Calpe – Costa Blanca
Calpe, known as Calp in Valencian, is one of the Costa Blanca’s most distinctive coastal towns. Famous for its beautiful beaches, Mediterranean atmosphere and impressive mountain backdrop, it combines the feel of a traditional Spanish town with everything you would expect from a popular holiday destination.
Dominating the skyline is the spectacular Peñón de Ifach, a huge limestone rock rising dramatically from the sea and one of the best-known landmarks on the Costa Blanca. Now part of a protected natural park, it offers walking and hiking routes with spectacular views across the coastline.
Calpe has several excellent beaches, including the long sandy stretches of Playa de la Fossa and Playa del Arenal-Bol, together with smaller coves that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing beside the Mediterranean.
The town also has a fascinating historic centre, where narrow streets, colourful murals, traditional houses and small squares provide a glimpse into Calpe’s past. Along the coast, the busy fishing port and marina reflect the town’s strong maritime heritage. Visitors can watch the fishing boats return with their daily catch and enjoy fresh seafood at the nearby restaurants.
Calpe offers a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, shops and leisure activities, as well as attractive promenades perfect for an evening stroll.
Popular with both holidaymakers and international residents, Calpe successfully blends modern coastal living with Spanish tradition, making it an enjoyable destination throughout the year.
Calpe (Calp) has a surprisingly busy fiesta calendar, with celebrations taking place throughout the year. According to Calpe Tourism, the main traditional fiestas include:
Main Fiestas in Calpe
- January – Three Kings / Reyes Magos – 5 January, including the traditional Three Kings celebrations and parade.
- February – Carnival (Carnaval) – Costumes, street music, parades and celebrations.
- 28 February – Día de Andalucía – Andalusia Day, organised by Calpe’s Casa de Andalucía.
- March – Fallas – Traditional Valencian celebrations with monuments, fireworks and their ceremonial burning.
- March/April – Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Religious processions and Easter celebrations.
- April – Mig Any (Half-Year) Moros y Cristianos – Celebrating the halfway point to the main Moors & Christians fiestas.
- May – Cruz de Mayo (May Crosses) – Colourful floral crosses and traditional celebrations.
- June – Hogueras de San Juan – Celebrated around 23 June with bonfires and festivities marking the arrival of summer.
- July – Virgen del Carmen – 16 July. One of the most important celebrations for Calpe’s fishing community, honouring the patron saint of sailors.
- July – Feria Andaluza – Calpe’s Andalusian Fair, with music, dancing, food and a distinctly southern Spanish atmosphere.
- August – Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen de las Nieves – Calpe’s major summer fiesta, centred around 5 August, honouring the town’s patron saint. Expect processions, music, fireworks, street entertainment and numerous festivities.
- August – Bous al Carrer – Traditional bull-running/street bull events forming part of the summer fiesta programme.
- September – Romería de la Virgen del Rocío – Traditional Andalusian-style pilgrimage and celebrations.
- September – Fiesta/Romería de Nuestra Señora de la Merced – Religious and community festivities.
- October – Romería de Sant Francesc – Traditional pilgrimage celebrating Sant Francesc.
- October – Moros y Cristianos – One of Calpe’s biggest and most spectacular fiestas, held in honour of the Santísimo Cristo del Sudor. Elaborate Moorish and Christian parades, costumes, music, gunpowder and historical re-enactments take over the town. The principal feast days are 21–23 October.
- October – Oktoberfest / Fiesta de la Cerveza – Calpe’s long-established beer festival, reflecting the town’s large international community.
- December – Christmas & New Year festivities – Christmas markets, concerts, children’s activities and seasonal celebrations.