Costa Blanca
Calpe is situated between Valencia and Alicante on the Costa Blanca (White Coast), an area rich in history and famed for its scenery, temperate climate and the quality of its beaches. It remains generally unspoilt with beautiful fertile valleys, pretty fishing villages and historic towns. There are 13 km of coastline with beaches and coves, ideal for bathing and sports. Many of the beaches have won blue flag awards for cleanliness.
Calpe
Calpe itself is an ancient fishing village, dominated by a rocky outcrop, the Penon d'Ifach, which rises from the sea and towers over the fishing harbour and town. At 332m high it is a symbol of the Costa Blanca and in 1987 was declared a Nature Reserve because of its rich wildlife. If you are feeling fit you can climb to the top via a footpath which starts from the Nature Hall, the information centre. Hemingway loved Calpe town and spent his summers there during the thirties.
About 500m from the Penon are the Salt Flats, a nature spot which gives home to a wide variety of flamingos and other migrating birds at certain times of the year. Its name comes from the fact that they used to be the old salt works.
Restaurants and Bars
Within 2 - 15 minutes walking distance there are a variety of restaurants catering for every need at exceptionally attractive prices. A walk into Calpe town along the picturesque promenade will take you past bars and restaurants, while in the town itself there are typically noisy Spanish bars full of local atmosphere where you can eat delicious lunchtime tapas snacks. In the opposite direction, Levante beach is lined with numerous eateries and bars.
Shops and Markets
Calpe has a wide variety of shops selling everything from designer goods to furniture, as well as grocery / bakers shops.
There are also several large supermarkets on the outskirts of town and multi- national hypermarkets a short drive away where you can buy the same brand goods as if you were back home. In the season the larger supermarkets are open on Sunday mornings.
There is a Saturday morning market every week throughout the year in the old town.
Fiestas
Numerous festivals take place throughout the year, the most famous being that of the Moors and Christians, an autumn celebration of colourful swaying processions recalling the famous fight for sovereignty. There are spectacular firework displays in the evening and the 'repelling of the Moors' takes place on Playa Arenal the following day.
Sports Facilities
There is a local diving beach, and diving centres are located close to the apartment. Tennis courts are nearby, and within driving distance there are 9 and 18 hole golf courses, go-karts and many other facilities.
Transport
Buses into Calpe town/station run every 30mins from outside Le Vieux Bruxelles. A scenic land train can be taken from the port area into Calpe.
Beaches
Levante Beach
Come out of rear entrance, cross road then take steps or road down to lower road. Very large sandy beach with sunbeds and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Port Beach
Come out of front entrance, cross road and walk past fish restaurants to beach. Nice sheltered sandy beach with restaurants all round – try a plate of sardines and bread with ali oli plus a nice cold glass of white wine overlooking the beach. You can also walk beyond to a smaller beach which is lovely and warm, even on a windy day.
Arenal Beach
Miles of sandy beach with sunbeds on the way to Calpe, plus some smaller sandy and rocky beaches. Both Levante Beach and Arenal Beach have special facilities and equipment to assist the disabled.
Supermarkets
Turn right out of front entrance, cross road by new Japanese restaurant and continue straight up. Small mini-market is located next to Tabacs shop where you can buy essentials such as milk and fresh bread, also delicious croissants for breakfast! A larger supermarket (GAMA) is located near the back entrance of the apartment. Turn left, cross the road and take the steps on the right and continue for approx. 200 metres.
Places to Visit
Guadalest
An old fortified town famous for lace and well worth a visit. Built by the Moors some 1200 years ago, it was never conquered. The castle is perched on a craggy mountain outcrop and although much of the village was destroyed by an earthquake the steep climb to the castle is rewarded with breathtaking views.
Fuentes de Algar
For a small charge you can enter the landscaped gardens and picnic areas alongside the waterfall and lagoons of the Algar river where you can swim in the cool waters on a hot day.
Terra Mitica
(nr. Benidorm) This new theme park is a fun day out. It is the first true theme park in Spain and is designed to reflect the history of the Mediterranean with 5 subdivisions each representing a different lost civilisation, the myths and legends inspiring the roller coaster rides, animatronix and state of the art digital imagery.
Aqualandia (nr. Benidorm)
Europe's largest water park, and Mundomer Sea World.
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