With the weather getting warmer and the chaos of Las Fallas festival heating up, escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover some of Valencia’s beautiful surrounding areas. Located an hour and a half away from Valencia by car, Calpe is a charming village famous for the giant limestone rock that stands at 332 metres tall. Indeed, Calpe rock was declared a protected Natural Park in 1987 and is home to a wide variety of plant and bird species creating a fantastic ecosystem. Among the types of birds that a visitor might see are Grey Wagtails, Mallards, Greater Flamingos, Teals and Grey Herons. There are also wildflowers including the rare orchid species found only on Peñon D’Ifach.

The signposted route begins at the visitor centre, where you can also find car parking. The first part of the hike is relatively straightforward with wide footpaths and lower slopes leading up from the Medieval village of Ifach. However, beyond the caved tunnel, the path narrows, and the climb steepens.

According to the regulations of the National Park, children are prohibited to access the route beyond the tunnel due to the hike’s dangerous nature. Although there are chains and wooden railings on the side of the rock for stability, appropriate footwear is a must due to the uneven terrain and sheer drops. In the second part of the route, there is a fork where hikers can head towards Mirador de Carabineros or continue to the highest point of the rock with the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

If you’re looking for an adventure, why not take on the challenge of climbing to the top? Your efforts will be rewarded with exceptional views over the city of Valencia and its stunning surroundings.

Report by Imogen Hockings

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Photo copyright Imogen Hockings/ ’24/7 Valencia’

Distance: 5 kilometres

Duration: Between 3-4 hours

Visitor centre:

Mondays-Fridays: 08:30h-14:30h

Weekends and holidays: 09:00h-14:00h

Access to Calpe rock is free but visitors must make a prior reservation as there is a daily limitation of 300 people on the path

Tlf. 679 19 59 12

Email: ifac_cma@gva.es