Looking for day trip ideas from Javea, then we’re here to tell you how you can spend one day in Calpe, Spain. Our guide explains the best things to do in Calpe, where to eat and even where to stay.
Here’s a sneaky little one day trip and getaway guide from Javea to Calpe, Spain… just for you. Like you, we felt the need to explore beyond Javea for a day trip, and literally had no idea how beautiful the coastline of Calpe would be. We soon discovered, that Calpe, also known as Calp, is a treasure trove of things to do and see.
Below we cover a perfect one day itinerary for Calpe, Spain – the highlights for a full day exploring the best Calpe has to offer. Below you’ll find a balance of activities, from the best beaches, to the best walks, with a quick trip to the historic centre or old town of Calpe.
We DO explain three different ways to get there, from public transport to driving routes. And we also give you options of some excellent places to eat. I’m always all about the food. So I’ve provided three restaurants that you can’t go wrong with.
But here’s my favourite thing about this post. Should you decided to stay a night in Calpe, then boy do we have the perfect boutique accommodation choice for you.
Read on… and don’t miss a visit from Javea to Calpe, Spain!
Also Get Our: Best EVER Holiday Guide to Javea!
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One Day in Calpe, Spain – An Easy Day Trip from Javea
Where is Calpe and How to Get There
I’m sure by now you are familiar with Javea so I don’t have to explain that in any depth. If that’s not the case and you’re still finding your feet, then read our post on how to holiday in Javea (post coming soon).
But now you’d like to explore further beyond Javea. A day trip to the south is calling, and Calpe has piqued your interest. This is an excellent choice, because Calpe is close to Javea and an easy destination for a day trip.
See our map above for the route from Javea to Calpe. Then read below for your options for getting there. We’ve also dropped pins for all of the location and things to do in Calpe that we recommend you check out.
Drive the Highway or Coast Road
We drove the CV-740 and N-332 highways from Javea to Calpe, from the Javea Historic Centre this takes just over 30 minutes. Then for the return back to Javea, we drove from Calpe along the coastal road CV-746 until Moraira, before connecting back to the CV-737/40 roads.
This was such a pretty drive and one that we definitely suggest you do! As we drove this road we came across many hidden little bays, that we’d otherwise never have known of. Cala de la Fustera for example is just one of many along this road.
Take the Bus from JAvea to Calpe
If you are travelling without a rental car, then you can take the Alsa bus from Javea to Calpe. The bus makes 8-9 trips from Monday to Sunday. The travel time takes anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour depending on how many stops are scheduled for that particular timetable. And the best part is that tickets cost just €3.20. The bus arrives at the Mercadona, just a short walk from the historic centre of Calpe.
Below we link to our blog on travelling with the Alsa Bus from Javea, including where to find the bus stop and more. It’s worth a read if you are considering public transport options in the Costa Blanca region.
Take the Tram from Teulada to Calpe
Your third option is to take the scenic tram route! Unfortunately the tram doesn’t pass directly through Javea, but it passes through Teulada. So to begin with, you’d need to make the 15-20 minute drive from Javea to Teulada.
Then it’s a 21 minute tram ride from Teulada to the Calp Station on Line 9. Trams go hourly, you can check their website to plan your tram journey. This is considered a Zone C fare and costs €1.45 for a single ticket, or €2.50 return.
From the Calpe tram station, you can catch the local bus L1 or L2 which leaves approximately every 30 minutes. Check the timetable here. This bus route makes several stops near the locations we have included on our list below of things to do in Calpe. For navigating the bus system in Calpe I recommend you use the Google Maps App which highlights which bus to take, which stops and the timings.
Things to do in Calpe, Spain
Okay, now it’s time to identify what it is you want to see and do in Calpe. So let’s get into it shall we. Be sure to use our map above for the locations!
where to park in Calpe
We’ve also added a couple of parking locations to the map for you to consider.
We used the paid Sol y Mar Carpark for our visit to the main beach, and from here we walked to the historic centre.
On another occasion, I parked in the free parking beside the Hiper Calp, which can be accessed from the road that runs parallel to Av. Diputacion. This is a great free parking spot if you want to stroll through the old town.
For parking central to the Calpe Rock, the Seafood Restaurants and the Queen’s Baths then head to the Parking Gratuity (Free) on C. Alfaz del Pi. This is located beside the Hotel RH Ifach.
Old Town & Historic Centre of Calpe, Spain
In the historic centre of Calpe you have some fab restaurants, some pretty streets, the Iglesia Antigua de Calp, and the tower or Torreó de la Peça and the !
It doesn’t take a lot of time to explore the historic centre, I would say an hour at most. Unless you decide to grab lunch or dinner then you might stay longer.
Be sure to walk up the colourful, Spanish flag painted steps of Carrer de Puchalt. Next hang a right, then left up towards the Torreó de la Peça. Then follow your way under the arch and around towards Placa de la Villa and the Iglesia Antigua de Calp. This area of the old town served as a defensive wall and protection against pirate attacks.
There is also a small museum found in this area, should you choose to visit. The Museo del Coleccionismo exhibits a small collection of historical artefacts and is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Swim on the Sandy Beaches of Calpe, Spain
There are three central beaches located in and around the main hub of Calpe. These are Arenal-Bol Beach; La Fossa Beach; and Cantal Roig Beach.
Given that we arrived in the September peak of summer, we found the Arenal-Bol beach too busy for our liking. Though on first impressions, our kids were very excited by the sight of the long sandy beach.
Moving on we went to Cantal Roig Beach, finding a free park at Calpe Rock end of town. This was much better suited to our family beach vibes. Cantal Roig is more of a bay, than a long beach. From here you can walk to the fishing port and the Queen’s Baths. Both mentioned below.
Also 5 minutes walking distance from this point, is La Fossa Beach. Chilling on this long sandy beach, provides a different viewpoint of the Calpe Rock entirely.
More Like This: Our Guide to the Best Beaches in Javea
Visit the Fishing Port & Eat at the Seafood Restaurants
After all, Calpe is a fishing port am I right! Therefore it would be crazy not to try the local catch. Near the Calpe Rock, you can wander around the fishing port.
If you happen to time your visit to Calpe, on Monday through Friday from 5pm, then you’ll arrive in time for the fish auction. But no drama if you don’t, as there are plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from, to get your fill of fish.
Honestly speaking, this place can get super busy with locals and tourists, all coming for a feed of the daily catch. Though we did notice that the restaurant reviews in this area are not outstanding.
Therefore, if you want a place to eat a quality seafood meal, then book a table at El Cantal. They rate very highly, and the views over the cute Playa del Cantal Roig, the port and the Calpe Rock are worthy of your time and money.
Swim in the Queen’s Baths – Baños de la Reina
💯 Meet the Queen’s Baths. I mean the photo says it all really! This is essentially an archaeological site that you can swim in. And when we visited mid-week in September, we had it mostly to ourselves.
The Queen’s Baths were constructed by the Romans from 100 BC, but contrary to their name, they were not used for bathing queens. Rather, they were created as a fish farm of sorts. Great channels were carved into the rock, creating 6 pools for fresh fish supplies. Large bronze doors, would have sealed the channels creating an enclosure. Similarly, in Javea you can find Queen’s Baths near the Arenal beach.
Above, and in connection to the Queen’s Baths, is an archeological site where residential dwellings were also constructed. Uncovered at this now protected site, was a necropolis, place of worship and mosaics, making this an important heritage site to the region.
History aside, if the sun is shining and the water is sparkling, don’t miss a visit to this very special place. Bring a snorkel and mask and watch the fish swim, who these days are now free to come and go.
Admire the Flamingos at Las Salinas Lagoon
Unique to Calpe, is the large inlet, known as the Salinas. Here you can find up to 173 species of native and migratory birds, including the beautiful flamingo.
Very quickly, the history! During the Roman Period the lagoon was transformed into salt flats. Salt was crucial to the inhabitants for salting fish and food preservation. It also reduced the reproduction of the malaria mosquito, prevalent throughout this period. The salt flats continued until the 18th Century, after which they became abandoned and were removed. However they returned in the 20th Century, and the practice of salt collection continued until 1988.
These days the lagoon, has been established to allow in water from the ocean. Thus it has returned to a more natural state, where birds come to nest.
There is a pretty 2.3km walking track around the lagoon. It takes 30 minutes at a steady pace. In other words, if you plan to bird watch, allow yourself some more time.
Walk the Calpe Rock – Peñón de Ifach
So that big rock that frames Calpe – the one also known as Peñón de Ifach, or Penyal d’Ifac – well it can be summited. The 4.3km return trail takes you to the highest point at 332m.
Half way up, you’ll pass the Archaeological Site of Pobla d’Ifac. However, there is very little information provided about the significance of this landmark.
The walk is described as an easy trail, however many of the reviews highlight the need for good walking shoes due to the loose trail. Particularly towards the end of the trail, after passing through the tunnel. As such, you should be prepared for some challenging areas on the hike.
Depending on your speed, allow 1½ to 2½ hours for the return walk. You can expect to see a variety of bird-life and plants. And there’s a chance you might see Ibiza on a clear day, but for sure you’ll catch an epic view of Calpe!
Note: The track does get busy! In which case, you must complete a registration form or permit to do the walk. This is the official Natural Parks website and registration form, and this link is the English Registration guide.
More Like This: Our Guide to the Walks and Hikes of Javea
Where to Stay in Calpe, Spain
If you are planning on making your one day trip from Javea to Calpe an overnight visit, then you MUST stay at Villa Riu Blanc. Just 5-7 minutes from Calpe on the N-332 is this beautiful, boutique hotel. The property is stunning, and the breakfast is delicious.
Trust me, there is no better place to stay, no better view, and certainly no better hospitality.
We wrote a full review on our stay, which you must read. And when you book, be sure to say hi to Patricia and Dirk from My Free Range Family.
Where to Eat in Calpe, Spain
Just like Javea, there are some great restaurants to try in Calpe. The following are some of the BEST.
Lapsus Bistro – Old town
⏱ Timings: Thursday to Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. They are closed Wednesday, and on Monday open for dinner only.
📍 Address: Calle el Torreón
📞 Phone: +34 865 51 16 83
At the recommendation of Patricia and Dirk from Villa Riu Blanc we ate at Lapsus Bistro. It’s a good idea to call ahead and book a table.
Lapsus Bistro is located in the historic centre near the Church or Iglesia Antigua de Calp.
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and you can see from the Tripadvisor Reviews that they come highly recommended by most. The service was also quick and friendly, and value for money was on point.
Semsa Beach – calpe Beach front
⏱ Timings: Monday to Sunday 10.30am until 11pm (Friday and Saturday open till midnight)
📍 Address: Calle Alemania 4
📞 Phone: +34 623 26 51 37
For summer vibes had to Semsa Beach. This is a super location for live music, fusion dishes and a view of the Calpe Rock. The Tripadvsior reviews are a little mixed, but generally speaking the food is consistently tasty!
OroBianco – michelin Quality
⏱ Timings: Wednesday to Saturday, from 1pm to 2.30pm and 7.30pm to 9.30pm
📍 Address: Urb. Colina del Sol
📞 Phone: +34 966 80 66 61
For superb quality and a Michelin recognised menu, then treat yourself to a meal at Orobianco. The head chef has been awarded three Michelin stars, so this lunch or dinner option is more than just a meal.
Other Day Trip Ideas & More on Javea
Well my friends! This concludes our day trip guide from Javea to Calpe. We really hope it has helped you plan you day, or weekend!
As you may aready know, we have spent many months exploring Javea and as such have created a large amount of content for Javea. If you need any tips or information, that you think we might have missed in our travel content, please get in touch, or drop a comment below. We love to hear from our readers.
➡️ If you’re looking for another fun day trip from Javea, then read our guide to Guadalest Castle!
And while you’re here, you might like to browse more of our guides from in and around Javea.
💎 21 Things to Do in Javea
🫒 7 Best Restaurants to Try in Javea (post coming soon)
🛏 A Complete Accommodation & Hotel Guide to Javea
🍷 Wine Tasting in Javea with Les Freses Winery and Vineyard
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