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| About Calpe |
Calpe sits close to the Rock of Ifach on a hill rising up from the last spurs of the Sierra Bernia, a geographical marvel that provides access to the northernmost towns of Alicante's Marina district. ltis an authentic tourist site, with a coastline boasting sandy beaches and cliff faces in some areas, also the salt sea give to the town a special flavor. Next to the seafront promenade are the remains of an ancient fish salting factory from Roman times.
 
In the thirties writers such as Hemmingway spent their summers in Calpe. Surrounded by rocky hills, it has a privileged climate, the weather is still warm in November it and offers many sports and leisure activities throughout the year such as;
Jet-skiing
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Waterskiing
Windsurfing
Fishing
Rock-climbing
Golf (in the surrounding area of 30km there are five golf courses)
Biking
Hiking
Tennis
Gorge walking
Ten pin bowling
Cycling
If you like sports and adventure, you have both the seas and the mountains to choose from. The fishing port once used by the Phoenicians and Romans now has a Nautical Club and yachting marina, where you can obtain information about diving, windsurfing, water skiing, swimming and sailing.
Sailing courses are also available. The nearby cliffs and mountains offer more adventures in the form of rock climbing on the Ifach, Toix an spelunking in Olta.
There is a huge Saturday market in Calpe with superb fresh produce, as well as clothes, leather goods and bric-a-brac.
Calpe has an extensive array of restaurants offering everything from international cuisine to typical regional foods. Our favourites include Los Dos Canones, this restaurant can be found in the old town and is a typical Spanish Restaurant, where you will be warmly greeted by the owner and served good wholesome cooking, around the corner is Patio De Fuentas, the chef here was trained by Jamie Oliver, and the food is fantastic.
Benidorm with its famous nightlife and theme parks (including Terra Mitica and Aqualandia,) is just 30 minutes away (12kms).
Calpe's fishing port comes alive with hustle and bustle as the afternoon fish auction draws near.
On the Restaurant terraces the costumers have the possibility to try some of the fresh local shellfish.
In the old town center are some points of interest to visit.
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| Points of interest |
Old town
Church of Nuestra Señora de la Nieves
Iglesia Vieja (Old Church)
Torreón de la Peca (Tower and Town Walls)
Forat de la Mar (Part of the exterior wall)
Arrabal (Puchaltstr., San Roque Str., Pescadores Str.)
Fishermen's square ( Plaça dels Mariners)
Mural Mosaic, Festivities Museum, Museum of Archeology, Museum of Collectio
Calpe Port
Walk to the summit of the Rock of Ifach (marvellous panorama)
Nature Park Peñón (Natur-Room with exhibits and audiovisuals)
Promenade of the prince (Camino del Mar)
Auctions at the Fish Market (Lonja)
Beach Area
Modern seaside promenade (Paseo Maritimo)
Banys de la Reyna (Fish salting factory from Roman times)
Torre del Moli
Surroundings
Salt flats (migratory birds: flamingos, herons etc)
Hermitage of San Salvado, Hermitage la Cometa | |
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| Beaches |
Cala les Urques
Playa Puerto Blanco
Cala la Manzanera
Playa Arenal-Bol
Playa Cantal Roig
Cala El Racó
Cala del Penyal
Playa Levante o la Fossa
Cala Calalga
Cala del Mallorquí
Cala les Bassetes |
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| Sports |
Sailing
Scuba diving
Waterskiing
Windsurfing
Fishing
Rock-climbing
Golf
Biking
Hiking
Tennis |
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| Tourist Information |
Tourist Info Calpe Peñón
Avda. De los Ejércitos Españoles, 62
03710 Calpe
Tel.: 96 583 69 20
Fax: 96 583 12 50
e-mail: calpe@touristinfo.net
Tourist Info Calpe Centro
Pl. del Mosquit, s/n.
03710 Calpe
Tel.: 96 583 85 32
Fax: 96 583 85 31 | |
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| Links |
Airport of Alicante-El Altet (70 km)
Airport of Manises, Valencia (125 km)
Motorway A7 (exit 63 or 64)
The N-332 (Valencia-Alicante)
Busservices
Narrow railway (Trenet de la Marina) Alicante-Denia | | |
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| Fiestas |
5th January: The Three Kings
End of February: German Carnaval
19th March: Fallas (St. Joseph's Day)
24th June: Hogueras de San Juan
16th July: Celebration to honour the patron saint of "la Virgen del Carmen"
5th August: Festival to honour "la Virgen de las Nieves"
9th - 12th October: Beer Festival
End of October: Moors and Christians
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Activities around Calpe and near to our villa
 Tennis
There are numerous tennis courts within the area, mostly attached to residential developments, and some allow non-residents to hire for a small fee. There are also plenty of council-owned and private leisure facilities that include tennis courts.
Club de Tenis Calpe has 3 padel courts, 5 clay courts, 2 artificial lawn courts, mini-football (5-a-side), semi-olympic size pool. You can also enjoy sun-bathing on the terrace or eat in the restaurant. There is also a fully-equipped gym and a children's playground. The website address is http://perso.wanadoo.es/ctcalpe
In Moraira the Sol Park Tennis Club offers five courts, as well as mini-golf and other facilities.
Go-Karts
There are quite a few Go-Kart racing tracks located within most resorts. They are primarily well-run and include other facilities on-site - such as children's track (with tiny two-stroke engines), viewing granstand, bar, restaurant etc, and plenty of parking .
Windsurfing, Dinghies and other Water Sports
Summer winds are mostly thermals, coming up around midday, peaking between 4 and 6 in the afternoon and dying away in the evening. The mornings are usually very calm but occasionally Summer storms blow for several days from the East or Southwest providing excellent conditions for experienced sailors in all areas.
Under normal conditions the thermals off Calpe, Moraira and Javea beaches seldom exceed force 4 with around 2.5 being the average. Hiring facilities are available in most resorts, and windsurfing schools offering professional tuition.
The local "Hot-shots" load up their cars and head for VERGEL where the Monte Pego mountains induce thermals practically every day in excess of force 4 and, on a good day literally hundreds of surfers will be out.
 Rock Climbing
The Costa Blanca has become the largest and most popular area in Spain for visiting climbers. The wealth and variety of climbing in the area is truly staggering, and for every partially developed crag there are at least two other slightly less accessible ones which haven't been touched yet. But it is the variety in the climbing which keeps people coming back here. It is not just roadside clip-ups since there are huge trad routes on the Puig Campana, and in the Echo Valley, and majestic, fully-bolted, multi-pitch extravaganzas on places like the Peñon and the Ponoch. You can switch from doing one long route in the mountains on one day to ticking a dozen routes on a crag three minutes from the car on the next. In the Costa Blanca the weather and general holiday atmosphere which are also part of the attraction. There is something uniquely appealing about climbing a route on Christmas Day, on a superb cliff in the blazing sunshine, while staying in an apartment in a nearly-deserted Benidorm or Calpe and relaxing afterwards with a few beers on the beach. The routes cover all grades and styles with probably the widest choice of lower-grade Winter-Sun-Rock available in Spain. But there is also lots of hard stuff, adventurous stuff and esoteric stuff. If you explore the area a bit, you will be rewarded.
Jet Skiis
Available to hire in most resorts.These are noisy and exciting but its quickly over. They are available for rent in most resorts. The modern ones actually circle back to get you if you fall off and the older ones just stop (no, you don't have to catch them!).
Water-skiing & Parasailing
These are available in Calpe. They take groups out to a raft for a 15 minute ski or flight around the beach and boats can be hired in Javea (in the canal alongside the Arenal Beach) fully equipped for skiing.
Scuba Diving
The rocky headlands and bays offer excellent sub-aqua sport for the snorkel or scuba-diver.
Sea Fishing
The Spanish Mediterranean coast, on the whole, has been "plundered" for years by the commercial fisherman. Fortunately now this is better controlled and there can be some quite good sport with bass and conger for the beachcaster, especially at night. There are some quite good Grey Mullet particularly in Calpe harbour and in Javea the fishermen allow anglers to fish off their moored boats in the evening. Fishing is prohibited in Moraira marina.
Freshwater Fishing
The interior of Spain boasts a wealth of waterways, mainly mountain rivers and streams and gigantic reservoirs. There is some very good sport for the trout angler but the best fisheries are controlled and day permits are required. All of the reservoirs contain the coarse species Carp, Tench, Barbel, Black Bass, Zander, Pike, Eels, Golden Orfe and Koi Carp.
Locally the reservoirs of Villajoyosa (30 mins drive), Guadalest (1 hour) and Beniarres (1 1/2 hours) offer reasonable carp fishing with specimens up to 30 lbs but with the average fish being about 4 lbs. Additionally Villajoyosa abounds with Orfe and Koi Carp - imagine a keepnet full of such colours! The two rivers of the Pego Marshes (3/4 hour) contain carp to 15lbs, barbel, black bass and the occasional sea bass. Unfortunately the locals have constructed "puestos" (-platforms) in the best swims and visitors are not allowed to use them. Please note that a permit is required for fresh water fishing for each autonomous region but the cost is only 1,500 pts for a full year. All that is required is your signature on the form and a photocopy of your passport. Licences can be obtained by any gestor but take about a week to arrive. You can go to the offices of the water authority in Alicante yourself and obtain one immediately or make prior arrangements via your Tour Operator or Rental Agency. The penalty for being caught is a stiff fine and confiscation of all tackle.
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What to do & see near to our villa |
Fiestas
The Fiesta is an integral part of Spanish life and most of them have a religious or historical background. However, it is often not necessary to actually organize anything, as the ability to "fiesta" and turn a relatively minor event into a celebration with singing and dancing is one of the most endearing facets of the Spanish national character. Curiously, the fiestas are financed partly by the Town Hall and the allocation of fiesta funds is high on the list of priorities - such is the importance attached to the various events!
They are primarily celebrations to mark an important religious event, but you have the 'Moors & Christians' (celebrating the defeat of the former by the latter), bull runs (young bulls let loose in the streets) and much more.
There are various fiestas staged during the year, and you can bet that one will be taking place during your visit, whenever it is.
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Markets
To many people, the Spanish street market is a major holiday attraction. Apart from the bustle and atmosphere, it is true to say that better quality, and cheaper, fruit and vegetables can usually be obtained than in the shops and stores. These markets also sell a wide range of other products, extending over carpets, linen, clothing, leather wear, jewellery, watches, radios and domestic electrical products. Not every stall offers the 'bargain of the century', so some care is needed - and remember that there is always the risk that one might not be able to get a refund or exchange if the goods prove to be faulty and this should be reflected in the price paid. On non-food purchases, don't hesitate to bargain; in fact the stall holder will be quite surprised if you don't make an offer. The markets open at 9 AM, or earlier, and close at lunchtime. If the normal market day proves to be a fiesta then it is changed to the day before or after.
Rastros (Flea Markets. are usually held over weekends at various resorts and inland towns. These can be really interesting as you mooch about looking for that interesting item to take back home with you, whilst enjoying a day out, perhaps incorporating a long lazy lunch somewhere in the countryside.
Fun Excursions
  Benidorm´s Theme Park called TERRA MITICA , managed by Paramount Parks, is unique in the world. A fascinating journey through the mystery of five of the most ancient and legendary civilizations in Mediterranean Sea: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands. In TERRA MITICA you will be able to fight side by side with Ulysses, escaping from Cyclop, sail through the Nile river, face up to The Minotaur, and see a pirate vessel sinking.
Situated on the outskirts of Benidorm, at Finestrat, it can be seen from the motorway and the bypass, and is well signposted. Allow a day
Operating Hours
Every day from 10.00 - 20.00
Summer Operating times 19 July - 07 September from 10.00 - Midnight
Ticket prices : Adults 32 Euro, Children (from 0-4 years old): free
 Aqualandia
Ideal for families, a large water park with various rides.
Located at Benidorm (on the approach into this resort from the north - and thus easy to find!) This is reputedly one of the largest water theme parks in Europe with every imaginable device designed to extract fun from this exciting dimension - slides, chutes, rapids, breaking surf etc. Within the complex are bars, restaurants and picnic areas. Great fun for families with children of all ages as it provides a full and fun-packed day for all.
Places to visit
Valencia
A one and a half hour drive, by motorway north, this has plenty to offer. A vibrant Spanish city contrasting traditional and modern, a great place to spend the day. For further details view our page on Valencia
Gata de Gorgos
Visit Gata de Gorgos and see what the local craft industries have to offer: esparto, palm leaf, rattan and wickerwork articles. Also the famous Guitar factory for your authentic Spanish guitar at reasonable prices.
Jalon Valley
Tour the Valle del Pop and stop in Xaló (Jalon) with its antiquities market every Saturday morning and its wine cooperatives. Especially beautiful in Spring when the valley is bathed in blossam.
Sierra de Bernia
Tour the "Sierra de Bernia", listed as a nature parc. This trip is one of the most beautiful routes to explore throughout the coast of Alicante. The height of this natural formation offers an impressive panoramic sight of the entire northern coast line of Alicante.
Guadalest
On the uppermost part of a mountain peak, with houses set into the rock, Guadalest overlooks a deep valley with a beautiful landscape. The town and its castle with a Medieval appeal are listed as an historic-artistic complex.
Callosa d'En Sarrià
The waterfalls and fountains in Callosa d'En Sarrià, well known under the Fuentes de Algar are a frequently visited beauty spot. (camping, picnic and barbecue area).
Castles
Visit the "ruta de los castillos" (Castles). The itineray begins in Novelda with the Mola Castle , continues in Petrel, Sax, Villena, Biar and ends in Castalla. Some kilometers in the North of the province Alicante visite Xàtiva with an impressive castle.
Canalobre Caves
The Canalobre Caves in Busot have many stalactites and stalagmites as if they were huge candelabra. These caves are among the best European potholing places. There is a large hall for concerts and a beautiful panoramic view.
Jijona
Jijona is a world-famous place thanks to its turrón factories, a typical sweet made of almonds and honey.The factories can be visited to see how this Christmas speciality is made.
Coll de Rates
Ascend to Coll de Rates from where you can enjoy panoramic views that are unique to the region.
Alicante
A one hour drive, by motorway south, this small city offers a castle, old town and good shopping. For further details view our page on Alicante
Inland from Alicante
Tour the quiet villages and ancient Moorish settlements in the hills of the interior of the province Alicante: Vall d'Ebo, Vall d'Alcalá, Vall de Gallinera, Vall de Laguart.
Elche
Visit Elche (Elx), known as the European Palm Grove: Sights: - Huerto del Cura (an exotic garden with many of palm trees) - Palacio de Altamira - La Calahorra (Arab fortifications of the 14c).
Island of Tabarca
Visit the island of Tabarca, a real monument of nature and once a refuge for pirates and corsairs. This only habited island in the autonomous community of Valencia, can be visited by taking a boat from Santa Pola (20 minutes).
Orihuela
Visit Orihuela, famous for being an historical-artistic and monumental city. Sights: - Santo Domingo Monastery - San Salvador Cathedral - Palacio Episcopal and much more.
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Restaurants
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The area enjoys a fine reputation for its gastronomy, with restaurants spread throughout the region offering the visitor a wide variety of menus and prices covering local gastronomic delights as well as international cuisine.
A good indicator of the quality of the local restaurants is the recommendation certain local establishments have earned in the prestigious Michelin guide - there are 8 Michelin recommended restaurants in the immediate area with three of them being star rated and not expensive either.
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The piéces de resistance of local cuisine are rice dishes, fresh fish, and white wines and Muscatel produced in the Saint Vicente Ferrer Agricultural Cooperative. Teulada is as rich in land-grown products as in those fished from the sea. This variety characterises and conditions its gastronomic culture. Rice dishes feature foremost on local tables with exquisite recipes such as "arrós a banda' (rice cooked in a rich seafood stock), "arrós amb fessols i naps" (rice with peas and turnips), "Paella amb sardines y espinacs" (sardine and spinach paella), or 'arrós negre" (rice cooked in squid ink). Fish, too, provides for distinctive and flavoursome combinations particular to Teulada, such as 'putxero de poip" (octopus stew), 'la sopa de peix' (fish soup), or varied salted fish products like .melva', "bull', or .anxova'. Teulada's wine is among the most renowned of the Alicante province, notably the white marina Alta or the award-winning and acclaimed Moscatel, the latter served as an ideal accompaniment to wash down the delicious home-made local desserts of almonds and raisins. Don't let "els patisets de boniato' escape your palate!
There are too many restaurants of interest and good quality to list but we list those we have tried, or those that have been recommended to us, and a general list of restaurants in the area, within the login section accessed once you have booked accommodation with us. |
Golf on the Costa Blanca
There was a time when any self respecting golfer visiting Spain would head straight for the Costa Del Sol but over the last few years the standard of the existing courses on the Costa Blanca has increased and new ones have been created.
At present there are 13 golf courses on the 'Costa Mediterranea' (as it is increasingly being known as) and 4 (described below) are within easy reach of Moraira. All are affiliated to the Spanish Federation and, consequently, can validate members handicap internationally; all have clubs for hire to visitors and provide coaching. |
| CLUB DE GOLF 'DON CAYO' |
 Built in 1976, near Altea, and designed by the famous team of Gregorio Sanz & Pedro Barber Lloret, this is a very strenuous par 72, 9 hole, course of 3,078 metres which has superb views with plans to extend into the hills making it 18 holes with a cable car link from the existing course. Facilities include a magnificent clubhouse with bar and restaurant, social club, Billiards, Bridge lounge, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf classes, caddie-cart/buggy/club hire, putting green, practice ground and golf classes.
Address: Urbunisation El Aramo Sierra de Altea, Altea La Vieja/Altea.
Tel: 96 584 80 46 Fax: 96 584 65 19
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| CLUB DE GOLF 'IFACH' |
 Situated on the coast road between Moraira and Calpe is this 9 hole, par 60, 3,540 m course, Green fees 24 Euros, set in a beautiful fertile valley with surrounding views of the most prestigious properties in Moraira, the Penon de Ifach and the sparkling blue Mediterranean. The world famous designer Javier Arana created the Ifach club to be short and tricky with numerous obstacles. Many experienced golfers have remarked how deceptively difficult it really is, making it ideal for the holiday golfer who has little time but appreciates the challenge. There is a club bar with snacks , the Micheta restaurant, a large swimming pool and tennis courts.
Address: Urbunisation San Jaime, Moraira/Calpe.
Tel: 96 649 7114 Fax: 96 649 7114
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| CLUB DE GOLF 'JAVEA' |
 Situated between Moraira and Javea (via Benitachell) is another 9 hole course, par 72, 6,070 m, Green fees 28 Euros. Although slightly longer the course is quite flat, easier to play and not so tiring in the hot summer sun. This all-year course has been attractively planted and landscaped around the greens, has a driving range, putting green, heated swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, club bar and restaurant.
Address: Ctra. Jávea-Benitachell.
Tel: 96 579 2584 Fax: 96 646 0554
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| CLUB DE GOLF 'LA SELLA' |
 Situated inland near the area of Jesus Pobre on the back-road between Javea and Denia is this 18 hole golf course, par 72, 6,029 m, Green fees 56 Euros. Opened in 1991, the course was designed to "use all the clubs in the bag". Although almost absolutely flat it has many trees and water obstacles (canals and lakes - which provide the irrigation). It is a private club with restricted membership but the holidaying public are allowed to play and use the well appointed clubhouse. Facilities include driving range, putting green, motorised trolleys, clubhouse with club bar, lounge bar and restaurant, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts.
Address: Ctra. La Jara-Jesús Pobre (Jesús Pobre-Dénia).
Tel: 96 645 4252 Fax: 96 645 4201
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| Other Clubs on the Costa Blanca |
'CAMPOAMOR', between Cartegena & Alicante, 18 holes, 5,830 m, par 71
'BONALBA', between Busot & Muchamiel, 18 holes, 6,308 m, par 72
'LAS RAMBLAS DE ORIHUELA', Orihuela, between Cartegena & Alicante, 18 holes, 5,914 m, par 72
'VILLAMARTIN', Orihuela, between Cartegena & Alicante, 18 holes, 6,132 m, par 72
'EL PLANTIO', Partida del Bacarot, between Alicante & Elche, 18 holes, 6,148 m, par 72
'MARQUESA', between Rojales & Guardemar, 18 holes, 5,844 m, par 72
Alenda Club de Golf (18) Autovía Alicante-Madrid, km 15 Monforte del Cid Tel.: 96 562 03 31 Fax: 96 562 17 96
Alicante Golf (18) Avda. Del Parque, s/n Playa de San Juan Tel.: 96 515 20 43 Fax: 96 516 37 37
Campo de Golf Villamartín (18) Ctra. Cartagena-Alicante, km 50 Urb. Villamartín, Orihuela Costa Tel.: 96 676 51 27 Fax: 96 676 51 58
Club de Golb Bonalba (18) Ctra. Busot a Muchamiel, km 2 Muchamiel Tel./Fax: 96 595 53 37
Club de Golf Oliva Nova (18) Ptda. Aigües Mortes, s/n Oliva Tel.: 96 285 59 75 Fax: 96 283 87 54
Golf & Country Club La Marquesa (18) Urb. Ciudad Quesada Avda. Justo Quesada, s/n Rojales Tel.: 96 671 42 58 Fax: 96 671 42 67
Las Ramblas de Orihuela, Villamartín (18) Ctra. Cartagena-Alicante, km 48 Apartado 35 Orihuela Costa Tel.: 96 532 20 11 Fax: 96 532 21 59
Real Club de Golf Campoamor (18) Ctra. Cartagena-Alicante, km 48 Orihuela Costa Tel./Fax: 96 532 13 66 |
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| Useful phone numbers |
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Townhall: 96 583 36 00
Local Police: 96 583 90 00
Guardia Civil: 96 583 00 80
Fire Brigade: 96 578 00 80
Red Cross: 96 583 16 16
Health clinic: 96 583 50 11
OMIC (Consumer): 96 583 67 12 |
Post office: 96 583 08 84
Taxi: 96 583 00 38
Nature center: 96 597 20 15
Club Nautico Calpe: 96 583 18 09
Nautico Puerto Blanco: 96 583 13 37
Nautico Les Bassetes: 96 583 12 13
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