Calpe is a fascinating city, full of contrasts and natural beauty. You can get a sense of it from watching this drone video, but the best way to understand Calpe’s unique geography is by climbing the Peñón de Ifach. But if this is something you’d like to do, you have to prepare in advance, as we’ll detail in this article.
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Although we’d been aware of Calpe for years, we had never spent any time here. It was just one of the many cities we’d zip past, in order to get to a different destination further down the coast. But recently, we were on our way to Altea, and decided to take a detour through Calpe. What is this place? Look at that huge rock! The beautiful beaches! The crazy architecture! And, are those flamingos? We left the city impressed, and decided that we’d return soon to spend some real time here.
We’ve already written about the architecture of Calpe, and today we’re putting our focus on the city’s main landmark, the Peñón de Ifach. Similar to the Rock of Gibraltar, the Ifach juts out into the Mediterranean, and at 332 meters in height, looms over the city, dwarfing even the largest of Calpe’s many skyscrapers. It’s a protected park, and we decided that we had to climb it.
Peñón de Ifach Video
Of course, we aren’t exactly the first people to come up with this idea. In fact, I’d wager that a huge majority of people who lay eyes on the Peñón de Ifach make plans to scale it — the rock just looks so climbable! For that reason, the government has put in place measures to restrict numbers. If you’d like to go up the Peñón, you’ll need to register with the Valencian Community Parks website. And make sure to do so as far in advance as you can, because spots fill up fast.
On a sunny winter morning, we arrived at the foot of the Ifach, equipped with solid shoes, hats, sun cream, plenty to drink, snacks, and all our-important registration. After checking in at the park office, we started our ascent. It’s easy-going at first, as the trail winds up the green park which separates the city from the rock. Soon, we arrived at a tunnel, which led around to the outcrop’s stony backside.
At this point, the vegetation becomes much more sparse, the trail a lot more rocky, the views more impressive, and the ascent much more serious. We realized quickly that the danger isn’t from the steepness of the trail, but from how polished the stone underfoot has become. So many hikers have traversed this same path, that the rocks have been sanded almost completely smooth. We were glad to have real hiking boots on, and watched in horror and empathy as other less-prepared tourists slipped and slid in their flip-flops.
The ascent was harder than we imagined and, even with the controls, the sheer number of people along the trail was overwhelming, but the views awaiting us at the top of the rock made it all worthwhile. The city looks so cool from up here, and the long Mediterranean coastline is just stunning. You can also see the surrounding mountains and all the way to Benidorm when looking towards the south. Along with the views, the Peñón de Ifach boasts a rich biodiversity, and we loved spotting different types of plants and birds, including a little gray baby seagull bouncing around behind its mother. A hike up the Peñón de Ifach takes some prep work, and shouldn’t be underestimated, but is an absolute must on a visit to Calpe.
Peñón de Ifach Info
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Peñón de Ifach Photos
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Peñón de Ifach Map
Peñón de Ifach FAQs
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Peñón de Ifach?
You can enjoy a trip to the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park for free! However, since it attracts many visitors and to support environmental protection, it’s important to book your visit online in advance, especially in the busy season.
How long does it take to hike the Peñón de Ifach?
The round trip usually lasts anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your fitness level and how long you take to soak in the scenery.
Is it safe to visit the Peñón de Ifach with children?
The lower parts of the trail are great for families and perfect for kids. On the other hand, the hike past the tunnel becomes more difficult and may not be the best choice for younger children or those who are new to hiking, as safety is a priority.
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