Calpe is a friendly fishing village which sits close to the Rock of Ifach on a hill rising up from the last spurs of the sierra Bernia in the middle of spain's Coata Blanca, a geographical marvel that provides access to the northernmost towns of Alicante's Marina district. It is an authentic tourist site, with a coastline boasting sandy beaches, cliff faces in some areas and an ancient salt mine, which all give the town a peculiar flavour of its own. Calpe is overlooked by the towering Penon de Ifach which juts out into the sea and rises to over 1000 ft.

In contrast to the larger commercialised resorts, the village of Calpe with its narrow winding streets, traditional Spanish architecture and street markets generates an atmosphere of friendship and relaxation, a village where after only a few days you seem to know and greet everyone.

Calpe is a place of daring contrasts, where modern buildings and wide avenues harmonize with an ancient fishing village, where locals are proud of their past, yet welcome tourists and visitors with warm - hearted hospitality.

Calpe's fishing port comes alive with hustle and bustle as the afternoon fish auction draws near. Restaurant terraces fill up with lively crowds anxious to try some of the fresh local shellfish. The town centre preserves the remains of a small fort from the 16th century, called the Torreon de la Peca. There is also a Gothic-style parochial church worth visiting, with Mudejar additions. From the chapels of Cometa and Salvador there is an attractive view.