A Return visit to Calpe on the Costa Blanca

Calpe is the overly popular seaside town on Spain’s Costa Blanca, with fabulous sandy beaches, the first time we visited, Michele gave it the big thumbs down! – but how can so many people be wrong ?

So after the short hope and skip from Eleche we are back, this time staying in town and here to see if we can change our minds ….

It must be fate or something like that, after pinging over a few emails and receiving reply after reply to the tune of ‘No room at the Inn’ Camping Mediterraneo came up trumps….

At this point it fair to say that it wasn’t the best pitch ( Top Tip don’t get lumbered with pitch 6 it’s tiny even in a vw camper) and it’s probably not the best camper site in town, but nevertheless we had a space in the popular resort of Calpe !

So what’s drawn us back ?

The first time we came to Calpe, we headed here on the tram from Denia only to be greeted by a mini England vibe, the bar we stopped for coffee in, the waiter spoke in English first, not even a muttering of Spanish, but we were determined to come back and see the rest of this costal gem.

Calpe bay stretches along 13 kilometres of scenic coastline, fringed with sandy blue-flag beaches, several pebble coves and mesmerising transparent blue Mediterranean Sea.

Almost dividing the resort into two separate areas is the Peñon de Ifach, rising mightily from the sea, a protected natural park, with an interesting variety of flora and fauna await you if you dare to make the climb!

A strenuous walk to the top where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the bay, with Benidorm skyline in the far distance.

At the base of this mountain like rock and symbol of the Costa Blanca is The fishing port and harbour

Away from the beaches and unsurprisingly up another hill you can discover the beautiful old town .

Because of the constant threat from pirates and privateers in ancient coastal populations they moved away from the coast and often built walled enclosures and fortifications for protection.

Ambling around slowly to discover every corner of the old town allowed you to soak in it’s beautiful ambiance, you can easily follow the tourist signposted route touring the small narrow cobbled streets, alleys full of beautiful plants and flowers.

the decorated stairs or visiting the ancient city walls, churches and the ancient Roman ruins.

Did we enjoy our return visit to Calpe ?

Tired legs from thousands upon thousands of steps would seem to confirm that first impressions can and often are wrong, another visit will be on the cards in the upcoming years, but we will definitely book more than a day in advance next time

Paul.

P.S. – almost got a Flamingo photo…