Peñón de Ifach: how to climb and what to see

The Peñón de Ifach (in Valencian, Penyal d'Ifac) is a limestone rock 332 meters high and nearly a kilometer long. It rises from the sea in Calpe and is one of the symbols of the Costa Blanca. It has been a natural park since 1987. A trail with a tunnel carved into the rock leads to the summit. Reservations are required online.

Booking to go up: rules

The route leading to the tunnel and the summit is called the Red Route. It can only be accessed with prior booking through the natural park's website (parquesnaturales.gva.es).

• No more than 300 people per day, all year round.
• The reservation is non-transferable and requires a specific name. One reservation per person per day. Everyone needs a reservation, including children.
• You can book from 9 days before the visit until the same day, if there are still places available.
• There's no set time for booking: you just choose the day. You can go up from sunrise to sunset; access is prohibited at night.
• Save the reservation on your mobile or print it out: you may be asked for it during the journey.

How to get to the start of the trail

The trail begins at the park's information center, located on the northern slope of the cliff (C/ Illa de Formentera, s/n). The park recommends leaving your car at the port of Calpe; from there, it's an easy walk to the center. The center has a parking area for people with disabilities (card required), which is open during the center's opening hours.

Route: to the tunnel and beyond

The first part is about a 30-minute uphill walk to the tunnel, approximately 1.6 km round trip. Along the way you will see:

• the western viewpoint, with its medieval wall;
• remains of an Iberian settlement from the 4th-3rd centuries BC;
• pines bent by the wind;
• the Mirador del Botánico Cavanilles, next to the microreserve of rare flora.

The tunnel was excavated in 1918. The ground is very slippery, and ropes are strung along the walls. After the tunnel, the path becomes narrow and steep. From the summit, on clear days, you can see the island of Ibiza. The entire round trip to the top takes about 2.5 hours.

Difficulty and safety

• Up to the tunnel, the route is easy; from the tunnel onwards, it is difficult.
• The park does not recommend that anyone under 18 years of age enter the tunnel.
• In rain or fog, do not go beyond the tunnel.
• Dogs must always be kept on a leash. Cycling is not allowed on the path.

What to pack

• mountain or hiking shoes;
• water: there is no drinking water on the route;
• appropriate clothing for the weather;
• the reservation on your mobile or on paper.

When is the best time to go?

The park recommends the route year-round; avoid climbing on rainy days (it rains most in Calpe during February). In spring, over 400 plant species bloom on the Peñón. In summer, avoid climbing during the hottest hours. You can also climb in winter: discover what else to do at this time of year in our Calpe in Winter.

Center of the natural park

The information center and visitor center are located at the trailhead. Here you can get information about the trail and the park's natural features. Among the birds found in the park is Eleonora's falcon.

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 14:30; weekends and holidays, from 9:00 to 14:00.
• Telephone: +34 965 693 300, email: [email protected].
• Before you go, check the notices on the park's website: the visitor center and restrooms are sometimes temporarily closed.

Where to stay near the Rock

Some Clubrent apartments are about a 5-minute walk from Calpe's port, from where you can easily reach the start of the trail: these are located in the Larimar, Torre Alexandra, Vista Bella, Peñal, Apolo, and Atlántico complexes. From some, you can see the Peñón de Ifach itself. All apartments and available dates are listed on the Calpe Holiday Rentals and on the online booking platform. For directions from the airport, see How to get to Calpe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to book in advance to climb the Peñón de Ifach?

Yes. For the Red Route, which leads to the tunnel and the summit, you need to make an online reservation on the natural park's website. Entry is limited to a maximum of 300 people per day. You can book up to 9 days in advance and up to the day of your visit, subject to availability.

How long does the climb last?

The walk to the tunnel takes about 30 minutes. The entire round trip to the summit takes about 2.5 hours.

Can you bring children?

Up to the tunnel, yes, the path is easy. Beyond the tunnel, the park does not recommend that minors continue. Reservations are required for everyone, including children.

What are the opening hours of the nature park center?

Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 14:30; weekends and holidays, from 9:00 to 14:00. The trail itself is open from sunrise to sunset.