A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Calpe: A Mediterranean Paradise on the Costa Blanca of Valencia

Introduction

Calpe, a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca of Valencia, Spain, is a top-tier tourist destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. With its stunning coastal landscape, ancient Roman ruins, and vibrant nightlife, Calpe is a place you cannot miss visiting.

The Peñón de Ifach

The Peñón de Ifach, a massive limestone monolith that rises over 330 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, is undoubtedly the most recognizable symbol of Calpe. This natural park offers a challenging hike to its summit, from where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coast and sea.

Las Salinas

Las Salinas, a saltwater lagoon located in the heart of Calpe, is another of the city's natural attractions. This natural park is home to a wide variety of birds, including flamingos, and offers a beautiful place to walk and enjoy nature.

The Old Town

The old town of Calpe is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets that transport you to another time. Here you will find a wealth of local craft shops, wineries, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Don't miss the Old Church, a beautiful example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture, and the Torre del Peçó, an ancient watchtower overlooking the sea.

The Roman Ruins of the Queen's Baths

The Roman Ruins of the Queen's Baths are a fascinating archaeological site dating back to the 1st century AD. Here you can explore the remains of ancient fishing pools, villas, and Roman baths, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The Gastronomy

Calpe's gastronomy is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors. Fresh seafood, especially octopus and prawns, are the stars of many dishes. You cannot miss trying the paella, the region's most famous dish, and the arroz a banda, a local variant cooked with fish broth.

The Beaches

Last but not least, are the beautiful beaches of Calpe. La Fossa Beach and Arenal Beach are the most popular, with their crystal-clear waters and fine golden sand. Both beaches offer a wide range of services, including sunbed and umbrella rentals, beach bars and restaurants, and a wide variety of water sports.

Gastronomic Products of Calpe

• Rices and Paellas

  Calpe is famous for its rices and paellas, with the 'arroz a banda' being one of the most outstanding. This dish is made with rice, rock fish and saffron, and is served with alioli. In addition, you can also taste other varieties of rice such as black rice, lobster rice or 'senyoret' rice.

• Fish and Seafood

  Given its coastal location, Calpe offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. Among them, the gilt-head bream, the grouper, the octopus, the red prawns and the mussels stand out. Many of these products can be tasted in the numerous restaurants in the port, where they are served freshly caught.

• Wines of the Region

  The Valencian Community is a prominent wine region and Calpe is no exception. Here you can taste high quality local wines, both white and red and rosé. Among them, the wines of the Protected Designation of Origin Alicante stand out.

• Jijona Nougat

  Although Jijona nougat is originally from the homonymous town, it is also very popular in Calpe. This sweet, made with almonds, honey, sugar and egg white, is a classic of Valencian gastronomy and is especially consumed during the Christmas holidays.

Sports Activities in Calpe

Hiking

Calpe offers stunning hiking routes, such as the climb to the Peñón de Ifach, a natural park with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city.

Cycling

Thanks to its varied geography, Calpe is a popular destination for cycling. You can tour the coast or challenge yourself with the inland mountains.

Water Sports

The crystal clear waters of Calpe are ideal for water sports. You can rent a kayak, go paddle surfing, dive or even try flyboarding.

Climbing

If you are a climbing enthusiast, Calpe offers various climbing areas, both for beginners and experienced climbers.

Golf

Calpe has several high-quality golf courses, where you can enjoy this sport while delighting in the sea and mountain views.

Places near Calpe

If you are in Calpe and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Altea, a gem of the Costa Blanca in Spain, enchants with its cobblestone streets, white houses and sea views. Its rich Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes like paella, attracts lovers of good food.

Benidorm, a vibrant tourist destination on the Costa Blanca of Spain, is famous for its golden beaches, lively nightlife and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood and traditional Valencian paella.