Calpe for the Busy: a guide to the city's highlights

Calpe for the Busy: a guide to the city's highlights

April 11, 2025

Calpe, a charming town on the Costa Blanca, is a true jewel of the Spanish coast that combines a wealth of history with the charms of a seaside resort. For busy tourists who want to get to know the highlights of the place in a short time, we have prepared a guide to the key points of Calpe. From ancient ruins to bustling beaches, from the picturesque old town to natural wonders, Calpe has much to offer even the most discerning traveler. Our guide will help you plan your time effectively and not miss any of the main attractions of this fascinating city.

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Ancient heritage and natural wonders

Start our journey with 'Conjunto Arqueológico Los Baños de La Reina', a fascinating archaeological complex that will take you back to Roman times. These ancient baths, rock-carved pools, once served as a fish farm, and today are a great place to cool off and snorkel. With a 4.3-star rating, this place impresses with its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. Remember proper footwear and snorkeling gear to fully enjoy this unique experience.

Another spot on the map is the 'Calpe Saltmine', a remarkable salt lake that attracts not only tourists but also a variety of birds, including majestic flamingos. With an impressive 4.6-star rating, this place offers incredible views and wildlife watching opportunities. A walk around the lake is a great opportunity to take unique photos and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

When comparing the two attractions, it's worth noting that while Baños de La Reina offers a more active water and history experience, Calpe Saltmine is a quieter, more contemplative attraction, ideal for nature and photography enthusiasts. Both locations are easily accessible and don't take long to explore, making them ideal for busy tourists.

For those who prefer an urban setting, an unmissable spot on the Calpe map is 'Old Town' - the old town, which, with a 4.8-star rating, is the true heart and soul of this seaside resort. Narrow, colorful streets, traditional fishermen's houses and charming squares create a magical atmosphere that takes you back in time. It's the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, during which you can savor the local architecture, shop in cozy little stores or simply enjoy the Spanish atmosphere with a cup of coffee in one of the numerous cafes.

The old town of Calpe also offers a wealth of gastronomy - in the evening it comes alive with numerous restaurants serving local delicacies. This is a great opportunity to try traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. For those who enjoy nightlife, the area also offers bars and discos where you can party late into the night.

Compared to the previously mentioned attractions, the Old Town offers the most comprehensive experience - combining elements of history, culture, gastronomy and entertainment. It's a place where you can spend both a few hours and a whole day, depending on your preferences and available time. It's also an attraction that requires no special preparation or equipment, making it ideal for spontaneous explorers.

Sacred monuments and fortifications

Continuing our tour of Calpe, we can't miss the 'Església antiga de Calp' - an old church that bears witness to the town's rich religious history. With an impressive 4.7 star rating, this monument combines elements of mudéjar Gothic with contemporary architecture. This church is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of history and sacred art. Of note is the combination of the old and new church, which creates a unique sacred space. Admission to the church is free, making it accessible to all visitors.

Nearby is the 'Torreó de la Peça', a section of the old fortified walls with a distinctive tower. This site, rated 4.4 stars, although small, is an important part of Calpe's historic landscape. The defense tower is a reminder of the region's turbulent past and the need for protection against invasions from the sea. Although the interior is not open to the public, the exterior view alone and the opportunity to walk around the walls give an idea of the town's former defense system.

When comparing the two monuments, it's worth noting that while the church offers a rich interior and an opportunity to learn about the religious history of the region, Torreó de la Peça focuses more on the military and defensive aspects. Both sites, however, are crucial to understanding the full history of Calpe and provide an interesting contrast: the sacred and the profane of the former town.

For those who want a quick overview of Calpe's history, the combination of a visit to the church and a walk around the defensive walls provides a great overview of the city's cultural heritage. Both monuments are close to each other, making it easy to visit even in a short time.

At the end of our trip, we can't forget the main attraction of Calpe - the beach. 'Calpe beach' with a rating of 4.7 stars is a place that attracts tourists from all over the world. Golden sand, crystal clear water and an impressive view of the famous Peñón de Ifach rock create the perfect conditions for relaxation and recreation. The beach in Calpe offers not only swimming and sunbathing, but also a range of water and sports activities.

The beach infrastructure is well developed - you will find numerous bars, restaurants and beach equipment rentals. This is an ideal place for both families with children and couples looking for a romantic sunset. It's worth noting that the beach is accessible all year round, although of course it is most vibrant during the summer season.

Comparing the beach to the previously discussed attractions, it is undoubtedly the most versatile place in Calpe. While the monuments and museums have specific opening hours, the beach is available 24/7 and offers a variety of activities, from quiet relaxation to active recreation. It's also a place where you can spend either a few hours or a whole day, depending on your preference.

All in all, Calpe offers a unique combination of history, culture and nature. From ancient baths and a salt lake, to a charming old town and sacred monuments, to beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone. Even if you're a busy tourist, you can experience the essence of this fascinating town on the Costa Blanca in a short period of time.

Practical tips for visiting Calpe

To make the most of your time in Calpe, it's a good idea to plan your visit with a few practical tips in mind. First of all, the best way to experience the city is to combine sightseeing with relaxing on the beach.

Start with the 'Conjunto Arqueológico Los Baños de La Reina'. It is best to visit this place early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the sun is not so intense. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on the rocks and snorkeling gear if you want to admire the underwater life. There is a fee to enter the dig site, but prices are affordable (as of 2023).

Calpe Saltmine' is best visited at sunrise or sunset, when the light is best for photography and the flamingos are most active. Admission to the lake area is free, making it an attractive destination for travelers on a budget.

A visit to 'Old Town' is best planned for late afternoon or evening, when the heat has eased a bit and the restaurants and bars begin to bustle. It's worth booking a table at one of the local restaurants to enjoy traditional dishes such as paella or seafood.

Església antiga de Calp' and 'Torreó de la Peça' can be visited during the day, remembering to dress appropriately when entering the church. It's worth checking the opening hours, as they can change depending on the season.

Calpe beach' is of course available all day, but is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the intense midday sun. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the beach, which greatly enhances your vacation.

Comparing all these attractions in terms of availability and cost, it is worth noting that most of them are free or require a small fee. The most costly may be renting equipment on the beach or eating at restaurants in the old town. However, overall, Calpe offers many attractions accessible to any budget.

As for transportation between attractions, most are within walking distance, especially within the old town. For further distances, consider renting a bicycle or using local public transportation.

When planning your visit, keep in mind the siesta - the traditional afternoon break when many stores and some attractions may be closed. It usually lasts from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, but hours can vary from place to place.

For those with very limited time, we suggest the following itinerary: start the day with a visit to Baños de La Reina, then drive to Calpe Saltmine for a short walk. In the afternoon, explore the old town, combining this with a visit to the church and at the fortified walls. End the day relaxing on the beach and having dinner at one of the seaside restaurants.

Remember that Calpe is a city that is best explored slowly, savoring its atmosphere. Even if you only have one day, try to find a moment to take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the old town or relax on the beach overlooking the Peñón de Ifach. It is these moments that often become the most treasured memories of a trip.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast or simply looking to relax on the beach, Calpe has something to offer. With the right planning, even in a short period of time, you can experience the essence of this charming seaside town on the Costa Blanca.

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