Rock of Ifach

Peñón de Ifach is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Calpe. It dominates its surroundings, peaks at over 330 metres and can be seen long before you get there. It is surrounded by unique and magnificent flora and fauna. The seabed follows in this line, as it is home to many species.

Among these species are the birds. Up to 80 species of birds live on the rock at any given time of the year. Among them are hawks, gulls, boobies and cormorants. These birds share spaces with very unique plants, such as the Silene D'Ifach, which is a perennial plant with purple flowers. This plant only grows in the regions of Marina Alta, Ibiza and yes, on the rock of Calpe. For years it was thought to be extinct, but it gradually recovered.

Of course, this is a great place for a hiking getaway. We recommend starting with a visit to the medieval settlement of Pobla d'Ifach. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, you can dare to climb to the top.

The path to the top has some difficulty at some points along the way. The last part is the most complex. Now is the time to be more careful, the path becomes dangerous at some points due to the narrow and slippery terrain. We must continue climbing until we reach the crossroads where there are signs to climb to the top or turn around to a viewpoint called Carabineros. It is good to stop and enjoy the view.

When we finish, we retrace our steps, up to the sign, now yes, we continue climbing. This is the trickiest part, but once you get to the top, all you have to do is enjoy the incredible views! On sunny days, you can even see the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, as well as the cape of Santa Pola.

The weather on the Costa Blanca is always pleasant, the temperature rarely drops below 10 °C. However, in summer, with intense heat and physical exertion, the climb to the top in the middle of the day can be difficult. But this is an avoidable detail. If you visit Calpe in summer or if you are staying in a flat or villa in Calpe, we recommend that you take advantage of the early morning or late afternoon for the walk. At this time, the heat is less intense. The rest of the year, with mild temperatures and almost 365 days of sunshine, you will have no problem enjoying the Peñón d'Ifach at its best.