Calpe holidays

Local dishes in Calpe

One of the great pleasures of holidays to Calpe is indulging in all the culinary delights that make it one of Costa Blanca’s best 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 flavour of saffron.

• Arroz a Banda: A local favourite, 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 are 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.

Best things to do in Calpe

Calpe, sitting on a rocky headland dotted with secret coves and long sandy beaches lapped by the Mediterranean, is a hit with holidaymakers due to its natural beauty, historical sites and attractive old town.

Viewpoints and panoramas

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

• Mirador Monte Toix: This viewpoint, a short drive from Calpe, offers amazing views of the rugged coast and mountains; the vistas are especially beautiful at sunset.

The best districts

• Old Town: The Old Town of Calpe is charming with its narrow streets, brightly coloured houses and old buildings. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, and the area has an artistic vibe with murals painted on the walls.

• La Fossa Beach: Teeming with lively beach bars, restaurants and shops, bustling La Fossa is a terrific place to take in the atmosphere, enjoy a meal, or unwind 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 outstanding place for walking, bird-watching and exploring the distinctive landscape.

Historical monuments

• Baños de la Reina: At this intriguing archaeological site, the remains of the ancient Roman thermal baths and other structures can be observed.

• Torreó de la Peça: Standing in the Old Town, this 15th-century tower is part of Calpe’s old fortifications, and provides a sense of the town’s history as well as great views.

Day trips in the area

• Altea: Just a short drive from Calpe, this eye-catching town is well known for its quaint old white-washed houses and stunning sea views. Discover our holidays to Altea.

• 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 journey.

• Jalon Valley: The Jalon Valley is renowned for its vineyards, and makes for a relaxing day excursion. Take a walk through the beautiful countryside, stop at a local winery, or have a leisurely lunch at one of the village’s eateries.

• Benidorm: Probably one of the most popular areas in Spain and a short ride from Calpe. Make sure you visit this coastal town and enjoy the vibrant nightlife the city has to offer. Check our cheap holidays to Benidorm.

Activities for families in Calpe

Calpe holidays offer plenty of activities in the town or the local vicinity, keeping parents and children of all ages entertained.

• Beaches: With 14 beaches and coves, Calpe has plenty of places to enjoy a swim with the kids. Visit the urban beaches of Arenal-Bol and La Fossa-Levante if you want soft sand and shallow water where children can play safely.

• Aquarium and zoos: For a fun and educational day out for the whole family, visit the Mundomar in nearby Benidorm. The animal park is home to a variety of marine life and exotic birds. Also in Benidorm, the wildlife park Terra Natura and waterpark Aqua Natura are next to each other. While Terra’s wildlife encounters are engaging, Aqua’s water slides provide a welcome opportunity to cool off.

• Boat trips: Kids love boat trips: glass-bottom boats cruise around the Peñon de Ifach allowing you to admire the schools of fish in the area, while the pirate-themed boat trips are particularly popular with children.

Free things to do in Calpe

Enjoying Calpe doesn’t have to break the bank. If you know where to look, you can still have a great holiday without paying out a single Euro.

• Free events: A holiday in Calpe is likely to coincide with one of the cultural events or festivals that take place in the area throughout the year. Don’t miss the Moors and Christians festival in July, which features 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 doesn’t cost anything to immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and you might even pick up free samples of local food.

• Hiking: Discover 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 witness amazing sunset views. Bring a blanket, and as the setting sun casts a lovely glow over the ocean, sit back and enjoy the free show.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Nature enthusiasts will love 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 ideal for those who appreciate water activities. Try your hand at snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding, 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 fishing trip to see what you can catch in the waters around Calpe.