Calpe is large scale tourism with only Benidorm on the Costa Blanca having more high rise buildings. The main attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful blue flag beaches with golden sand and crystal clear water.
The whole resort of Calpe is dominated by the huge Peņon de Ifach, an enormous Gibraltar like rock which separates the two main beach areas of Playa la Fossa and Playa Cantal Roig.
The Peņon de Ifach is a Natural Park which is the symbol of the whole Costa Blanca. It is 332m high and extends for a kilometre out to sea. You can climb to the top from the information office at its base but whether you'd want to in the summer heat is another matter.
Arriving along the coast road from the north you'll be confronted with a selection of large supermarkets and even larger apartment blocks and hotels running adjacent to the coast. These cater for holidaymakers who come to spend their days on the 900m long beach of Playa la Fossa (also called Playa Levante).
Calpe Beaches
Playa de la Fossa is a first class beach with golden sand and excellent facilities including several children's play areas, tennis courts and even a bowling green. It has been awarded a Blue Flag.
The majority of the restaurants along Playa la Fossa are geared towards Spanish tourists with local fish and rice dishes very popular. the occasional British establishment appears with its typical fare which strikes a nice balance as far as the resort is concerned. There is a pedestrianised promenade (Paseo Infanta Cristina) the full length of the beach with a number of cocktail bars which help generate a lively nightlife.
On the other side of the Peņon is a smart marina followed by narrow, rocky beach called Playa Cantal Roig. A promenade (Paseo Infanta Elena) runs from here past a Roman fish farm and Roman baths as far as another superb beach at Playa Arenal-Bol. The end of this 2000m long beach is pretty much in the old town. Just follow c/Valencia for two minutes and you're in the Plaza Mayor. Both of these beaches have also been awarded Blue Flags.
The old town of Calpe is worth a wander around to see some historical buildings and squares. There's a street market every Saturday in the town and a flea market every Wednesday. In the summer months there are crafts fairs in the old town. Another worthwhile visit is to the daily fish auction at La Lonja in the port. These take place every weekday afternoon at 5pm. The salt flats just inland from Playa Levante date back to Roman times and are an important location for many species of migrating birds.