Calpe lures travellers who love a bit of sun and the open outdoors to its bright beaches and rugged coastline. Most who have enjoyed this vibrant Alicante destination find that it offers some of the best coastal scenery in all of Spain. Whether or not that’s true, there’s no doubt the city’s panoramic miradores (viewpoints) are among the most rewarding places to visit in town.

But with so many scenic viewpoints scattered around the region, where should a camera-toting traveller go to snap the best landscape shots? Let’s look at the best viewpoints in the Calpe region so you can properly appreciate its stunning scenery from a vantage point.

  • 1

    Mirador Monte Toix

    An easily accessible yet lesser-known mirador

    Mirador Monte Toix
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Mirador Monte Toix lies on the southern end of Calpe and offers gorgeous views of the coast with minimal crowds. You can drive almost the entire way to the viewpoint, as you’ll only have to walk around 500 metres from the carpark along a gentle trail to get there. Although the hike is easy, the road leading to the site is rather confusing, so it’s best to use a GPS navigation system.

    Once up top, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Cumbre del Sol and Calpe to the north and Altea, Albir, and Benidorm to the south. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Ibiza way off in the distance. It’s worth wandering along the path towards the radio mast station to soak up those spectacular views.

    Location: Partida Maryvilla, 03710 Calpe, Alicante, Spain

    Map

    photo by chisloup (CC BY 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Mirador de Carabineros

    A challenging add-on to the popular El Peñón De Ifach hike

    Mirador de Carabineros
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Mirador de Carabineros is a superb option for the experienced hiker in search of adventure in Calpe. The lookout lies on the south-eastern tip of the Ifach Peninsula, so it’s a great add-on if you’re still feeling energetic after conquering the El Peñón de Ifach trail.

    The path splits into 2 after the tunnel, and mind that the trail leading towards Mirador de Carabineros is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll need to be fit and have good walking shoes to attempt it. The path is barely visible at times and requires scrambling over slippery surfaces, so hang on tight to the ropes and chains.

    Location: Carr. del Peñon, 03710 Calpe, Alicante, Spain

    Map
  • 3

    Pobla d'Ifac

    An ancient urban site with breathtaking views

    Pobla d'Ifac
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Pobla d'Ifac is an urban enclave from the 13th century, and its crumbling ruins can still be visited today. Within it lie a fascinating array of ancient houses, storerooms, and pathways. You can also walk through the remnants of a graveyard and a church.

    Given its high elevation, the road-accessible site offers sweeping views across both sides of the peninsula. For the best possible vantage point, however, head further uphill to the towering limestone outcrop known as Peñón de Ifach. The demanding 332-metre ascent requires sturdy walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness. At the top, you’ll soon find the views that justify the effort.

    Location: Carr. del Peñon, 03710 Calpe, Alicante, Spain

    Map

    photo by Joanbanjo (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 4

    Calpe Old Town

    Take in coastal views in Calpe’s pretty Old Town

    Calpe Old Town
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Calpe Old Town is set on a steep hill some 2 km inland from the beach, where an elevated position affords beautiful views. The historic hub was once completely encircled by stone brick walls to protect it from marauding pirates. Although some of these no longer stand, there are plenty of other old-world attractions and sweeping vistas to admire.

    The best way to visit is by following the signposted tourist route, where cobblestone streets wind their way past quaint churches, fascinating museums, and pretty plazas. Keep an eye out for the Mosaico Mural, a masterpiece from local artist Gastón Castelló. The views are particularly picturesque from atop the Torreó de la Peça bulwark.

    Location: Carrer del Santíssim Crist, 31, 03710 Calpe, Alicante, Spain

    Map
  • 5

    Serra de Bèrnia i Ferrer

    A moderate 4-hour hike through mountainous terrain

    Serra de Bèrnia i Ferrer
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Serra de Bèrnia i Ferrer is just 30 minutes outside of Calpe, making it the perfect day trip for when you just want a quick nature escape. The moderately demanding 11-km hike takes about 4 hours to complete, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack plenty of sunscreen and drinking water.

    The trail starts at Restaurante Serra de Bèrnia, where you can enjoy a traditional Valencian breakfast or lunch. Over the course, you’ll ascend to an altitude of 600 metres and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and coast. Expect to walk along dramatic ravines, crawl through a natural tunnel, and admire the ancestral paintings of Fort Bernia along the way.

    Location: Camino Bernia Carretera, 23, 03727, Alicante, Spain

    Map

    photo by Alejandro Gómez Vilches (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Harry Stewart | Contributing Writer