Denia

At Denia, to the north of Calpe, there is a castle on a rocky crag overlooking the city. It has 20km of sandy beaches and a large marina. It is possible to take excursions to the Balearic Islands from here. There are many historical sites to visit and a full range of water sports and other recreational activities. Denia has its own 18-hole golf club, located very close to the town, the Club La Sella.

Xàbia or Jávea

Jávea, a little further to the north of Calpe, is also worth a visit with its variety of landscapes ranging from sandy coastline to rugged rocky mountains.

Benissa

This is a small town full of medieval architecture and one of the oldest on the Costa Blanca. At 275m above sea level the views of the coast are stunning, as is its wild nature.

Moraira

Is well worth a visit. The small town is beautifully laid out and there is a choice of two beaches. It is a lovely costal drive from Calpe.

Jalon

Jalon is the capital of the Jalon Valley, also known as the Vall de Pop (Pop Valley). It is situated beside the River Gorgos, surrounded by the Sierra de Bernia and the Sierra del Forner mountains.
It has some of the most magnificent scenery in Spain, with its landscape of olive and pine trees, intermingled with orange groves and vineyards. The Jalon valley is famous for its robust red wines, and sweet whites, the Mistela and Moscatel, and there are many bodegas where you can sample them. Jalon is also well known for its sweets and pastries, made with local almonds, and for its sausages too. There are many excellent restaurants hidden in the hills surrounding Jalon.

Altea

Altea is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in the region and only a 15 minute drive south from Calpe. There is a large marina and a beach with restaurants along the front, where a huge market is held every Tuesday. The hidden gem is the old town perched up on the hill behind. It is now a popular tourist spot with craft style shops and plenty of restaurants from which to enjoy the stunning views.

Benidorm

Benidorm didn’t get to be one of Spain’s holiday hot spots for nothing! This town likes to flaunt its best assets – sandy beaches and fun-packed nights – but there’s another side to it too. Benidorm actually goes all the way back to 1325, so the winding, cobbled old town and Baroque domed church are as authentic as they come. There are three stunning beaches to choose from, but now all very built up and busy. After dark, Benidorm comes alive. In the old town, tapas places fill the air with the scent of sizzling chorizo, while the Levante area plays host to comedians, tribute bands and the occasional drag queen. Throughout the resort the late-night bars take their themes from sport, country & western and karaoke.

Callosa

Callosa de Segura lies at the base of the stunning mountain of the same name and is the start of several marked hiking routes which lead up and around the mountain. It is a large town with a helpful tourist office, a large street market every Wednesday morning and one of the best indoor markets in the province of Alicante. Callosa is best known for a fruit grown extensively within the surrounding countryside. Called the Nispero, this apricot style fruit is harvested in May and exported all over the world. Locally you can purchase nipero jam, liqueur and local mountain honey. Our family have visited the honey shop in Callosa for generations and always enjoy tasting the wide variety of honey displayed in gigantic barrels before stocking up our supplies.

Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa, or La Vila Joiosa in Valencian, literally means the 'joyful village'. It is famous for the production of chocolate, which could be the reason for its name! The town has three chocolate factories, all of which can be visited.
Villajoyosa has over 3 kilometres of beaches, a lovely marina, a promenade all along the central beach and the iconic multi coloured houses of the fisherman. The walled historic quarter, next to the Amadorio River, is lined with colourful houses, designed that way so that sailors could spot them from their ships. There are many other historical points of interest here too.

The main supermarkets are mostly along the main road through Calpe.

Return to the roundabout with a huge (un‐missable) white swirl in the middle but this time head straight down towards Calpe. (Coming from Casa Girasol turn right at that roundabout).

Dia and Aldi are on the left hand side as you go down the dual carriageway close to the first roundabout.

At the first set of traffic lights there is a larger Mercadona on the right hand side with parking below and on the roof.

There are other supermarkets further down this dual carriageway and in the town centre.

Supermarkets are normally open from 9.30 to 2pm and from 5pm to 8pm. They are closed on Sundays.

If arriving on Sunday, while still on AP7 motorway, call in to Carrefour Benidorm Finestrat at Exit 65A. It is open from 09:00 to 22:00 hours.

This dual carriageway continues down with Calpe town centre on the right and its beach Arenal/Bol; Levante beach is along the coast as this dual carriageway turns to the left.

Between the two beaches is the Peñón de Ifach and the tiny harbour with its beach Playa del Cantal Roig.