Located about 2 kilometers from the coast we find the old town of Calpe. Because of the constant threat from pirates and privateers in ancient coastal populations they moved away from the coast and often built walled enclosures and fortifications for protection. This is the case of Calpe, which had a wall that ran along the perimeter of the old town to defend against pirate attacks.
What to do in the Old town of Calpe?
The best thing to do in the Old town of Calpe is ambling by this charming place to discover every corner. We can follow the tourist signposted route touring the small narrow cobbled streets, alleys full of beautiful plants and flowers, the decorated stairs or visiting the ancient city walls, churches and the ancient Roman ruins.
One of the highlights of the Old town of Calpe is the Torreó de la Peça, located in the Plaza de la Vila, which was part of the double defensive wall with artillery that defended the city in the 15th century and currently houses the Museo del Coleccionismo. During the tour you can also visit Iglesia parroquial de nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a unique parish that is also located in the Town Square in the heart of the historic center. Museo de Historia y Arqueología de Calpe, located on Calle Santísimo Cristo, is the perfect place to discover the secrets of the past of this beautiful city.
Along the streets we can see several murals and colorful mosaics on the walls, among which highlights Mosaico Mural on the facade of the tourist office, by the painter and Alicantino muralist Gastón Castelló representing his view of the Villa de Calpe.
The historic center of Calpe is already quite lively in itself, but if you want to see it more deeply, every Sunday there is a craft market where you can find not only handicrafts, but second-hand goods, bakery, sweets, plants, clothing, books, and organic vegetables.
Popular places to visit in Calpe