The Most Beautiful Places in Calpe

My house is located just outside the centre of Calpe. Peaceful and secluded, yet close to everything. The town is nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, with the majestic Peñón de Ifach standing watch over the coastline.

For many people, Calpe is simply a holiday destination. For me, it’s so much more – a place where peace, nature, and a warm Mediterranean atmosphere come together. It’s where I return time and again to recharge and reconnect.

Whether you’re coming for a retreat or simply enjoying a holiday, these are the places in Calpe you really shouldn’t miss. All of them are within walking distance or just a short drive from the house, and each offers its own unique way of experiencing the magic of the Costa Blanca.

When you think of Calpe, you might picture the busy beaches. But beyond the lively coastline, you’ll also find peaceful corners, charming terraces, and seaside walking paths where time seems to slow down. In this blog, I’ll take you to the places I keep coming back to – where I grab a coffee, go for a walk, enjoy a good meal, and, above all, where I truly feel the magic of Calpe.

Semsa Beach

Cocktails with a Sea View

Semsa Beach is located on the other side of Calpe and has both an older and a newer section. The beach feels more spacious, brighter, and full of life. The moment you settle down, that long-awaited holiday feeling instantly takes over. Palm trees swaying in the breeze, soft white sand beneath your feet, the Mediterranean stretching out before you – and a handful of lovely beachfront cafés and restaurants to enjoy.

Semsa Beach is one of my favourite spots for lunch with a sea view. The dishes are fresh, colourful, and full of Mediterranean flavours, and if you enjoy cocktails, their Pornstar Martini is, in my opinion, the best in Calpe.

But the real magic begins as the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon. The sky turns shades of gold, pink, and orange. A drink in your hand, the sea in front of you, someone you care about by your side – and for a moment, everything feels exactly as it should.

Cafeseamos

My Favourite Spot for a Chai Latte

There are coffee bars, and then there’s Cafeseamos. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, it’s one of those places that quickly feels like a favourite. Originally, there was only the spacious café, with plenty of seating both indoors and out. More recently, they’ve opened a cosy takeaway spot just across the street. Although Cafeseamos is right in the heart of Calpe – without a sea view – it’s absolutely worth a visit.

The interior is bright, colourful, and welcoming. But what always draws me in is the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tempting display of homemade cakes and pastries. It’s also a wonderful place for breakfast or lunch.

Since the takeaway opened, it’s become my regular stop for a Chai Latte. It’s my little ritual: picking up my drink to go, then heading straight towards the beach and the sea. Whether you feel like lingering over a coffee or grabbing something on the go, Cafeseamos is one of those places that always makes me smile.

Mandala Beach

Paella & Pearl-White Sand in a Peaceful Setting

Mandala is one of my hidden gems. It’s just a five-minute drive away, or you can reach it by following the scenic coastal ecological path along the sea. As soon as you arrive, you’re greeted by pearl-white sand, a peaceful beach, and the warm smiles of the staff.

You really can’t go wrong with the menu. Whether you choose tapas, a fresh salad, or a light lunch, everything is delicious. I almost always go for the paella. While you eat, you can look out over the sparkling Mediterranean, and afterwards you’re only a few steps away from the beach. Moments like these remind you how simple happiness can be.

If you’re visiting with children, here’s a little tip: reserve a table in advance and ask for one overlooking the beach. You can keep an eye on the kids as they play in the sand while you relax with a glass of wine.

A magical tip: Come during the day for a swim, then stay for a late lunch. As the afternoon sun begins to soften, this becomes one of the most peaceful and relaxing places I know.

Xiringuito Olalà

Dinner by Candlelight

Olalà is another hidden gem. Nestled right by the sea, it offers truly breathtaking views. I enjoyed fried fish and a selection of tapas there, but to be honest, the food was almost secondary. It’s the setting that makes this place unforgettable – dining beneath Mediterranean trees while gazing out over the sparkling sea.

Take the staircase down afterwards and you’ll find yourself by the water, the perfect spot to linger for a quiet, romantic moment. It’s beautiful during the day, but it becomes especially magical in the evening. If you’re looking for a place to create lasting memories, this is it. Pure magic.

In Bocca al Lupo

Italian with a View of the Peñón de Ifach

Some evenings stay with you forever. Sometimes all you’re craving is something simple and delicious. For me, that’s pizza or pasta at In Bocca al Lupo. This Italian restaurant is located on Calpe’s seafront promenade, just a 15-minute walk from the house. Sitting outside with a glass of wine, the Mediterranean in front of you and the impressive Peñón de Ifach rising in the distance – it doesn’t get much better than that.

It’s the combination that makes this place so special: the aroma of tomatoes and fresh basil, the salty sea breeze, and that incredible view. It’s simple, authentic, and wonderfully satisfying. One of the best parts is the walk back afterwards. You don’t need a car – just enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

A little tip: Take off your shoes and walk back along the beach with your feet in the sand. It’s one of those moments that makes you wish you never had to leave.

El Toro

Pure Meat, Pure Fire

If you’re a meat lover, El Toro is an absolute treat. I have a soft spot for a perfectly cooked filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, and I’ve rarely had one as good as the one they serve here. Best of all, it’s close enough to reach on foot from the house.

El Toro is a grill restaurant where the meat is cooked over an open fire, and you can taste that rich, smoky flavour in every bite. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and unpretentious. No fuss – just outstanding food prepared with care.

After a day spent in the sun and by the sea, this is the perfect place to recharge. It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with children.

The Ecological Path

My Place of Peace

And then there is my absolute favourite place in Calpe: the ecological path. Just five minutes from the house, you find yourself right at the edge of the sea. It was one of the main reasons I fell in love with this house. The fact that you can reach the Mediterranean in just a few minutes still feels magical.

The path winds along the rocks, through wildflowers and Mediterranean shrubs, always with the sea by your side. This is where I go to slow down and find stillness. Sometimes I simply stop to capture an incredible photo. Other times, I follow the path down to the water just to sit, listen, and take it all in.

Along the way, you’ll discover a few small, hidden beaches. Be sure to take the stairs down to the sea and stay there for a while. Just sit and enjoy. It’s pure happiness.

The magic is especially strong in the morning. There’s a feeling of being completely connected with nature. And the scent of the trees and the landscape… honestly, it’s hard to put into words.

You can even follow the path all the way to Mandala Beach. It’s absolutely worth the walk.

The Beaches of Calpe

Calpe has several beaches, but there are two that I find myself visiting most often.

Playa de la Fossa (Levante)

This is the closest beach to the house. You can walk there in just ten minutes, making it perfect for a quick swim or a relaxing afternoon in the sun.

Playa del Arenal-Bol

My personal favourite. The sand here feels softer and whiter, and the atmosphere is more lively – more of that true holiday feeling. During the cooler months, this beach also enjoys the sun for much longer. It’s a little surprising, but this side of Calpe is often much less windy too. There are also more cosy cafés and restaurants along this promenade. If you enjoy a longer walk, you can reach it in about an hour by following the seafront. Or simply take the car for a quick trip.

This is Calpe. Not just a seaside town, but a place filled with little rituals and unforgettable moments. A Chai Latte at Cafeseamos. A walk along the ecological path. A cocktail in the afternoon or at sunset at Semsa Beach. A relaxing afternoon at Mandala Beach. An evening by candlelight at Olalà.

When you visit, I hope you experience the same feeling I do. That Calpe doesn’t just welcome you, but truly captivates you. That you rediscover how to breathe. That you feel at home here.

Because that’s exactly what it does for me… and I wish the same for you.