Peñón de Ifach Natural Park Calpe
Iconic limestone outcrop in Calpe, Spain, offering a rewarding hike with stunning Mediterranean views and unique geological features.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Peñón de Ifach Natural Park Calpe
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic limestone outcrop in Calpe, Spain, offering a rewarding hike with stunning Mediterranean views and unique geological features.
"Amazing hike, shame it’s not longer as we were and back down in about 1h40min."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Reservations are mandatory! Use the official website to secure your spot and avoid hefty fines.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Good grip is essential for the rocky, sometimes slippery, sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Peñón de Ifach Summit
Panoramic vistas of the Costa Blanca coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. Absolutely breathtaking!
The Tunnel Section
Mid-hike
A unique, narrow tunnel carved through the rock, offering a thrilling passage.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
Throughout the park
Discover rare plants and bird species in this compact natural park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Prepare for the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Reservations are mandatory! Use the official website to secure your spot and avoid hefty fines.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Good grip is essential for the rocky, sometimes slippery, sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are facilities at the start.
⚠️ Not for Vertigo Sufferers
The hike can be challenging with steep drops; consider if you have severe vertigo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Reservations are mandatory! Use the official website to secure your spot and avoid hefty fines.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Good grip is essential for the rocky, sometimes slippery, sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are facilities at the start.
⚠️ Not for Vertigo Sufferers
The hike can be challenging with steep drops; consider if you have severe vertigo.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible! Don't forget your camera for stunning coastal shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the unique hiking experience, particularly the tunnel and rope sections. While the hike is generally considered manageable for those with moderate fitness, some find it shorter than expected. Booking in advance is crucial, and proper footwear is highly recommended.
"Very nice trip, but remember to book your reservation online!
Its a bit tricky, but use translate and it should be alright(the fines are 600-6000€).
No amateurs should go here. You can expect to climb using the ropes and chains that are available.
Its not very difficult if youre normally fit, but if you slip certain places, you can get really hurt.
Reccomend to go in the morning before the sun gets too hot."
Sondre Engkvist
"Amazing hike, shame it’s not longer as we were and back down in about 1h40min.
Things to note:
-you need to get tickets online but no one checked our tickets (weekend in June)
-the first half is very easy ascent up to the tunnel
-from the tunnel onwards, it gets a bit more impressive and there is a bit more rocky bits. Make sure to have good grip with your shoes
-not sure I’d advise if you have severe vertigo
-there are toilets and a fountain at the start of the hike"
Nico M
"I did this hike with my 48 year old mother. It took 1 hour to the top and 40 minutes down. We did this trip june 20th so if you're going during summer months I'd suggest going at 08:30 (when they open). It's easy up to the tunnel and afterwards it gets rockier and even more slippery because of all who have walked there. It's 332m above sea level. If I went without my mother I could probsbly do it in an hour. [[[Bring Water]]]"
Dewg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Calpe, Spain. You can reach Calpe by car via the AP-7 motorway or by public transport. Once in Calpe, the park is well-signposted and accessible by car, with parking available near the entrance.
Yes, there is parking available near the entrance of the natural park. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can reach Calpe by bus or train, and then take a local taxi or bus to the park entrance.
Most visitors arrive by car and park near the visitor center. The park is easily identifiable as the prominent rock formation on the coast.
Calpe is served by bus routes from major cities in the region. The nearest train station is in Benidorm, from where you can take a bus to Calpe.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking your visit online in advance is mandatory, especially during summer and weekends. Failure to do so can result in significant fines.
Entry to the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is free outside of the summer season. However, booking online is still required.
The park typically opens in the morning, around 8:30 AM, and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally.
It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance as they often sell out. On-site ticket purchase may not be available or reliable.
Entry is limited to a certain number of visitors per day to manage crowds and preserve the park. Booking ensures your entry slot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit and back typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the top.
The first half is a relatively easy ascent to the tunnel. Beyond the tunnel, the path becomes rockier and more challenging, with some sections requiring the use of ropes and chains.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Layers are advisable as temperatures can change.
Yes, there are toilets and a fountain available at the start of the hike.
The hike can be challenging for young children due to the rocky terrain and steep sections. It's best suited for older children who are comfortable with heights and physical activity.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic panoramic views. Other great spots include the tunnel section and various viewpoints along the trail. 
Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning landscape photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A camera with good low-light performance can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots.
The view of Calpe town from the higher parts of the hike, and the dramatic rock formations themselves, are highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, the section beyond the tunnel becomes significantly more challenging with steep, rocky paths and exposed areas requiring ropes and chains. Parents should carefully assess their children's abilities and comfort levels with heights before proceeding past the tunnel. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, and starting early in the morning can help avoid the midday heat.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventurers
Experienced hikers can complete the round trip in about 1.5 hours, but it's recommended to take your time to enjoy the scenery and the unique geological features. The summit provides a fantastic sense of accomplishment and breathtaking panoramic views that are a photographer's dream.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light, which will enhance the colors of the sea and sky. The winding trail offers various vantage points for capturing the scale of the rock and the expansive views of Calpe and the surrounding coastline. Don't miss the unique perspective from within the tunnel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Hike
Beyond the tunnel, the path transforms into a more rugged trail. Here, you'll encounter sections with ropes and chains to assist climbers, adding an element of adventure. This part requires careful footing and is not recommended for those with severe vertigo. The effort is well worth it, as the summit provides unparalleled 360-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.
Many visitors note that the hike can be completed in under two hours, making it an excellent activity for a morning or afternoon. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as the rocks can be slippery, especially after rain or from the passage of many feet.
Biodiversity and Conservation
+1The park also serves as a vital nesting ground for numerous bird species. Seabirds, in particular, thrive here, taking advantage of the cliffs and the abundant marine life in the surrounding waters. Birdwatchers often spot various gulls, cormorants, and other coastal birds. The conservation efforts within the park aim to protect these delicate ecosystems and ensure the survival of its unique inhabitants.
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails to minimize their impact on the environment. Observing the flora and fauna from a distance helps preserve their natural habitats. The park's designation as a natural park underscores its importance in protecting this valuable natural heritage for future generations.
Social
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