What can you do in Calpe and Altea in Spain? These are two of the most charming towns on the Mediterranean coast and they are both really close to Benidorm. With a welcoming vibe, they have maintained their fishing village essence, making them places worth visiting and enjoying. For this reason, this article details how you can really make the most of a visit to each of them. You won’t miss out on anything!
Things to do in Altea: the essentials!
Are you planning a visit to Altea? Well then, you need to make sure you check out these must-see places. They include its traditional, white fishing houses, narrow cobbled streets and, of course, its beaches! Are you ready? Here’s a guide to the must-sees in Altea!
Walk the beach promenade and explore the port
Walk from the port along part of Altea’s coast. If you’re looking to surprise your special someone, the beach promenade is the perfect place to do so! You’ll enjoy breath-taking views.
Are you a bit of a foodie who loves good, Mediterranean cuisine? During your walk you will find restaurants where you can order seafood and, of course, rice dishes!
Can you imagine seeing fishing boats returning to port with their nets filled with the catch of the day? After 6pm you can do so. You’ll love it!
Visit the old town
If you’re heading to Altea, you can’t leave without visiting its old town. White houses, cobbled streets, handcraft shops and blue-tiled roofs… It’s quite the visual treat! Wander through its streets and let yourself be guided through the area. You’ll come across quaint squares, such as Plaça de L’Aigua and Plaça de la Creu.
Following the streets, you will reach Señora del Consuelo Church, which is more commonly known as “the cupola of the Mediterranean”. We’ve still not told you the best part: right beside the church is a viewpoint where you can enjoy panoramic views of Altea.
Go for a swim at its beaches
Altea’s beaches have a certain charm you’re sure to enjoy. They are all pebble beaches, meaning they create a distinctive landscape. Make sure you take a beach chair or lounger with you: that way, you’ll be more comfortable. The best thing about them is they are unique beaches that aren’t as busy as those in Benidorm, especially during summer.
If you won’t be visiting for long, we recommend you head to Roda Beach. It’s fantastic!
Visit the magnificent Orthodox Church
When you finish visiting the must-sees that make Altea a town with individual charm, it’s time to head to Calp. However, along the way you will come across the grand Orthodox Church built from wood. You’ll love observing its golden domes as it’s a truly impressive building!
Things to do Calp. Take note!
Did you think there’s nothing quite like Altea? Calp is on a par with it. It’s a magical town oozing history on every street! Take a look at our guide on things to do in Calp. It will be one of the best experiences in your life!
Scale the iconic Peñón de Ifach
As soon as you arrive in Calp you will see in the distance El Peñón, Calp’s crown jewel! Are you fit? Are you a fan of hiking and nature? If you can answer, “yes”, to these questions you have to climb it! As soon as you start your ascent you’ll be amazed by a unique, exceptional view of Calp’s fishing port in the background!
As you continue up the hill, you will find the Conservation Centre that will explain its history. This is a really exciting attraction!
Do you know what we would recommend? Wake up early, put on your best shoes, your new sports clothes and start your ascent at sunrise!
Dive into Calp’s old town
If you enjoyed Altea’s historic centre, the old town in Calp will also blow you away. We assure you, it’s fabulous.
The story goes that, due to the threat of pirates and corsairs in antiquity, coastal villages built walled areas and fortifications to protect themselves. This was the case with Calp.
We recommend a relaxed wander through its streets, discovering hidden places. Furthermore, you can follow the Tourist Route, which is signposted on its cobbled streets. You will see old-world alleys, balconies brimming with flowers, decorated stairways, its walls, churches and old Roman ruins.
A must-see in its old town is Torreó de la Peça in Plaça de la Villa. There, you can visit the Collectors Museum and discover interesting items!
Relax at the Banys de la Reina
The Roman site that stuns all visitors. All through history this has been a landscape admired by the different cultures passing through the region. It is a privileged, completely natural setting sheltered by the foothills of the wonderful Peñón. You’ll fall in love with the place!
Calp’s salt marshes: a bird-watching haven
If you are a keen birdwatcher who enjoys spotting birds who live in the Mediterranean, Calp’s salt marshes are the perfect place to do so! Over the years, they have become a particular haven for numerous species of birds. A total of 173 different species have been recorded here!
Flamingos, storks and stilts, which are unmistakeable due to their red colours and long beaks, are some of the species you can frequently see at the salt marshes!
Altea and Calp’s must-sees await!
Now you know everything necessary for a comprehensive visit to Altea and Calp. Have you decided who will be accompanying you? Plan your getaway!
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