Located on Spain's Costa Blanca, this Mediterranean coastal town has turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and the iconic Rock of Ifach rising 332m from the sea.
The limestone Rock of Ifach rises 332 meters above Calp's Mediterranean coastline. This coastal town has two Blue Flag beaches, a 15th-century church built into medieval walls, and Roman baths dating back to the 2nd century. You can climb to the rock's summit for views stretching to Ibiza, watch flamingos at the salt flats, or join locals at the daily fish market where boats unload their catch.
Getting to Calp
You can reach Calp from Alicante Airport (65 km away) or Valencia Airport. From Alicante, take a 2-hour bus ride or drive for about an hour. The journey from Valencia takes 4.5 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by car. Within Calp, most attractions are within walking distance, but taxis are available for longer trips.
The Rock of Ifach
This limestone monolith rises 332 meters above sea level and forms part of a protected nature reserve. A hiking trail leads through a tunnel in the rock to the summit, where you can see the coastline and, on clear days, Ibiza. The path becomes steep and challenging after the tunnel, with minimal safety features - proper hiking shoes are essential.
Beaches and Swimming
Two main beaches stretch along either side of the Rock of Ifach. Playa de la Fossa extends north of the rock, while Arenal-Bol Beach runs south. Both beaches have earned Blue Flag status for their environmental standards and water quality. The water remains calm most days, making it suitable for swimming and paddling.
The Old Town
The historic center sits on a hill above the coast, a location chosen centuries ago as protection from pirate raids. The narrow streets contain houses painted in yellows and whites, many with geranium-filled balconies. Small squares dot the area, and at its heart stands the Iglesia Antigua, a 15th-century church incorporated into the original town walls. The streets around Plaza de la Villa contain well-preserved medieval buildings with gothic arches and stone facades.
Roman Ruins and Archaeological Sites
The Baños de la Reina (Queen's Baths) date from the 2nd-3rd century AD. These partially submerged ruins were once part of a Roman villa and fish factory. You can swim in some of the ancient pools. Near the old town, you'll find remains of the medieval settlement Pobla d'Ifac, with ruins of houses and fortifications from the 13th century.
Salt Flats and Wildlife
Las Salinas, the salt flats near the center of town, attract migrating birds throughout the year. A walking trail circles the flats, where flamingos often wade in the shallow waters. The salt production here was essential to Calp's fishing industry, helping preserve the daily catch.
Local Food
The fishing port remains active, and you can watch boats bring in their catch each afternoon around 5 PM at the fish market. The restaurants around the port serve fresh seafood dishes like arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock) and caldero (fish stew). Many local dishes combine seafood with rice grown in nearby Valencia.
Day Trips from Calp
Several towns lie within a short drive. Altea, 10 kilometers away, has whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches. Benidorm is 25 minutes south, while Villajoyosa, known for its houses painted in bright reds, blues, and yellows, is 30 minutes away. The mountain village of Guadalest sits beneath a castle built on a rocky outcrop, about an hour's drive inland.
