Plaça Major (juillet 2017) 2
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Plaza Mayor Calp

4.3
·48 reviews·Calp, Spain

A striking public square designed by Ricardo Bofill, featuring unique architecture and serving as a vibrant event hub and gateway to Calp's old town.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event days

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Plaça Major (juillet 2017) 2

Plaza Mayor Calp

Best Time

Event days

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking public square designed by Ricardo Bofill, featuring unique architecture and serving as a vibrant event hub and gateway to Calp's old town.

4.3
(48 reviews)

"A large rectangular paved plaza with semicircular ends and a large square fountain in the center, apparently the work of Ricardo Bofill."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Below for Easy Access

Utilize the large underground parking lot for convenient access to the plaza and old town exploration. :car:

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and open spaces make it a fantastic spot for capturing memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ricardo Bofill's Architectural Design

Ricardo Bofill's Architectural Design

Central Plaza

Admire the unique semicircular ends and central fountain of this striking plaza, designed by Ricardo Bofill.

Columned Walkway & Landscaped Parterre

Columned Walkway & Landscaped Parterre

Perimeter of the Plaza

Stroll beneath the shaded colonnade, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a moment of quiet contemplation.

Underground Public Parking

Underground Public Parking

Beneath the Plaza

A spacious and convenient parking solution, ideal for accessing the old town and its hidden gems.

Semicircular Auditorium & Food Court

Semicircular Auditorium & Food Court

Northern Side

Enjoy local flavors or catch a performance in this unique architectural feature overlooking the plaza.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking & Old Town Access

The Plaza Mayor Calp boasts a large public parking lot underneath, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the charming old town. This underground parking is a lifesaver for visitors arriving by car, offering easy access to the surrounding streets and attractions.

Event Hub & Relaxing Spot

This expansive plaza is a vibrant hub for local events, from lively street food festivals to festive Christmas markets. When not hosting an event, its column-lined walkways and central fountain offer a tranquil spot to relax and soak in the Spanish atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Event days
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil and uncrowded
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Lugares geniales para hacer fotos en Alicante 😉 #alicante #calpe #españa #viajesporespaña
@akkicris
183.7K likes • 2M views

🚗 Park Below for Easy Access

Utilize the large underground parking lot for convenient access to the plaza and old town exploration. :car:

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and open spaces make it a fantastic spot for capturing memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

#calpe #calp #calpespain #calpealicante #alicante #spain #españa #español #penondeifach #calpepeñòn #calpesiti #кальпе #аликанте #аликантеиспания #испания
@__calpe__
10.5K likes • 457.3K views

📅 Check for Local Events

The plaza hosts various events like food festivals and Christmas markets; check local listings! :calendar:

🚶‍♀️ Perfect Old Town Starting Point

Begin your exploration of Calp's historic center from this central and accessible location. :walking:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Below for Easy Access

Utilize the large underground parking lot for convenient access to the plaza and old town exploration. :car:

📸 Great Photo Opportunities

The unique architecture and open spaces make it a fantastic spot for capturing memorable photos. :camerawithflash:

📅 Check for Local Events

The plaza hosts various events like food festivals and Christmas markets; check local listings! :calendar:

🚶‍♀️ Perfect Old Town Starting Point

Begin your exploration of Calp's historic center from this central and accessible location. :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Plaza Mayor Calp is praised for its striking Ricardo Bofill architecture and its role as a convenient hub for exploring Calp's old town, especially with its ample underground parking. Visitors enjoy its versatility as a venue for lively events like food festivals and Christmas markets, as well as a tranquil spot for relaxation.

"Went so Street Food Festival.
Was very nice"

Marius-Emil Puscas

"ok"

Louis Morillo

"A large rectangular paved plaza with semicircular ends and a large square fountain (without water) in the center, apparently the work of Ricardo Bofill. The northern side features a small semicircular auditorium with a food court, and beneath the plaza is a large public parking lot.

The entire perimeter is surrounded by a walkway of columns with capitals supporting a beam structure. This is bordered by a landscaped parterre, leaving the entire interior area unobstructed, allowing for multiple uses.

The benches located in the semi-shaded area of the walkway invite you to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the space."

Darwader

What People Like

Unique architecture
Convenient parking
Event venue

What People Dislike

Fountain often dry

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza Mayor Calp is centrally located in the old town. If arriving by car, the most convenient option is to use the large underground public parking lot directly beneath the plaza. For those using public transport, local buses stop nearby, providing easy access to the heart of Calp.

Yes, there is a spacious public parking lot located directly underneath Plaza Mayor Calp. This makes it very convenient for visitors arriving by car and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the old town.

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the main beaches of Calp to Plaza Mayor Calp. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes uphill, offering scenic views as you ascend into the old town.

Calp is accessible by car via the AP-7 motorway. The nearest airports are Alicante (ALC) and Valencia (VLC), both offering car rental services or connections to local train and bus networks that can take you to Calp.

The plaza itself is largely flat and open, with paved surfaces. The underground parking also provides direct access. However, exploring the surrounding old town streets may involve some inclines and uneven surfaces.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaza Mayor Calp is a public space and there is no entrance fee to access the plaza itself. You can freely wander and enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.

As a public square, Plaza Mayor Calp is accessible 24/7. However, individual businesses and the auditorium on the northern side will have their own operating hours.

For most events like street food festivals or Christmas markets, entry to the plaza is free. However, if there's a specific performance in the semicircular auditorium, tickets might be required. It's best to check event-specific details.

Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting Plaza Mayor Calp. Standard public space etiquette applies. During events, there might be temporary crowd management measures in place.

Yes, the public parking lot beneath Plaza Mayor Calp is typically open 24 hours a day, making it accessible whenever you plan to visit the plaza or the old town.

📸 📸 Photography

The entire plaza offers great photo opportunities! The colonnaded walkways provide interesting leading lines, the central fountain is a focal point, and the semicircular auditorium offers a unique architectural backdrop. Don't forget the charming old town streets surrounding it. TikTok

While the plaza itself is open, the surrounding old town buildings might offer some interesting angles for sunset shots. The open nature of the plaza means you'll get a good view of the sky, but direct sunset views might be partially obstructed by buildings.

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the Calp town hall or local authorities regarding any restrictions on flying drones in public spaces like Plaza Mayor Calp to ensure compliance.

Plaza Mayor Calp is excellent for architectural photography due to its unique design, street photography capturing daily life, and event photography when festivals are taking place. It's also a good location for portraits with its interesting backdrops. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Weekday mornings are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. During events, the atmosphere is lively, offering dynamic photo opportunities.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the plaza itself might not have many sit-down restaurants, the northern side features a food court area. Additionally, the surrounding streets of the old town are filled with charming cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants offering local Spanish cuisine.

You can find a variety of Spanish dishes, including fresh seafood, traditional tapas, paella, and local specialties. The food court on the northern side of the plaza often hosts diverse food stalls during events. Reddit

Yes, numerous cafes in the old town surrounding Plaza Mayor Calp offer delicious breakfast options, from pastries and coffee to more substantial Spanish breakfasts. Look for local bakeries and cafes for an authentic experience.

The food court on the northern side of the plaza is often most active during special events like street food festivals. Outside of these events, its operating hours may vary, and some stalls might be closed. It's best to check locally if you're visiting specifically for the food court.

Many Spanish restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. You can often find vegetable-based tapas, salads, and vegetable paella. It's always a good idea to ask about specific dietary needs when ordering.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza Mayor Calp is a fantastic spot for families. The spacious, open plaza provides plenty of room for children to move around safely, especially when there aren't large crowds. The underground parking makes arrival and departure with little ones much easier. Reddit

During events like the Christmas market, the plaza becomes even more engaging for kids, offering a festive atmosphere and activities. The central fountain, even when dry, can be a point of interest. Exploring the surrounding old town streets from the plaza also offers a sense of adventure for younger visitors.

🚗 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Plaza Mayor Calp is ideal as it's a free public space to explore. The underground parking is a practical and often more affordable option compared to street parking in busy areas. Reddit

Instead of expensive tourist traps, you can enjoy the plaza's architecture and atmosphere. For dining, consider grabbing affordable tapas or a 'menu del día' from local eateries in the surrounding old town streets, rather than restaurants directly on the plaza itself.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Plaza Mayor Calp a rewarding location. The unique architectural elements by Ricardo Bofill, including the colonnades and semicircular auditorium, offer striking compositions. TikTok The open space allows for capturing the plaza's grandeur, while the surrounding old town provides charming, more intimate backdrops. TikTok

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Weekdays offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. Consider capturing the plaza during local events for dynamic street photography opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Vision of Ricardo Bofill

Plaza Mayor Calp is a testament to the innovative architectural style of Ricardo Bofill. The plaza's distinctive semicircular ends and the central, albeit often dry, fountain are hallmarks of his design philosophy, which often blended classical forms with modern sensibilities. The entire perimeter is encircled by a walkway of columns with ornate capitals, supporting a beam structure that creates a shaded, colonnaded effect. This architectural element provides a sense of grandeur and offers a welcome respite from the sun.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Bofill's design emphasizes multi-functional public space. The unobstructed interior area is intended to accommodate various uses, from casual gatherings to organized events. The integration of a landscaped parterre bordering the walkway adds a touch of greenery, enhancing the overall ambiance. Visitors often remark on the tranquility offered by the benches within the semi-shaded areas, inviting them to pause and appreciate the space. Reddit

The plaza also cleverly incorporates practical elements, such as the large public parking lot situated directly beneath it. This thoughtful integration ensures accessibility and convenience for visitors, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Calp's historic old town. The semicircular auditorium on the northern side further adds to the plaza's versatility, serving as a venue for performances and community gatherings.

Experiencing Events and Local Life

Plaza Mayor Calp truly comes alive when it hosts local events. Visitors have shared positive experiences attending events like the Street Food Festival, describing it as 'very nice.' Reddit The Christmas market has also been highlighted as a 'lovely little Spanish Christmas market,' particularly recommended for families. Reddit These events transform the plaza into a vibrant hub of activity, offering a taste of local culture and community spirit.

When not hosting specific events, the plaza serves as a central gathering point for residents and a relaxed space for visitors. The benches along the colonnaded walkway are perfect for people-watching or simply enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere. Its role as the main square of the city means it's a place where local life unfolds, offering an authentic glimpse into Calp's daily rhythm. Reddit

The combination of its striking architecture and its function as a community space makes Plaza Mayor Calp a dynamic destination. Whether you're visiting for a specific event or simply seeking a pleasant spot to relax, the plaza offers a unique blend of design, culture, and local charm. The presence of the food court on the northern side also adds to its appeal, especially during festival times.

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