Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Calpe is a town that offers a heady mix of natural beauty and architecture – from ancient archeological ruins to modern masterpieces.
With a coastline stretching for over 11 kilometres along the Costa Blanca, it’s no surprise that most of Calpe’s main sights are situated around the sea. The most central beach is Arenal-Bol, a palm-lined expanse of sand with a waterfront promenade known as Paseo Marítimo. Walk down it and you’ll reach the Banys de la Reina (meaning ‘the Queen’s Baths’) – an ancient Roman site with rock pools where you can swim and snorkel. If you’re travelling with kids, the La Fossa or Levante Beach offers a playground alongside restaurants, bars and shops. This beach is overlooked by the imposing rock that forms the Parc Natural del Penyal d'Ifac. If you climb this 332-metre-tall limestone crag, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the sparkling blue sea.
Over the centuries, a number of civilisations have called Calpe home, from the Romans to the Iberians. Influences of their cultures can still be seen in the old town – a charming district filled with cobblestone streets, lush foliage and colourful mosaics. Here, you'll see the 15th-century defensive walls, the Tower of Peça and an old church which features Gothic and Mudéjar architecture. In the La Manzanera district, you’ll find the postmodern La Muralla Roja – a bold, vibrant and geometric housing complex designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill.