Calpe vacation packages

How to reach Calpe

• Flights: Travelers to Calpe typically fly into Alicante Airport. You can book flights to Alicante from various locations, including major international airports.

• Transfers: From Alicante Airport, you can reach Calpe by bus, taxi, or car rental. The bus journey takes about 2 hours with a transfer in Benidorm, while a taxi ride is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• Cost: A single bus ticket costs around $11, and a taxi fare is roughly $110. Car rentals average around $27 per day.

Weather and best time to visit Calpe

Calpe is a pleasant destination throughout the year. Your ideal visiting time will depend on your weather preferences and budget.

• March to May provides mild temperatures from 59°F to 68°F. It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing with minimal crowds.

• June to August is sunny and warm, ranging from 77°F to 86°F. Expect busy beaches and a vibrant atmosphere filled with events and festivals.

• September to November offers comfortable weather between 68°F and 77°F. It's perfect for enjoying the beach and sightseeing, with fewer tourists.

• December to February features mild winters with temperatures from 50°F to 59°F. There’s more rain in December and January, but plenty of sunny days remain for exploring.

Practical information

• Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English. It’s helpful to know a few basic Spanish phrases.

• Customs: Calpe offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a laid-back vacation. Siestas are common, so expect shops to close in the afternoon and reopen in the evening. Dinner is usually served late, around 9 PM.

• Currency: The Euro is the local currency. ATMs are widespread, and major credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Taxis are reasonably priced, with fares within the town ranging from about $9 to $11. A single bus ticket costs about $1.65. Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the region.

• Electricity: The standard voltage is 230 volts with European-type plugs. Travelers from the US will need an adapter.

• Time zone: Calpe operates on Central European Time, which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Calpe

Calpe, perched on a rocky headland adorned with secret coves and long sandy beaches caressed by the Mediterranean, is a favorite with vacationers due to its natural beauty, historical sites, and charming old town.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Peñón de Ifach: This famous limestone rock is a natural park offering panoramic views of Calpe and the Mediterranean. The hike to the top is challenging but rewarding.

• Mirador Monte Toix: This viewpoint, a short drive from Calpe, provides stunning views of the rugged coast and mountains, especially beautiful at sunset.

The best districts

• Old Town: Calpe’s Old Town is enchanting with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and historical buildings. It’s full of restaurants and shops, with an artistic vibe thanks to murals painted on the walls.

• La Fossa Beach: With lively beach bars, restaurants, and shops, bustling La Fossa is a great spot to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a meal, or relax on the sandy beach.

Parks and gardens

• Peñón de Ifach Natural Park: Home to salt flats and a variety of bird species, including flamingos, this natural park is an excellent place for walking, bird-watching, and exploring the unique landscape.

Historical monuments

• Baños de la Reina: This intriguing archaeological site features remains of ancient Roman thermal baths and other structures.

• Torreó de la Peça: Located in the Old Town, this 15th-century tower is part of Calpe’s ancient fortifications and offers a sense of the town’s history along with great views.

Day trips in the area

• Altea: A short drive from Calpe, this picturesque town is known for its charming old white-washed houses and stunning sea views.

• Guadalest: With breathtaking views, a castle, and several interesting museums, the hilltop village of Guadalest is around an hour’s drive from Calpe but worth the trip.

• Jalon Valley: Renowned for its vineyards, the Jalon Valley makes for a relaxing day excursion. Take a walk through the beautiful countryside, visit a local winery, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the village eateries.

• Benidorm: One of the most popular areas in Spain and a short ride from Calpe. Be sure to visit this coastal town and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Activities for families in Calpe

Calpe vacations offer plenty of activities for families, ensuring parents and children of all ages are entertained.

• Beaches: With 14 beaches and coves, Calpe offers many spots for a family swim. Check out the urban beaches of Arenal-Bol and La Fossa-Levante if you’re looking for soft sand and shallow water where kids can play safely.

• Aquarium and zoos: For a fun and educational family outing, visit the Mundomar in nearby Benidorm, home to various marine life and exotic birds. Also in Benidorm, the Terra Natura wildlife park and Aqua Natura waterpark sit next to each other. Terra’s wildlife encounters are engaging, while Aqua’s water slides offer a cool break.

• Boat trips: Kids love boat trips: glass-bottom boats cruise around the Peñon de Ifach for fish watching, and pirate-themed boat trips are especially popular with children.

Free things to do in Calpe

Enjoying Calpe doesn’t have to be expensive. You can still have a great vacation without spending a dime if you know where to look.

• Free events: A vacation in Calpe might coincide with one of the cultural events or festivals held throughout the year. Don’t miss the Moors and Christians festival in July, featuring parades, music, and fireworks.

• Local markets: Browsing the stalls at Calpe Market, held every Saturday, is a great way to spend a couple of hours. It costs nothing to soak in the atmosphere, and you might even get free samples of local food.

• Hiking: Explore the natural beauty of Calpe by hiking the free trails around the Peñón de Ifach. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

• Watch the sunset: Visit the Mirador Monte Toix to catch incredible sunset views. Bring a blanket, and as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the ocean, sit back and enjoy the free show.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the nearby Parque Natural del Peñón de Ifach, which offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s unique ecology.

• Water sports: Calpe is perfect for water activities. Try snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals and lessons available.

• Cycling: Popular scenic cycling routes around Calpe include the stretch from Calpe to Moraira and the more challenging trek to Sierra de Bernia.

• Sailing and fishing: For a day of sailing, boats are available to charter, or if fishing is your thing, join a trip to see what you can catch in the waters around Calpe.

Local dishes in Calpe

One of the great pleasures of vacations in Calpe is indulging in all the culinary delights that make it one of Costa Blanca's top foodie destinations.

Some typical dishes

• Paella: A famous Spanish dish, you'll find excellent seafood paellas in Calpe made with fresh local ingredients, including the rich flavor of saffron.

• Arroz a banda: A local favorite, this traditional rice dish is cooked in fish stock and served with aioli.

Tapas dishes

• Patatas bravas: These spicy fried potatoes served with a tangy tomato sauce are a staple in tapas bars.

• Calamares a la romana: Deep-fried squid rings, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served with lemon and aioli.

• Gambas al ajillo: Fresh prawns sizzled in garlic oil to make a seafood lover's dream come true.

Meat dishes

• Cordero asado: This roast lamb dish, typically cooked with herbs and garlic, is often enjoyed on special occasions.

• Pollo al ajillo: A simple but delicious dish of chicken with plenty of garlic.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fritura de pescado: Perfect for sharing, this mixed platter of fried fish and seafood is popular for lunch on the beach.

• Atún a la plancha: Fresh and light, grilled tuna steak served with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, is ideal for a summer meal.

Sweets and desserts

No visit to Calpe would be complete without indulging in churros, deep-fried dough sticks dipped in thick chocolate. Another popular sweet treat is turrón, a local nougat made from almonds and honey.

Local drinks

• Agua de Valencia: Made with orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for a sunny day.

• Horchata: A refreshing, creamy drink made from tiger nuts that's typically consumed with fartons, a type of pastry.