Discover the best places to visit in Calpe, Spain, from the famous Peñón de Ifach and beautiful Mediterranean beaches to historic churches, Roman ruins, fascinating museums and spectacular viewpoints. Explore Calpe's colourful Old Town, discover flamingos at Las Salinas and uncover lesser-known attractions around this beautiful Costa Blanca destination.
9th November 2026
Calpe is one of the Costa Blanca's most recognisable coastal towns, famous for its dramatic limestone rock, golden beaches and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. However, beyond its popular seafront, visitors will discover a fascinating collection of historical landmarks, natural attractions, traditional neighbourhoods and quieter places to explore.
From Roman archaeological remains and medieval defensive towers to colourful streets, peaceful coves and impressive mountain viewpoints, Calpe offers much more than a traditional beach holiday.
The town's history stretches back thousands of years, with evidence of Iberian, Roman and medieval settlements still visible today. Its fishing heritage, local architecture and surrounding natural landscapes all contribute to its distinctive character.
Whether you are visiting Calpe for the first time, returning on holiday or exploring the Costa Blanca, here are 20 of the best places to visit in Calpe and the surrounding area.
The Peñón de Ifach is undoubtedly Calpe's most iconic attraction and one of the most impressive natural landmarks on the Costa Blanca.
Rising 332 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, this enormous limestone formation dominates the town's skyline and can be seen from beaches, promenades and viewpoints for miles around.
Protected as the Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park, the area is home to interesting wildlife, Mediterranean vegetation and spectacular coastal scenery.
Visitors can explore the lower walking routes, learn about the natural environment at the park's visitor centre or, for experienced walkers, attempt the challenging route towards the summit.
From higher points on the rock, the views extend across Calpe's beaches, marina, surrounding mountains and Mediterranean coastline.
Visitor information: The official hiking route requires a free individual reservation. Beyond the tunnel, the terrain becomes steep, exposed and slippery, making it unsuitable for inexperienced walkers and many families.
For detailed information about visiting the natural park, read our Climb the Peñón de Ifach – Hiking Up Calpe Rockguide.
Away from the modern beachfront developments, Calpe's Old Town offers a completely different atmosphere.
The historic centre features narrow streets, traditional Spanish houses, decorative tiles, colourful murals and picturesque squares.
Its origins date back centuries, when the settlement was protected by defensive walls built to safeguard residents from attacks along the Mediterranean coast.
Today, visitors can wander through the attractive streets, photograph traditional architecture and discover reminders of the town's fascinating history.
One of the most popular locations is Calle Puchalt, famous for its steps painted in the red and yellow colours of the Spanish flag.
Other highlights include Plaza de la Villa, Plaça dels Mariners, the historic churches and several small museums.
The Old Town is particularly enjoyable during the morning or late afternoon, when visitors can explore at a relaxed pace and stop at one of the local cafés or restaurants.
Allow around 60 - 90 minutes to explore the main streets, or longer if you plan to visit museums.
Follow our Calpe Old Town: What to See and Self-Guided Walking Route for a detailed introduction.
One of the most important historical landmarks in Calpe Old Town is the Torreó de la Peça.
This imposing stone tower forms part of the surviving defensive structures that once protected the historic settlement.
Calpe's medieval walls were developed during the 13th and 14th centuries, with later modifications reflecting the continuing threat of attacks from the coast.
The tower takes its name from an artillery piece once associated with the fortification.
Today, the Torreó de la Peça is a striking reminder of the town's defensive history and an interesting place to stop while exploring the historic streets.
The surrounding area contains sections of old walls, historic stonework and cannons, creating one of the most atmospheric corners of the Old Town.
The tower also houses the Museo del Coleccionismo, where temporary collections and exhibitions may be displayed.
Location: Plaza de la Villa, Calpe Old Town.
Located in the heart of Calpe Old Town, the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves is one of the town's most important religious landmarks.
The present-day parish church stands beside the much older Iglesia Antigua, creating an interesting contrast between different periods of architecture.
The Iglesia Antigua dates from the early 15th century and was built over an earlier chapel associated with the Christian conquest.
Its Gothic and Mudéjar architectural elements reflect its medieval origins, while its fortified design demonstrates how religious buildings also contributed to the defence of the settlement.
The more modern church features distinctive architectural details and decorative artwork.
Together, the buildings provide an insight into Calpe's religious history and changing architectural styles.
Visitors exploring the Old Town should take time to admire the buildings and surrounding square.
Visitor tip: These are active places of worship, so access may be restricted during services or private ceremonies
Location: Plaza de la Villa, Calpe
One of Calpe's most unusual attractions is Las Salinas, a protected saltwater lagoon situated within the modern town.
Despite being surrounded by roads and buildings, the lagoon provides an important natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.
It is particularly famous for its flamingos, which can frequently be seen feeding in the shallow water.
The contrast between the peaceful lagoon, colourful birds and dramatic Peñón de Ifach in the background makes Las Salinas one of Calpe's most distinctive places for photography.
Visitors can explore the surrounding public paths and look for other wetland birds, including waders and waterfowl.
The area also has historical significance, as salt production once played an important role in Calpe's economy.
Today, the lagoon is a reminder of the town's natural and industrial heritage.
Visitor tip: Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. Flamingo sightings vary throughout the year, and visitors should remain on designated paths to protect the wildlife.
Read more in our Visiting Las Salinas de Calpe – Salt Flats of Calpe guide.
Located beside Calpe's coastline, the Baños de la Reina is one of the area's most fascinating archaeological attractions.
Despite its name, which translates as Queen's Baths, the site contains remains associated with an important Roman coastal settlement rather than a royal bathing complex.
Among its most recognisable features are rock-cut pools and channels that formed part of an ancient fish-farming system.
These structures demonstrate the importance of fishing and marine resources to the local economy during Roman times.
The wider archaeological area has also revealed evidence of residential buildings, mosaics and other features connected with Roman occupation.
Visitors can appreciate the surviving remains from the surrounding seafront area, although access to particular sections may be controlled for conservation or archaeological work.
The site is especially interesting for anyone who enjoys history, archaeology or discovering unusual coastal landmarks.
Nearby, visitors can also see the historic Molí del Morelló windmill.
Location: Paseo Marítimo Infanta Elena, Calpe.
Explore the attraction in our Baños de la Reina – Queen's Baths Guide.
For visitors interested in understanding Calpe's past, the Museo de Historia de Calp is an excellent place to explore.
Located in the historic Casa de la Senyoreta building, the museum brings together archaeological discoveries and historical material associated with the area.
Its collections provide information about the different civilisations that have inhabited Calpe, including prehistoric communities, Iberian settlements and the Romans.
Visitors can learn about discoveries connected with the Baños de la Reina and the medieval settlement at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach.
The museum provides useful context for the town's archaeological landmarks and helps explain how Calpe developed over the centuries.
It is a particularly worthwhile addition to a visit to the Old Town.
Location: Calle Santísimo Cristo, 7, Calpe.
Visitor tip: Museum opening hours may vary by season. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Read our Archaeological and History Museum Calpe Guide.
Situated within the Torreó de la Peça, the Museo del Coleccionismo is another interesting cultural attraction in Calpe Old Town.
Unlike a traditional museum devoted to one permanent subject, it hosts temporary exhibitions featuring collections from public and private sources.
The displays can vary considerably, offering visitors the opportunity to discover different objects, interests and historical themes.
Its location within one of Calpe's most recognisable historic buildings makes the museum particularly appealing.
Even if an exhibition is not open during your visit, the exterior of the tower and surrounding defensive walls are worth seeing.
For anyone exploring the Old Town, this is a convenient cultural stop that can be combined with nearby churches, squares and other historical landmarks.
Location: Torreó de la Peça, Plaza de la Villa, Calpe.
For some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the area, head towards Mirador Monte Toix.
Located on the slopes of the Sierra de Toix, southwest of Calpe, this viewpoint overlooks the Mediterranean coastline and surrounding mountains.
From its elevated position, visitors can enjoy impressive views towards Calpe, the Peñón de Ifach, Altea and the coastline beyond.
On particularly clear days, the landscape stretches far into the distance.
The viewpoint is especially popular with photographers and walkers looking for a different perspective of Calpe.
Reaching it involves travelling towards the Maryvilla area and completing an uphill walk from the nearby access area.
The route can be exposed to sunshine, so it is sensible to bring water, wear comfortable shoes and avoid the hottest part of summer days.
Location: Mirador Monte Toix, Partida Maryvilla, Calpe.
Read our Mirador Monte Toix Guide for further information.
Calpe's fishing harbour and marina are among the town's most attractive waterfront locations.
Situated beneath the Peñón de Ifach, the port combines traditional fishing activity with leisure boats, seafood restaurants and beautiful coastal views.
Visitors can stroll through the public harbour areas, admire the boats and appreciate the town's long relationship with the Mediterranean.
The surrounding waterfront is particularly appealing for photography, with fishing vessels and the enormous limestone rock creating a distinctive backdrop.
Calpe's harbour is also famous for its fish restaurants, where visitors can enjoy local seafood and traditional Mediterranean dishes.
Close by are Cantal Roig Beach, Cala del Racó and the scenic coastal walkway around the base of the Peñón.
The area is an excellent place to visit for a few hours, particularly around lunchtime or early evening.
Read our Calpe Port and Marina Guide for more information.
For an insight into Calpe's traditional working life, the town's fish market is another fascinating place to discover.
Located within the fishing harbour, La Lonja de Calpe is where freshly landed fish and seafood are brought for wholesale auction.
Fishing has been important to Calpe for generations, and the market continues to reflect this maritime heritage.
The building has historically included a viewing gallery where visitors could observe the auction process.
Watching the fishing boats return and learning about the local seafood industry offers a very different experience from the town's beaches and tourist attractions.
However, the auction is a working commercial operation rather than a guaranteed visitor attraction, and public access or viewing arrangements may change.
Visitor tip: Check the current fish auction schedule and visitor access arrangements before travelling specifically to watch an auction.
Read our Calpe Fish Market – La Lonja de Calpe Guide.
Cala del Racó is a small pebble cove situated at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach, close to Calpe's harbour.
Its dramatic setting beneath the limestone cliffs makes it one of the town's most picturesque coastal locations.
The cove is surrounded by rocky scenery and provides beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
It is particularly popular with visitors interested in snorkelling and observing marine life when conditions are suitable.
Unlike Calpe's larger sandy beaches, Cala del Racó offers a more natural coastal environment.
The cove also marks the beginning of the scenic Paseo Ecológico Príncipe de Asturias walkway, making it a convenient place to combine a coastal visit with a short walk.
Visitor tip: The beach is pebbly and rocky, so water shoes may be helpful. There may be no lifeguard supervision, and swimming conditions should always be checked.
Location: Beside Calpe Port, at the foot of Peñón de Ifach.
Arenal-Bol is one of Calpe's principal beaches and a popular destination for visitors exploring the town.
Stretching along the central coastline, this broad sandy beach offers beautiful Mediterranean views and a lively promenade.
Its location close to shops, restaurants and the town centre makes it particularly convenient for sightseeing.
Visitors can enjoy views towards the Peñón de Ifach, explore the waterfront or simply appreciate the scenery.
The promenade is especially pleasant during the early morning and evening, when the beachfront takes on a more relaxed atmosphere.
Arenal-Bol is also close to the Baños de la Reina archaeological site, making it possible to combine a coastal walk with a historical attraction.
Read our Guide to Calpe's Beaches for more places to discover.
Situated on the northern side of the Peñón de Ifach, La Fossa is another of Calpe's most recognisable coastal destinations.
The beach is known for its golden sand, attractive seafront promenade and impressive views of the enormous limestone rock.
Restaurants, cafés and shops line the waterfront, providing a lively atmosphere throughout the main holiday season.
The promenade offers a pleasant place to enjoy the scenery, particularly for visitors who prefer an easy coastal walk rather than a mountain hike.
Its position also makes it a useful starting point for exploring smaller coves along the northern coastline.
La Fossa is especially photogenic in the morning, when sunlight illuminates the beach and surrounding landscape.
Read our Places to Visit in Calpe Guide for the existing La Fossa listing.
One of Calpe's most unusual attractions is its collection of striking modernist buildings in the La Manzanera area.
The most famous is La Muralla Roja, an extraordinary geometric apartment complex designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill.
Completed in the early 1970s, the building is known for its red and pink walls, bold stairways and unusual geometric forms.
Its dramatic appearance has made it internationally recognisable among architecture enthusiasts and photographers.
Nearby, visitors can also discover Xanadú, another distinctive development associated with Bofill's architectural work.
The surrounding neighbourhood provides an interesting contrast to Calpe's historic streets and modern beachfront buildings.
Important: La Muralla Roja is a private residential property, not a public museum or visitor attraction. Access to the building and its grounds is restricted, and visitors must respect residents' privacy.
The architecture can be appreciated from appropriate public areas where lawful access and views are available.
Location: Urbanización La Manzanera, Calpe.
For visitors looking to discover a quieter historical landmark, the Ermita de San Salvador is a worthwhile stop.
Situated on elevated ground near the historic centre, this small hermitage reflects Calpe's long-standing religious traditions.
The building has historical links to the town's past and offers a more peaceful atmosphere than the busier coastal attractions.
Its elevated position also provides attractive views across parts of Calpe and the surrounding landscape.
The hermitage can be included as an extension to a walking tour of the Old Town, although reaching it involves an uphill route.
It is particularly pleasant during the cooler parts of the day, when visitors can appreciate the views without the intense summer heat.
Visitor tip: Interior access may be limited, but the exterior and surrounding viewpoint can still make the journey worthwhile.
Located near the Baños de la Reina archaeological site, the Molí del Morelló is a reminder of Calpe's agricultural heritage.
This historic windmill dates from the 19th century and stands close to the coastline.
Although Calpe is now best known as a seaside resort, traditional agriculture was once an important part of local life.
The windmill reflects a period when rural buildings and agricultural activity formed a significant part of the landscape.
Its position near the Roman archaeological remains makes it an interesting additional stop for visitors walking along the seafront.
Although it is a relatively small attraction, the combination of historical architecture and coastal scenery makes it worth including on a heritage-focused visit.
Location: Near Baños de la Reina, Calpe.
One of Calpe's lesser-known historical attractions is the Pobla Medieval d'Ifac, a medieval settlement located within the area of the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park.
The settlement dates from the late 13th century and provides important evidence of medieval life along the Costa Blanca.
Archaeological investigations have revealed remains of defensive walls, buildings and other structures associated with the community.
The site is particularly interesting because it demonstrates that the Peñón de Ifach was not only a natural landmark but also an important historical location.
Visitors interested in archaeology can learn more about the settlement through the Museo de Historia de Calp, which includes material connected with discoveries at the site.
Visitor tip: This is a protected archaeological area rather than an unrestricted open-air attraction. Access to excavated sections may be limited, so check current arrangements with the natural park before visiting.
Beyond the coastline and historic centre, Calpe's surrounding countryside contains several interesting reminders of its agricultural past.
One of these is Casa Nova, a historic fortified farmhouse dating from the 16th century.
The building reflects the rural architecture traditionally found in this part of the Costa Blanca, where agricultural properties sometimes incorporated defensive features.
Casa Nova offers a contrast to the town's seaside attractions, highlighting the importance of farming and rural communities before modern tourism transformed the area.
Other historic rural landmarks around Calpe include the Pou Salat, an old water-supply feature, and traditional structures associated with agricultural life.
These attractions are particularly interesting for visitors exploring Calpe's wider historical landscape.
Visitor tip: Casa Nova is a heritage building, and interior access should not be assumed. Check current public access arrangements before making a dedicated journey.
For visitors wanting to see a different side of Calpe, the Serra d'Oltà offers beautiful countryside and mountain scenery.
Situated inland from the town, this natural area provides a peaceful contrast to the busy beaches and waterfront promenades.
The landscape includes wooded slopes, rocky paths and viewpoints overlooking Calpe, the Peñón de Ifach and the Mediterranean.
The area is popular with walkers and nature enthusiasts, particularly during spring and autumn when temperatures are more suitable for outdoor exploration.
Visitors can discover a variety of walking routes, with options ranging from shorter countryside outings to more demanding mountain walks.
The Serra d'Oltà is also a good location for photography, especially when the surrounding mountains and coastline are clearly visible.
Visitor tip: Some routes are rocky and involve significant changes in elevation. Wear suitable footwear, carry water and check trail and weather conditions before setting out.
From its dramatic Peñón de Ifach and beautiful Mediterranean coastline to Roman archaeological remains, medieval towers, fascinating museums and spectacular viewpoints, Calpe has a remarkable variety of places to visit.
The town's attractions reveal a history shaped by fishing, agriculture, trade and centuries of Mediterranean life, while its surrounding landscapes provide some of the most memorable scenery on the Costa Blanca.
Whether you prefer discovering historic streets, exploring natural landmarks or uncovering lesser-known corners of the town, Calpe offers plenty to experience beyond its famous beaches.
For more ideas, explore our Calpe Visitor Guide and discover even more attractions across the Costa Blanca.
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