Calpe (Costa Blanca):
The strategic location of Calpe and its unique towering
rocky outcrop , Penon d'Ifach , have attracted many
settlers to this area over the centuries. Many of the
streets in the old town still have Roman ramparts. It
is still home to a fleet of traditional Mediterranean
fishing boats and you can see the catch being landed
and then taken straight over to the fish restaurants
in the port. One of the restaurateurs even owns his
own boat .
It is a popular resort in summer with lovely beaches
and plenty of entertainment. In recent years a number
of high rise luxury apartment blocks have been build
offering spectacular views and even their own pools.
More modest ones can still be found and the view is
free!
The dramatic shape and dominating presence of Penon
d'Ifach has inspired architects from all over the world.
It is regarded by some as a northern version of the
Rock of Gibraltar.The Spanish treasure it with great
affection and have made it a protected nature reserve.
Views from the 332 metre summit take in much of the
coast of the northern Costa Blanca and make the hour
or so walk up well worthwhile. On a clear day you can
see Ibiza .
A number of boat trips are available from Calpe and
you can get off or on at various resorts including Javea,
Denia, Altea and Benidorm.
These give you a chance to see the coast from a completely
different aspect and often the only way you can actually
see some coves. Fishing trips, windsurfing, sailing,
waterskiing and jet ski ing is available together with
tuition if you wish.
Calpe has an excellent shops and restaurants with many
of the shops being locally owned. No high street chains
here but still everything yoou could want. A traditional
street market on Saturday coils its way round the winding
streets of the old town and is a magnet for locals and
visitors alike. For more mundane shopping there are
4 large modern supermarkets with fantastic fresh fish
and meat counters. It goes without saying that fruit
and vegetables are invariably abundant and cheap.
