Beautiful Spanish town loved by Brits with beaches ‘rivalling’ Rio de Janero
Boasting eight miles of coast, this town on the Costa Blanca is home to impressive beaches, hidden coves and even a few flamingos. In fact, it’s already a year-round holiday hotspot for Brits, with popular resorts lining the shores and hiking and cycling trails open during the mild winters.
Calpe is an ancient fishing village in the region of Valencia. While the town has modernised to accommodate the influx of summer tourists, it has maintained its vibrant Valencian culture and preserved its historic and natural landmarks. Calpe’s history dates back to Valencia’s Bronze Age around 1,500 BC. Today, archaeological sites commemorating this age can be visited by travellers, the most famous being Los Baños de la Reina (the Queen’s Baths).
These ruins date back to approximately the end of the 2nd or beginning of the 3rd century and have been eroded by the sea. Though known as the Queen’s Baths, the ruins are supposedly a fish salting factory constructed by the Romans.
Next to the Queen’s Baths is another Calpe treasure: the Salt Flats. This protected area is confusingly found in the middle of the city, and has become a resting place for many migratory birds. The most famous inhabitants of the salt lake are the pink flamingoes beloved by both locals and tourists.
Another key landmark of Calpe is the rock of Ifach. This limestone mountain is impossible to miss, sitting at 332 metres high, and is one of the most iconic geographical features of the Mediterranean coast. For adventurous travellers, there is a route beginning at the foot of the rock that can take you to the top but it is a difficult climb. There is a short tunnel through the upper part of the rock, but it has limited safety features.
While the climb up is slightly treacherous, the rock’s peak offers incredible panoramic views and a vantage to Ibiza in clear weather conditions. Even if you only make it to the first section of the route, you’ll be able to pass through the medieval settlement known as La Pobla d’Ifach (another of Valencia’s distinct archaeological sites).
In addition to these historic and natural feats, the more than a dozen beaches and coves in Calpe keep tourists coming back year after year. Levante beach (also known as Fossa beach) is one of the most popular and well-known in the Mediterranean given that it stretches for over 2,000 metres and is backdropped by the Ifach mountain. The beach is also reputable for its calm waters and golden sand, and features all modern amenities including sunbed and parasol rental. The nearby promenade is always busy and a great place to grab lunch or a quick drink.
Arenal beach is another of Calpe’s most popular and measures over a kilometre long. If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded though, check out Calalga cove, just north of Levante beach or Les Basetes cove near the marina which has become a draw for divers.
Calpe is a hotspot for a reason. But if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, consider visiting outside summer months. The temperature is relatively mild in the winter so travellers can still enjoy beach days and unlock a more serene side of the region.
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