach" rock feature that stretches out to sea and stands over 1000 feet (300m) tall. Historically the Peñón was a natural lookout and helped control the region. The peak can be reached via a zigzagging path and offers tremendous views of Calpe and along the Costa Blanca.

Calpe's transformation from an ancient fishing village to popular tourist destination hasn't lost its charm thanks to the efforts made to preserve the charming old town and many of the historical sites such as the Roman baths (Els Banys de la Reina), Gothic Catholic church and the tower of La Peça, dating from the 18th century. Other important sites include the Peñón d’Ifach natural park and also the flooded salt flats which are now a sanctuary for migratory birds.

The mountain ranges surrounding Calpe mean is blessed with a micro-climate that provides over 2800 hours (325 days) sunshine per year, with many warm and sunny winter days.

The mountains also enhance the spectacular scenery and offer many routes for hikers and cyclists. It is here in villages, restaurants and wineries where you can really see what Spain was like years ago, with its customs, traditions and landscape.

Calpe has a fantastic variety of restaurants and the quality and value is amazing! The harbour area is renowned for its fish restaurants; along the promenades restaurants hand out glasses of sangria as you admire all the dishes; in the old town are many smaller restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes; in the Italian area you will find homemade pasta and pizza; and the steaks are excellent everywhere!

Calpe is the perfect base for exploring. Highlights include the medieval Castle of Denia and village of Guadalest up in the mountains, the old towns of Altea, Moraira and Javea, the wine cellars in the Jalon valley, waterfalls at Bolulla, Caves at Benidoleig and Canalobre, international shows in the renowned Benidorm Palace and the Casino Mediterráneo at Villajoyosa, the Montgo National Park.

Whether you want a quiet holiday or a fun-packed one, there is something for everyone.