Costa Blanca Travel Guide

Calpe is steeped in ancient history. Because of its strategic location, it attracted the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors, the latter being dedicated to agriculture and fishing. Following the reconquest  by Jaume I, the Christians and Moors lived together peacefully but were under constant attack from the Barbary Pirated between the 14th and 17th centuries. This led to the construction of many fortifications. One such fortification, the Torreo de la Paca (named after an artillery piece used to defend the city) still has its cannons today, which can be seen next to the Torreo.

Today, fishing is still very important to the town and every evening the local fishing boats return to port with their catch and is subsequently auctioned at the local market held at 5pm daily. With its futuristic computer screen, this fast and furious market can be watched from the walkway of Lonja de Calpe. Many fish restaurants can be found near the port but only those displaying the round Piex de Calpe symbol are certain to be using fish unloaded and sold in the harbour and local fish market.

The Banos de la Reina, a group of six rooms built into the sea in  the late Roman period, can be found close to the port. Legend has it that these are reminiscent of a Spa of a Moorish Queen. Actually these rooms were hatcheries, connected to the sea, and used by the Romans for the drying and salting of fish.

The modern resort of Calpe has almost swallowed up the original Medieval Village, however, the old town is still well worth a wander, with it's small streets and squares.