Unforgettable Day Trips Around Calpe

Calpe has it all: the sea, beaches, cosy terraces, and the impressive Peñón de Ifach. But sometimes you feel the urge to explore a little further. Nearby, you’ll find charming villages and breathtaking natural spots that are truly worth discovering. Here are some of the most beautiful places, all within just 15 to 40 minutes from the house.

Whether you want to explore a little after a retreat or you’re simply on holiday and ready for an adventure, these are four day trips I would happily do again myself.

Jávea

Ibiza Vibes & Romance by the Sea

Jávea is about a 35-minute drive away, and for me it always feels like a true holiday escape. The moment you arrive, you sense a different kind of energy: open, bright, relaxed, and with a touch of bohemian charm.

Cala Clémence: A place close to the beach with true Ibiza vibes. Here, you can enjoy breakfast or lunch with a view of the sea – a view that almost feels too beautiful to be real. Sitting on the terrace, with a gentle breeze in your hair, you instantly understand why people love coming here. The first time I visited, I thought: pure magic.

Nomad: Right by the water, this is a place that has everything you look for when you’re on holiday. Style, atmosphere, delicious food, and once again, a breathtaking view of the sea. It’s also a boutique hotel, and such a beautiful place to stay for a few days.

We once had dinner there while a musician was playing live music… Romantic and enchanting at the same time. A moment I will never forget.

My tip: Don’t just come here for a quick coffee. Take the time to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Jávea feels like going on a little holiday within your holiday.

Moraira

Rooftop Bars & Hidden Beaches

Just a 15-minute drive from Calpe lies Moraira, a charming coastal village that I find myself wanting to return to every single time.

Casa Oller: Breakfast or lunch with a beautiful sea view and an interior that instantly brings Ibiza to mind.

Pluk Moraira: The Mediterranean version of Pluk Amsterdam: healthy, fresh, and with a wonderful bohemian atmosphere. The windows are open, the summer breeze flows through your hair, and here you simply lose track of time.

La Cabana: A rooftop bar run by Belgians who followed their dream and created something truly magical here. Their Pornstar Martini is famous (and deservedly so), but for me, the real highlight is the breathtaking rooftop view. You look out over the sea, feel the energy of the place, and think: I never want to leave. But besides the delicious cocktails, the food here is truly exceptional. For me, it’s easily in the absolute top three – perhaps even number one. Make a reservation and ask for Stefan to get a table with the best view.

My tip: Stay on the rooftop after sunset. The lights, the music, the sea stretching out below you… For me, this is one of the most enchanting places I know.

Altea

The White Village

Just a 20-minute drive away lies Altea, one of the most beautiful white villages on the Costa Blanca. As soon as you wander through its winding streets, it feels as if time slows down. The houses are painted white, the streets are paved with rounded stones, and everywhere you look you’ll find charming little shops filled with art, jewellery, and handmade treasures.

At the highest point of the village stands the church with its iconic blue-and-white dome, a landmark that can be seen from along the entire coastline.

And make sure to step into the clothing boutiques along the way. They are truly worth discovering.

My tip: Find a terrace near the church, order something simple – a glass of wine or a coffee – and just take in your surroundings. Here, you genuinely feel like you’ve travelled far away, even though you’re only 20 minutes from Calpe.

Guadalest & The Algar Waterfalls

Fairy Tales in the Mountains

Drive a little further inland, and you’ll discover a completely different world. Along the route from Calpe to Guadalest, you’ll pass endless olive groves, vineyards, and absolute tranquillity. Whenever I drive here, I think: this is where I want to live. This is where I’ll one day buy a house with the love of my life. This is where I want to grow old.

Guadalest: A medieval mountain village perched on top of a rocky peak. The views here are breathtaking – looking out over a turquoise reservoir surrounded by mountains that seem to go on forever. The narrow streets are charming, and everywhere you feel the atmosphere of a bygone era.

One important note: if there hasn’t been much rain for a long time, there may be very little water in the reservoir. The true magic appears when there has been some recent rainfall (or a little longer afterwards). During the height of summer, the experience can sometimes be slightly less impressive.

The Algar Waterfalls: Close to Guadalest, you’ll find the famous Algar Waterfalls. Here, crystal-clear mountain water flows down into natural pools where you can take a refreshing swim. On warm days, it feels like paradise.

A little tip: this place can get quite busy with tourists. Always check beforehand whether there is enough water flowing. We once visited when the waterfalls were almost completely dry. It was still beautiful, but the real magic was missing a little. It’s also a fantastic place to visit with children, as just five minutes away you’ll find DinoPark Algar with life-sized, moving dinosaurs. I have to admit, I found myself wanting to hold my girlfriend’s hand several times.

My tip: Combine Guadalest and the waterfalls into one day trip. Start with the mountain village, then cool off with a refreshing swim. A day full of contrasts that you’ll never forget.

These are the day trips that complete the magic of the Costa Blanca for me. A morning wandering through the streets of Altea, lunch with a view in Moraira, a romantic dinner in Jávea, or getting lost in the mountains of Guadalest – all moments that add something truly special to your holiday or retreat.

The beautiful thing is that all these places are so close to Calpe. And yet, the moment you arrive, it feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.

Whether you come to relax, explore, or simply enjoy life, these places remind you that life can be both grand and beautifully simple at the same time. That magic is sometimes just 20 minutes away.