Castellet de Calp

Castellet de Calp is a small hilltop fortress overlooking the town of Calp on Spain's Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante.

What will you see there?

Perched roughly 140 metres above sea level, the site preserves the remains of a watchtower built in the late 16th century directly on top of an older fortification dating back to the 12th–14th centuries. Builders reused stone from the earlier castle when raising the tower, and today visitors can still make out the base of the old walls together with cisterns carved straight into the rock to store water. The hill sits in the gap between the Sierra de Toix and Sierra de Oltá ranges, giving the ruins a commanding view over the coastline, the bay of Calp and the distinctive silhouette of the Peñón de Ifach.

How do you get there?

The site lies about three kilometres west of central Calp, on the southern slope of the Sierra de Toix, close to the N-332 road and the Mascarat tunnel. The easiest approach is to drive up to the last houses on the hillside and continue on foot from there, since the ruins themselves aren't reachable directly by car. The path is rocky and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What's the history behind it?

The original Castle of Calpe was built sometime between the 12th and 14th centuries and held real strategic weight under the Crown of Aragon. In the second half of the 13th century it was considered strong enough that it could only be taken by surprise, a feat credited to King James I of Aragon. The castle later fell into disuse, and towards the end of the 16th century a new watchtower was raised on its foundations to guard the coast against raids by Berber pirates, who were a persistent threat along this stretch of the Costa Blanca at the time. The tower and the older castle remains together make up what's known today as the Castellet de Calp.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the hill is exposed, rocky and offers no shade, spring, autumn and winter are the most comfortable seasons to make the climb, when Costa Blanca temperatures are milder. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, which makes both the walk up and the time spent taking in the views over the bay and the Peñón de Ifach far more pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Castellet de Calp? No, the archaeological site is freely accessible and can be visited independently at any time, without a ticket.

How long does a visit take? The walk up and back is fairly short, generally no more than an hour round trip, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top for the views.

Is it suitable for children? The approach is steep and rocky with no railings along the hilltop edges, so extra caution is advised when visiting with young children.

What should you bring? Comfortable trekking shoes, water and sun protection are essential, since there's no shade or tourist infrastructure on site.