WHERE IS CALPE

Calpe is a located on the South Eastern part of Spain, in the province of Alicante, specifically in the La Marina Alta region. Altea borders Calpe on the south and Javea on the North. It is one of the provinces or villages that comprise the world renowned Costa Blanca, a long strip of white sandy beaches that starts just below Valencia, snakes its way down the Alicante, to Murcia down south. Calpe is in the northern half of the Costa Blanca and, the incredible Rock of Ilfach, one of the unofficial icons that represent Costa Blanca, marks the start of the township. Calpe’s natural terrain is characteristic of the upper half of Costa Blanca: golden sandy beaches at one side, and rugged mountains at the other.

The total land mass of Calpe is just about 23 km2 and about 22,500 people, majority of which are foreigners, call this village their home. There are cheap flights to Alicante from where you can take the car or the bus: Car hire Alicante.

CALPE’S HISTORY

Calpe’s history is as rich and as its culture. It has, even in ancient times, attracted many travelers and soon, the colonies of Roman citizens, whose main source of livelihood was the trade of dried and salted fish to passers-bys, were established in Calpe. The trade of seafood, however, evolved into farming, and by the middle ages, Calpe had several smaller settlements which focused on working the soil. The peaceful lives of the residents of Calpe were disturbed from the 14th to the 17th centuries, when pirates repeatedly ransacked and ravaged the area. In the 18th century, however, Calpe was able to rebuild itself and rise above the ashes of destruction. Progress continued and in the 19th century, Calpe began welcoming visitors. This marked the gradual shift of the area’s main industry: from farming to tourism.

CALPE TODAY

The quiet fishing village of Calpe has now evolved into one of the prime tourist destinations in Spain and Europe. Today, it is home to several local artists and, by virtue of its ideal location, is still a popular port among seafaring vessels. Aside from having several Blue Flag Beaches, Calpe offers the insatiable tourist with scenic streets that line typical Spanish squares, views of homes with tree lined terraces, spectacular vistas of vineyards, and historic monuments. What makes Calpe more appealing is that the citizens were able to incorporate the new without having to sacrifice the old. Modern avant-garde buildings and high-end establishments are also present at this old fishing village.

The mighty El Penon de Ifach, also known as the Rock of Ifach, is one of the symbols that represent the coastal paradise of Costa Blanca. It rests just at the northern corner of the gently-curved bay of La Marina Alta and marks the start of the township of Calpe. This magnificent rock structure which juts out from the ground at a height of 332 metres and extends a kilometer into the sea is, not only the focal point of the area, and the pride and joy of the natives of Calpe – it is also the habitat of several species of plants and animals. Examples of endemic plants that grow abundantly at the Rock include the rockrose, tree germander and the Ifach campion (Ifach Carnation).

Unlike other rock formations and mountains, El Penon de Ifach is open to the public. It is one of the favorite spots for climbing or mountaineering enthusiasts. The summit can be reached by foot, through several routes however, for the amateur climber a footpath has been built into the mountain itself. From the peak, those who persisted in the climb would be rewarded for their efforts by having an awe-inspiring, unparalleled view of Costa Blanca. It has been said that the on a clear day one would be able to catch a glimpse of the nearby island of Ibiza. Visitors at El Penon de Ifach must, however, take extreme precaution when they go up this rock formation. In 1987, the government; in a drive to protect the flora and fauna that live on El Penon de Ifach, and to protect the migrating birds that seek shelter at the mountain, declared the site a National Park.

The commanding outline of El Penon de Ifach set against a backdrop of cerulean Mediterranean skies with clean white beaches and cool, crystal waters at its feet is truly a sight to behold. This breathtaking view coupled with the laid-back lifestyle, culturally rich historical streets and vistas, and the accessibility of modern facilities and amenities are the reasons why foreigners opt to relocate at this quiet coastal village. These are also the reasons why Calpe is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain and in Europe.

Nestled within the city of Calpe is a place which locals and tourists fondly call “Old Town”. This area is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination because of it’s of museums and well maintained old-style picturesque streets and town squares which provide a charming contrast to the more modern restaurants and bars that are seen along the area.

Interesting sights in the Old Town include the Forat de la Mar Gateway, an exterior wall surrounding Calpe which was breached in May 1813 when the French Army attacked the city. Further into the old town is the Torreon de la Peca, a tower which served to defend the town. The “la Peca” a piece of artillery, would have been placed in this tower and the tower was named after this armament. Today, the Torreon de la Peca houses two of four Swedish canons which date back to the 18th Century. Of the two canons in the Tower, one was unearthed from Calpe’s port.

The Parish Church of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves is located in the centre of the Old Town. The Parish Church was built between 1973 and 1975 and people flock to the church not only to pay their respects but to admire the intricate stained glass and mosaic murals that decorate the church interior. Next to the Parish Church is the Iglesia Antigua. The Iglesia Antigua (sometimes referred to as Iglesia Vieja) is a small church built in the Gothic-Mudejar style, probably the only church of its kind in the entire region. The edifice was built in the 14th century and first served as a fortress. A century later, it was transformed into a place of worship with its net vault and horse-shoe arches acting as its main features.

Other places of note in the Old Town include the Fisherman’s Square, the Arrabal and several Museums including the Museum of Collections, Museum of Archeology, the Mural Mosaic, and the Festivities Museum. With all these fascinating places all within walking distance from each other, it is no wonder that the Old Town of Calpe is reaping the praise and admiration of members of the local and international community.