Calpe with children: a practical guide for a family holiday

Calpe is one of those places where a holiday with children is a breeze: the beach is right in town, the water is usually calm, and almost everything is within walking distance. Plus, between swims, there are plenty of things to keep kids entertained: flamingos just steps from the street, a 332-meter-high rock formation with a tunnel carved into the rock, and a Roman archaeological site by the sea. In this guide, we'll tell you what to do in Calpe with children, which beaches to choose, and which nearby excursions are worthwhile.

Why Calpe works so well for families

The tourist office itself describes it as a "peaceful and safe" destination, with clean, well-maintained beaches, pedestrian streets, squares, and a wide variety of parks and gardens. There's a cinema, theater, activities, and guided tours throughout the year, and playgrounds in most of the town's squares, perfect for a break with the little ones.

Beaches to go to with children

In 2026, Calpe will have, for the first time, five Blue Flags: Arenal-Bol, La Fossa-Levante , and Cantal Roig retain theirs, and Puerto Blanco and El Racó join for the first time (official ADEAC list). For families with children, the two large urban beaches are the most convenient.

• La Fossa or Levante Beach (950 m): fine golden sand, calm waters, and an atmosphere that Tourist Info describes as "urban, peaceful, and family-friendly." It has a children's playground, lifeguards, restrooms, foot showers, and a promenade lined with ice cream shops and restaurants. And it offers views of the Rock of Gibraltar from its less-seen side.
• Arenal-Bol (1,200 m): the central beach, also with fine sand and calm waters, palm trees, lifeguards, a children's playground, and all the amenities of the promenade within easy reach. It's the busiest, so in the height of summer it's best to arrive early.
• Cantal Roig: small and quiet, next to the fishing port and at the foot of the Peñón. Ideal for combining swimming with a walk to see the boats.

Accessible beaches. From July 1st to September 30th, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, there are assisted bathing areas at Arenal-Bol (near Calle Irlanda) and La Fossa (Calle Llevant), with monitors, amphibious wheelchairs and crutches, adapted toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Prior booking is required; please call 687 255 974.

Want to compare all the beaches and coves? You'll find it in our Calpe beach.

Flamingos in the heart of the village: Las Salinas

Children are often surprised to find a lagoon with flamingos. The Calpe salt flats are located within the town itself, very close to the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, and have been home to 173 bird species. The flamingos can gather there in the hundreds, although their numbers fluctuate considerably.

There's an easily accessible, semicircular birdwatching trail, perfect for a short walk with children before or after the beach. Bring binoculars if you have them: it's the best way to see the flamingos up close without disturbing them.

The Peñón de Ifach with children: up to the tunnel

Climbing the Peñón de Ifach is a small adventure for the whole family, as long as you know where to stop. The trail (the Red Route) starts at the natural park's visitor center, and the first section, up to the tunnel, is easy: about 30 minutes uphill along a path through pine trees, with viewpoints and historical remains along the way.

Three important things to do before you go:

• Reservations are mandatory for everyone, including children. They can be made online through the Valencian Regional Government's Natural Parks website, from 9 days in advance until the day of the visit, subject to availability (limited to 300 people per day). If the child does not have identification, the official guide indicates selecting "Passport" as the document type.
• Beyond the tunnel exit, the park advises against children continuingdue to the dangerous nature of the path. With children, the tunnel marks the end of the hike.
• Wear closed hiking boots or similar footwear and bring water: there are no water sources along the route. In rain or fog, it is not recommended to go beyond the tunnel.

All the details of the booking and the route are in our guide to the Peñón de Ifach.

Romans by the sea: the Queen's Baths

Along the coast, at the foot of the Rock of Gibraltar, lies the Roman site of the Queen's Baths. The pools carved into the rock, extending into the sea, were fish farms during Roman times; local legend has transformed them into the baths of a "Moorish queen," a story that children love. The site also includes the Muntanyeta thermal baths and the remains of a villa with mosaics.

The City Council organizes free guided tours with prior registration. From September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday (10:00, 11:30, and 13:00) and Sundays and public holidays (10:00 and 12:00). Reservations can be made by email to [email protected]. Schedules vary depending on the season, so please check the Tourist Info Calpe calendar before visiting.

Parks, promenades and the port's fish market

• Children's playgrounds and recreational areas. In addition to the parks in the town squares, Tourist Info recommends recreational areas such as Parc de la Cometa, La Vallesa, L'Enginent, La Empedrola, Llombers, and Oltamar. At the end of La Fossa, next to Cala Calalga, is Parc Calalga.
• Family-friendly eco-routes. The City Council proposes six routes for getting started in hiking with children. One of the most pleasant is the Voramar-Calalga route: it starts at the end of La Fossa, next to Calalga cove, and follows the coast along a path with sections protected by railings, passing by Mallorquí cove, to the port of Les Bassetes (about 30 minutes one way).
• The fish market at the port. On weekday afternoons, you can watch the fish auction at the fish market in the fishing port: a very different way to discover where the food you eat in the port's restaurants comes from.

Calpe from the sea: boat, kayak and paddle surf

Seeing the Rock of Gibraltar from the water is another favorite family activity. Boat trips depart from the fishing port of Calpe, exploring the bay and the surrounding natural park. According to Tourist Info, some boats offer underwater viewing. The ferry companies listed by the tourist office are Excursiones Marítimas Benidorm and Mundomarino.

Kayaks and paddle surf boards are also available for rent at the port during the season; departures depend on sea conditions.

Day trips near Calpe

• Terra Natura Benidorm. Animal park in Benidorm, with a water park (Aqua Natura). Check their official website for opening hours and season.
• Aqualandia (Benidorm). Large water park next to the Sierra Helada mountain range. Open only during the summer season; according to its official calendar, the 2027 season runs from May to September.
• The Castle of Guadalest. A village perched on the rock, which is entered through a tunnel, with the castle of San José and seven museums designed for children, such as the miniature museum, the Microgigante or the museum of dollhouses and antique toys.
• Les Fonts de l'Algar (Callosa d'en Sarrià). A 1.5 km circuit along the Algar River, featuring waterfalls and seven pools where swimming is permitted (lifeguards are on duty during Easter week and summer). Open year-round. The walk takes about 45 minutes plus swimming time; it's difficult with a stroller due to the steps, and water shoes are recommended. In July and August, visits are staggered, so it's best to buy tickets online at least one day in advance.

Practical advice: when to come and how to get there

• When to visit. According to Tourist Info Calpe, there are approximately 3,180 hours of sunshine per year and an average annual temperature of 18°C. Summer is beach season, with lifeguards and accessible beaches; spring and autumn are ideal for visiting the Peñón de Ifach (rock formation), the salt flats, and hiking. Rainfall is infrequent throughout the year; the few rainy days usually occur in autumn and winter. If you are planning a multi-week visit outside of peak season, please see our Calpe in Winter.
• How to get there. Calpe is located between Alicante and Valencia airports. We explain all the options (car, bus, tram, and transfer) in our guide on how to get to Calpe.
• Book in advance the visits with limited places: the Peñón (booking per person), the Queen's Baths and, in summer, Les Fonts de l'Algar.

Your apartment in Calpe with Clubrent

With children, having a kitchen, space, and the beach nearby makes all the difference to a holiday. Clubrent manages over 40 holiday apartments in Calpe, many of them near Arenal-Bol and La Fossa. If you're traveling with a baby, we have cribs and high chairs available upon request. Check each listing for location and amenities, and choose your dates for holiday rentals in Calpe. Before you arrive, review the guest information: arrival details, keys, and house rules.

Reservations and questions: +34 656 61 92 93, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best beach in Calpe to go to with children?

La Fossa (Levante) and Arenal-Bol: these beaches have fine sand, calm waters, lifeguards and children's play areas, and will have Blue Flag status in 2026. Cantal Roig, next to the port, is a smaller and quieter option.

Is it possible to climb the Peñón de Ifach with children?

Yes, up to the tunnel: it's an easy 30-minute walk. Beyond the tunnel exit, the nature park advises against children continuing. Everyone, including children, needs to book online.

Where to see flamingos in Calpe?

In Las Salinas, right in the town center and near the Peñón. There is an easily accessible, adapted trail for birdwatching.

What excursions with children are there near Calpe?

Terra Natura and Aqualandia in Benidorm (Aqualandia is only open in summer), the village of Guadalest with its museums for children and Les Fonts de l'Algar, with pools where you can bathe.

Can you visit the Queen's Baths with children?

Yes. The City Council organizes free guided tours with prior registration via email ([email protected]). Days and times vary depending on the season.

Does Clubrent have family-friendly apartments in Calpe?

We manage over 40 apartments in Calpe, many near Arenal-Bol and La Fossa, and offer cots and high chairs upon request. Check the location and amenities of each apartment at /vacaciones or call us on +34 656 61 92 93 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM).