17 Activities
Exploring the Charms of Altea and Calpe: A Day Trip Along the Costa Blanca
Starts from
Benidorm
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
17
Duration
13 hours
Length
13 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Benidorm
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
13 hours
Length
13 mi
Aldana Chiodi
Travel Expert
- Take lots of pictures in the picturesque, steep and narrow streets of Altea and Calpe.
- Trek around the Peñón de Ifach.
- Enjoy the viewpoints.
- Discover the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain.
This day trip takes you to the picturesque villages of Altea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca. This is how to get to know the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante. Not only will you walk through beautiful streets, but you can also visit an archaeological site, take pictures of Instagrammable places, hike to the top of the Peñon de Ifach in the Natural Park of the same name, and eat delicious food.
It is a route that can be done all year round, but it is recommended in spring-summer because there are more hours of sunlight and there are more open places.
It is a route that can be done all year round, but it is recommended in spring-summer because there are more hours of sunlight and there are more open places.
Categories
This day trip takes you to the picturesque villages of Altea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca. This is how to get to know the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante. Not only will you walk through beautiful streets, but you can also visit an archaeological site, take pictures of Instagrammable places, hike to the top of the Peñon de Ifach in the Natural Park of the same name, and eat delicious food.
It is a route that can be done all year round, but it is recommended in spring-summer because there are more hours of sunlight and there are more open places.
It is a route that can be done all year round, but it is recommended in spring-summer because there are more hours of sunlight and there are more open places.
Aldana Chiodi
Travel Expert
- Take lots of pictures in the picturesque, steep and narrow streets of Altea and Calpe.
- Trek around the Peñón de Ifach.
- Enjoy the viewpoints.
- Discover the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain.
Day Itinerary
17 Activities
Day 1
13 mi3 mi
Historic City Centres, Trekking, Nature and Instagrammable Spots
Ready to discover two of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Blanca? On this day trip, you will visit Altea and Calpe. First, the route proposes a walk through the historic centre of Altea with its typical narrow, winding streets with white houses full of flowers. Then, on the way to Calpe, you will visit a Russian orthodox church, an Instagrammable red building and a small cove.
Once in Calpe, it is proposed to climb the Peñon de Ifach, the most characteristic rock formation of the coast of Alicante, and to see the archaeological site "Los Baños de la Reina". To end the day, you'll take a stroll through the old town of Calpe and look for a nice terrace for dinner before heading back.
Remember to bring hiking shoes, water and snacks for the trekking to the Peñon de Ifach proposed during the afternoon.
Once in Calpe, it is proposed to climb the Peñon de Ifach, the most characteristic rock formation of the coast of Alicante, and to see the archaeological site "Los Baños de la Reina". To end the day, you'll take a stroll through the old town of Calpe and look for a nice terrace for dinner before heading back.
Remember to bring hiking shoes, water and snacks for the trekking to the Peñon de Ifach proposed during the afternoon.
09:0010 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
The first destination is the town of Altea. You can leave the car in this area, to walk "down".
0.2 mi
5 min
09:1515 min
Altea Old Town
City Centre
Open Details
From where you leave the car, you can start walking through the old quarter of Altea. There, you will be able to take several pictures of the white narrow streets.
0.2 mi
5 min
09:4530 min
Our Lady of Consolation Church
Church
Open Details
As you walk around, you will come to the Plaza de la Iglesia, where you will find the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo.
This church is baroque in style and is characterized by its blue domes. You can see if it is open to take a look inside. You can check the mass schedule on the official website.
This church is baroque in style and is characterized by its blue domes. You can see if it is open to take a look inside. You can check the mass schedule on the official website.
0.1 mi
5 min
10:3015 min
Mirador de los Cronistas de España
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
In the square you will also find a viewpoint, the Mirador de los Cronistas de España (there are others nearby). From there you have very nice views of the sea. It is worth taking several photographs.
In the square you might come across some handicraft stalls and, in the surroundings, there are several cafés and other viewpoints. For example, you can walk a few meters to the Mirador Blanc.
In the square you might come across some handicraft stalls and, in the surroundings, there are several cafés and other viewpoints. For example, you can walk a few meters to the Mirador Blanc.
0.5 mi
10 min
11:0015 min
Ajuntament d'Altea
City Centre
Open Details
Then you can walk to the Town Hall area, which is a shopping area. Take the opportunity to take lots of photographs.
0.3 mi
10 min
11:3015 min
Mirador Paseo Maritimo
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
From there, you can walk down to the coast and take a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo. You can choose one of the restaurants there for lunch.
0.5 mi
10 min
12:001 hr 30 min
E-Tika
Restaurant
Open Details
One of the places where you can have lunch is E-Tika restaurant. There, you can enjoy Mediterranean/Asian/Peruvian fusion food.
After lunch, you are ready to continue. Head back to the car park to pick up the vehicle to drive to the next destination, Calpe, and to make a few stops along the way.
After lunch, you are ready to continue. Head back to the car park to pick up the vehicle to drive to the next destination, Calpe, and to make a few stops along the way.
3.8 mi
15 min
14:3015 min
Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Church
Open Details
On the way to Calpe, you can make a first stop at the Russian Orthodox Church of San Miguel Archangel, which is the first orthodox church built in Spain. Its wooden construction is striking.
If it is open, you can go inside and take photographs. If not, you can observe it from the outside, it is very beautiful.
If it is open, you can go inside and take photographs. If not, you can observe it from the outside, it is very beautiful.
4.6 mi
15 min
15:0030 min
La Manzanera Cove
Beach
Open Details
Another detour you can make is to reach the Manzanera cove, where the Cala Manzanera Social Club used to be. Many people come here to take photographs of the town of Calpe and its rock, with the circular frame of two windows that belonged to the club.
And, of course, you can also soak your feet for a few minutes in the clear water.
And, of course, you can also soak your feet for a few minutes in the clear water.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:4515 min
La Muralla Roja
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
Very close to the previous site, there is this red building, known as the red wall (muralla roja), made famous by Instagram photos.
As it is private property, you can view it from the outside or ask for a permission to enter.
As it is private property, you can view it from the outside or ask for a permission to enter.
2.7 mi
10 min
16:155 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
The first proposal in the city of Calpe is to get to know one of its icons: the Peñón de Ifach. You can leave your car in this car park and walk to the visitors centre.
0.8 mi
20 min
16:451 hr 30 min
Peñón de Ifach Nature Reserve
Nature Preserve
Open Details
The Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is one of the most characteristic places to visit in Calpe. It has about 45 hectares, which makes it one of the smallest nature reserves in Spain.
You can climb to the top or just walk around a part of it. The route to the top is very well signposted. The last part, after crossing a tunnel, is more difficult and is not recommended for children under 18.
On the way there are several viewpoints from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the landscape. Don't forget to wear good hiking shoes and remember to bring water and some snacks.
To enter the park, you must make a reservation on the official website.
If you prefer not to climb, you can take a walk along the Príncipe de Asturias promenade, which "surrounds" the Peñón like a coastal walk.
After descending, return to the car park to drive back to the city centre.
You can climb to the top or just walk around a part of it. The route to the top is very well signposted. The last part, after crossing a tunnel, is more difficult and is not recommended for children under 18.
On the way there are several viewpoints from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the landscape. Don't forget to wear good hiking shoes and remember to bring water and some snacks.
To enter the park, you must make a reservation on the official website.
If you prefer not to climb, you can take a walk along the Príncipe de Asturias promenade, which "surrounds" the Peñón like a coastal walk.
After descending, return to the car park to drive back to the city centre.
1.1 mi
10 min
18:3030 min
Baños de la Reina
Historic Site
Open Details
On the way to the centre of Calpe, you can stop to see the Baños de la Reina archaeological site. You can leave your car in the car park next to it, or you can see it right from the road. Also, if you have more time and feel like it, you can go for a swim.
The site is divided into three parts: the Roman vicus (small urban agglomeration), the Muntanyeta thermal complex and the Roman nurseries. The natural pools known as the "baths of the queen" are thought to be ancient pools where fish were bred and salted. Legend also has it that a Moorish queen used to bathe in them and contemplate the beauty of the sea.
The site is divided into three parts: the Roman vicus (small urban agglomeration), the Muntanyeta thermal complex and the Roman nurseries. The natural pools known as the "baths of the queen" are thought to be ancient pools where fish were bred and salted. Legend also has it that a Moorish queen used to bathe in them and contemplate the beauty of the sea.
1.2 mi
10 min
19:155 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Follow the road towards the centre and look for a car park near the old town.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:3030 min
Calpe Old Town
City Centre
Open Details
Once you've parked your car, take a stroll through the historic centre of Calpe, with its picturesque streets.
One of the sites you will see is the small Plaza de la Villa, the parish church of Virgen de las Nieves and the Torreó de la Peça, which was part of the wall built to protect the town from pirate attacks.
One of the sites you will see is the small Plaza de la Villa, the parish church of Virgen de las Nieves and the Torreó de la Peça, which was part of the wall built to protect the town from pirate attacks.
0.1 mi
5 min
20:1510 min
Puchalt Street
Other Great Outdoors
Open Details
On the route you are sure to come across Calle Puchalt, a steep street with steps known as Calle de las Banderas.
It's the most photographed street in the city, so you'll see lots of people trying to get their picture taken there. Even if you don't want a photo, it's worth a visit because it's so beautiful.
It's the most photographed street in the city, so you'll see lots of people trying to get their picture taken there. Even if you don't want a photo, it's worth a visit because it's so beautiful.
0.1 mi
5 min
20:451 hr 30 min
El Posit
Restaurant
Open Details
Time for dinner! You can choose a restaurant for dinner in the old town before heading back home.
One of the options is the restaurant El Posit, where you can order rice dishes, croquettes, meat or fish. If there is space, choose the terrace.
One of the options is the restaurant El Posit, where you can order rice dishes, croquettes, meat or fish. If there is space, choose the terrace.