Calp and Altea in February

On Saturday we set off quite early for Calpe. It’s an easy drive from Denia and we take the more scenic route down from Benissa. We park near the weekly market and have a quick look and then we walk to the sea. I’d seen the photos but all the same the sight of so many skyscrapers and so high in a place which could be of outstanding natural beauty because of the Penyal d’Ifac, offends me! 

The beach and sea and the cape in the background are splendid in that direction, the urban area is an eyesore in my opinion. Andrea isn’t so negative. We walk down the seafront then up the main shopping road, tall apartment blocks with no attempt at attractiveness, towards the historical centre of Calpe which is very small, although there are some picturesque corners and nice murals, and the best part of the town.

It's about half past eleven, too early to think of lunch so we stroll along the beach back to the car and drive to Altea. From Google maps we choose a cafè and are lucky to find a parking space in a nearby square. We are also lucky to find a table because most of them are reserved. La Clau apparently won the 2024 best tapa award and is popular. We have menu del dia: one bunuelos de calabacin, freshly fried, boiling hot and very good and one tasteless and lukewarm lentil soup. Second course is a tasty chicken with sauce, excellent potatoes and an artistic slow cooked pulled pork with mashed potatoes. 

For dessert, there’s bizcococho casero. All in all, with water and bread, included and a beer for Andrea, not, we spend about 30 euros. It was good. We walk through the newer part of town and then uphill towards the old part of Altea. Altea is a pueblo blanco and is well looked after. White houses and vivid blue sea beyond are always a good combination. 

We wander and take some photos and look and sit and stop for coffee and an excellent ‘cake’ at pastisseria De Sabors just past the church. There are quite a few people around and I don’t hear the same language twice running. The sun is warm, but the wind is chilly. We sit in the shelter of the church and then wander some more and look at the views.

The newer part of Altea near the sea is nowhere near as aggressive as Calp – the highest buildings are perhaps 5 or 6 storeys. Back down there we walk along the seafront which is attractively landscaped. The sea is deep blue but here the beach is stoney, perhaps the reason for the fewer apartment buildings. Anyway, the general vibe is very relaxing and pleasant. It’s too late now for the walk between Altea and Albir but we sit in the sun until it goes behind the seafront buildings and then head for home. We liked Altea.

Spain in January and February complete trip report

Denia, Calpe, Javea or Altea?

Denia in February

Javea in February