Wednesday 27th December 2023
Today, we chose to explore the Calpe area further, by bicycle and on foot. Calpe is blessed with beaches that face two different directions. So far, we had only visited the western beach where the main town centre and harbour are situated.
The “Platja de la Fossa” or Fossa Beach, is on the far side of the large limestone rock which sticks out into the sea at the eastern end of the town. It is clear that this part of the resort is more recently developed as there are no older buildings there. Here too though, are a mixture of retailers and restaurants, and a backdrop of hotels and holiday apartments.
We cycled the length of the promenade, which was quiet, along to a bay called the “Cala La Calalga”, then on a little further, climbing, but here the road left the coast, so after admiring the beautiful houses, we returned to the promenade.
It had always been our intention to explore the rock itself, which forms part of the “Parc Natural del Penyal d’Ifac”. Leaving the bicycles locked-up near the bottom, we climbed the well-made path, which quickly took us to viewpoint after viewpoint, overlooking both sides of Calpe.
Before reaching the rock itself, there are what are obviously partially restored defensive walls.
Climbing constantly, we eventually reached a tunnel, which takes you from the landward side through to the seaward side of the rock.
The floor of the tunnel is bare rock which has been polished by many feet crossing it over the years. Fortunately there are chains to hang on to, attached to the rock on both sides, as the way remains very steep even through the tunnel.
The path continues onwards and upwards, to the summit of the rock, but it seems to get more precarious. Not having a good head for heights, we decided to turn back.
"See-u-Later" 