The Peñón de Ifach is the great limestone monolith that defines Calpe (Calp) — a 332-metre rock rising almost vertically from the Mediterranean, joined to the town by a low isthmus. It is a protected natural park and the most recognisable landmark on the whole Costa Blanca.
A waymarked trail climbs to the summit. The first stretch is an easy walk to the mirador; beyond it the path passes through a short tunnel and becomes a steep, rocky scramble where chains and ropes are fixed to the polished stone. It is not technical, but it demands sure footing and a head for heights — proper shoes are essential, and an early start avoids both the midday heat and the crowds.
From the top the reward is a full panorama: the bay of Calpe, the salt flats where flamingos gather, the marina, and the coastline running north toward Moraira and south toward Altea. Seabirds wheel around the cliffs the whole way up.
Access to the trail is regulated to protect the narrow path, so the number of walkers is capped — it is worth checking before you go. Allow roughly two to three hours round trip from the beach, and carry water: there is no shade and no facilities on the rock itself.
At its foot, Calpe pairs the climb with sandy beaches (the Arenal-Bol and La Fossa), a working fishing port, and an old town of steep lanes — so the Peñón makes a natural half-day, with the sea and a seafood lunch waiting below.