Calpe has a long and interesting history concerning its famous resort town Costa Blanca which is located at a very critical position in the coast. The town is renamed for A-one beaches, nice restaurants and above all, the mammoth rock of Penon de Ifah. This place has a well known history of Romans who created an economy prioritizing the dried fish production although evidence shows that early Iberian tribes settled in this region for the first time. In between the 14th and 17th centuries, defenses were built to protect Calpe from the frequent attacks of the pirates.
As anticipated, there are one or two historic glimpses inside the old town. The early fifteenth century church converted from a former Moorish fort is the most well-known part of the old town of Calpe. Remarkably, the old town walls and a few parts of the church are integrated and some well preserved wood art is found inside which is believed to be around the 15th century. There is the Museum of Archeology located close to the remaining fragments of the ancient Roman fish area and inside the town is the Festival Museum which exhibits more or less historical costumes worn during fiestas before. These fiestas include the highly significant Moors and Christian fiesta which is celebrated every September.
The Penon de Ifach, one of the renovated natural wonders on the Costa Blanca bestride the town of Calpe is a rock which is 1000 feet high. The magical vista views can be experienced from the summit of the rock if you are willing to climb. The entire area is now an allotted reserve which attracts some of the bird species like peregrine falcons and marine ravens. Also, flocks of beautiful flamingos and several other birds find the environment perfect near the rock base. On the reserve there is a very rare wild orchid found too. Rock of Gibraltar which looks like the Penon de Ifach has been of critical importance since early years. Several historical artifacts were uncoverted from there. Some of them are Roman coinage and Greek Byzantine pottery pieces.
Tiny coves, long white sand stretches and several very eye capturing cliffs cover more than six miles of Calpe's varied coastline. Playa Arenal-Bol, the main beach of Calpe which is 2 km long has been honored by the European Blue Flag award. Also, separated by the Penon de Ifach from Playa Arenal-Boi is the Playa de la Fossa (Playa Levante) towards north. Both quality Calpe beaches have very clean golden sand. Playa de La includes a children's playground and fine Spanish restaurants at the Paseo Infanta Cristina esplanade alongside. A lot of music bars make this spot an enchanting evening scene.
El Raco, Del Panyo and Playa Cantal Roig are several inlets along the Rock of Ifach. Puerto Pesquero has a tiny yacht marina and fishing harbor. Also, there is a sail training school, restaurants, tapas bars and fish market in the morning. There is a scuba spot famous along the diving fanatics because of the crystal clear water.
Please visit Calpe on the Costa Blanca for more expert travel tips and holiday info.
