The Peñon de Ifach & Calpe

It is impossible to talk about Calpe, without mentioning its famous rock, the Peñon de Ifach.

Created by one of nature’s quirks; it forms one of the most unique and beautiful geographical features of Valencia and of the entire Mediterranean coast.

Nature formed this magnificent area where the marine life and fauna all reside in a truly exceptional climate.  The only similar paragon with the Peñon is  the Rock of Gibraltar.

The Peñon has two distinguishable parts: the upper surface with vertical limestone walls and the lower part with a different composition, containing more clay, gentle uphill slopes and recent formations.

The newer portion of the Peñon is lower than the upper portions and did not originate in situ, but because of a huge detachment or landslide from the nearby Sierra de Olta Mountain.

Despite being in a highly populated area, the rock retains much of its biological value and plant life. Many of the plants that grow there have caught the attention of botanical experts worldwide as do the different type of birds that nest in its crevices or stop over to rest during migration.  The Eleonora Falcon (Falco eleonorae), the Peregrine Falcon, the European Shag a species of cormorant , the Alcatraz, a type of pelican, the northern gannet, the pallid swift, the yellow-legged gull, the common kestrel and the European Greenfinch as well as lots of reptiles and lizards.

The Peñon belonged to the town of Calpe until the late nineteenth century, when it passed into the hands of various private owners until being acquired by the Generalitat Valenciana, shortly before being declared a Nature park.

As one of the smaller European nature parks, only covering 47 hectares, this promontory is unique due to its bioclimatic features, the nature of its soil along with the variety of flora and vegetation. 

Boat trips from Benidorm along the coast to Calpe - tickets here.

F.J.Villaplana

Beniexcursions.

Guadalest full of natural charm

Guadalest, a small town full of narrow streets  and corners rises from the heart of the Marina Baixa.  It is the ideal place to find peace in the surrounding landscape and culture.

Located in a valley full of leafy trees and mountains only 22 kilometres from the coast,  the area is famous for the production of Mistela and for the cultivation of the Loquat or Nispero. Hand made items are another attraction of the area, especially lace and fabrics.

With a population of approximately 200 inhabitants Guadalest is full of tradition and there are years of history in its tiny streets.  At the foot of the village there is a reservoir which is surrounded by the Sierra Aitana Mountains and from where you can take a trip on a Solar Powered boat.

At this time of year it is even more beautiful, between January and March, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show with the almond blossom colouring the mountains in shades of ivory, white and pink. A delight for the senses, it announces the arrival of spring and the heady scent of the blossom fills the air.

There are plenty of reasons for you to pay a visit to Guadalest and the mountainous areas that separates Benidorm from Alcoy. It is a paradise full of tradition with great cuisine using only the best ingredients all grown in the area.  Enough to please the most demanding of palates.

Guadalest is not to be missed!

Leticia Murillo.