CALPE is Benidorm’s humble neighbor. Benidorm is a city of skyscrapers while Calpe is a natural wonder. So if you’re stuck right here in Malaga during winter, better go to Calpe. There are lots of car rentals available in Benidorm or anywhere in Alicante for that. You can even rent a 4×4 or an off-road vehicle here in Calpe. Calpe also has its share of fine beaches but during winter, these beaches are usually deserted because foreigners go back home to their respective countries. A few who remain are the expatriates so if you want to set your wedding at one of the beaches here, that’s some sensation.

Calpe is a very down-to-earth city and people nod at each other when passing the street. And just like any rural area on earth, the folks here tend to be very religious. Since Spain is a predominantly Christian country, people here celebrate Christmas in a very old-fashioned Catholic way. During Advent which starts four Sundays before Christmas, in each parish here in Calpe, one prominent family in the community stands out to light the Advent candle at the altar of the church. A word of caution to our foreign visitors across the Atlantic though – do not be surprised that Catholic churches here in Calpe are adorned with weird and Gothic designs.

These Gothic designs are imitated from the medieval churches of old and have since then become Europe’s main feature as far as church architecture is concerned. Anyway, Calpe is also a fishing village aside from being host to beautiful beaches. And so here you can find in the eateries around Calpe seafood cooked in various forms – sautéed, in broth, grilled, marinated, filleted, etc. One thing is sure though. They make sure that they garnish olive oil in their food. Olive oil and seafood make for a complete Mediterranean diet. You may want to try various sea produce here like oysters, lobsters, clams, mussels, crabs, redfish, grouper, sea bass and salmon. Down your luncheon with sherry and some Spanish delicacies maybe.

To reach Calpe, you can have a road trip all the way from Madrid down here but you can always land at the nearest airport in Alicante. Then after reaching to your hotel and checking in, you can embark on your tour this winter here in Calpe. The most common tourist spot here is El Peñon de Ifach or popularly known by the British tourists as The Rock. There are several tour guides everyday but if you’re with a tour group, this must be pre-arranged prior to your arrival. Otherwise, you can wander into El Peñon de Ifach alone because it is not prohibited. Just don’t alter anything there because the Spanish people are particularly sensitive in their natural resources and attractions. Be a responsible tourist for who knows that you’ll become a resident here by yourself five years from now.

For your convenience, you can actually stay at the nearest three-star hotel from El Peñon de Ifach. The Hotel Sol Ifach has a commanding view of the Rock and it would not hurt if you want to be billeted at one of the rooms there.