Calpe, Spain is the northern point above the southern point of Gibralter on the Costa Blanca, white coast, on the Mediterranean Sea. Its name has been both Calpe, translated from Spanish to English as the steep rugged hill of rock, and Ifach, Phoenician for north. It is a fabulous vacation spot north of Altea and south of Denia, with its first hotel drawing in the tourists, including famous ones like Ernest Hemingway, since 1935. Calpe is located in the province of Alicante north of Benidorm.

The most famous attraction in Calpe is the Penon de Ifach. It is a huge rock mass that is 85 and one half acres, or 35 hectars across and 1089 feet, or 332 meters high. It is classified has been a Protected Natural Park since 1987 and has many types of interesting birds and plants calling the big jagged rock home. The expansion of Calpe in to a heavily trafficked resort area necessitated the classification to preserve the more than 300 varieties of wildlife there.

Penon de Ifach holds interest for many fields of study, including geological, botanical and many, many others. There silver seagulls and swift birds that were near extinction, along with varieties of plants that are now found only on Penon de Ifach. It is a challenging climb, with an interesting walk through a bridge built in 1918, and for those who are able to climb to the top, the view of the entire Costa Blanca area is spectacular. Tickets are free, but required, as there is a 50 person per hour limit on the rock.

For those arriving in Calpe by plane, there is an airport 61 kilometers or 38 miles away at the Alicante Airport, and an hour away, the Valencia Airport in Manises. There are many choices for traveling from the airport to wherever or whatever you decide to stay in while you are in Calpe.

You can take a bus, many of which take several trips between the airports and hotels. If you are planning to rent a car, there are two routes that you can take. The National Highway N-332 is toll free, but the toll road A-7 Pay Highway is considered to be the easier, safer and quicker route.

There are many different options for accommodations in Calpe. For those who love camping, and sleeping outdoors in some beautiful surroundings, there are many affordable options available. There are also several affordable hostels with prices starting at only 45 euros, that’s about 70 dollars. You can stay at the foot of the Penon de Ifach for around 80 euros, or 125 dollars, and for a place right on the beach you can usually expect to pay up to 150 euros or 235 dollars per night.