7 Best Things to Do with Kids in Calpe

The Promenade of Calpe starts on the city’s main beach, Playa del Arenal-Bol. Next, it continues past the marina, around the towering El Peñón de Ifach, and turns north towards the family-friendly Playa de Levante o la Fossa. The entire route goes on for miles and takes hours to complete, so choose one particular section to ensure the little ones won’t get sore feet.

Along much of the bustling path, you’ll find a selection of tasty beachfront restaurants and cafes –they’re perfect spots to stop for a drink or a quick bite to eat. You'll find beautiful beaches and hidden coves along the way if you feel the need to cool off with a swim.

Tren Turistico Calpe, as the name suggests, is a child-friendly tourist train that chugs along a pre-determined route through Calpe. The 7-km circular trail takes around 45 minutes to complete and passes by some of the city’s most interesting sights and attractions.

A low admission fee makes the train a cost-effective way to do your Calpe sightseeing – one which the children will especially enjoy. It operates as a hop-on/hop-off service, so hang on to your ticket if you decide to jump off and take a look around. Trains pass through each stop every half an hour or so in the high season.

Les Salines is a nature reserve in east Calpe, about a 5-minute drive from the city centre. The park features a vast saltwater lagoon home to a colony of vibrant pink flamingos, among several other species of birdlife and reptile. Lush vegetation encircles the lake, while the Calpe cityscape reflects off the water to create an enticing juxtaposition of the modern and natural world.

The best way to get up close and personal with the beautiful birds is to walk around the wooden boardwalk surrounding the lake. The picturesque trail has plenty of tables scattered around if you fancy stopping for a picnic along the way.

Platja del Arenal-Bol is a clean and lively beach that spans 1.5 km in length. It’s within a 10-minute walk of Old Town Calpe, making it one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to relax during the summer. There’s a beachfront promenade that’s lined with bars, restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir shops, as well as windsurfers, jet skis, paddleboards, and surfboards available to rent. Platja del Arenal-Bol also caters to people with mobility issues by providing handicap-friendly bathrooms, crutches, and amphibious chairs.

The Mosaico Mural can be found on the main façade of the city’s tourism office in Old Town Calpe. Widely regarded as one of Calpe’s most beautiful tile murals, it’s the work of Alicantino muralist Gastón Castelló. It depicts the town’s fishing industry, complete with a ship, Peñón de Ifach (Ifach Rock), and people dressed in traditional costumes and carrying fish. There are plenty of murals painted on building facades and stairways within the historical neighbourhood, so leave lots of time for photographing these artwork during your visit.

Club Hipico Calpe is a must for families with horse-loving children. The picturesque equestrian club has a stable of about 20 steeds that provide kids and adults with horseback rides in the local area. Excursions range from a gentle stroll around a paddock for beginners to more challenging trots through rugged terrain.

The wooded forests and open fields of the rural region afford spectacular countryside views. Several other animals are available for the kids to pet and play with, including goats as well as rescue cats and dogs. The stables are a 10-minute drive from the city centre. 

Playa de Levante, also known as Playa de La Fossa, is the best beach for families in all of Calpe. Its clear turquoise waters remain clean and calm year-round, making the beautiful beach ideal for young frolickers to safely play. Lining the beach is a pretty promenade with a wide array of restaurants and cafes, so you can easily duck off for a stroll or a delicious lunch.

The easily accessible beach has several free parking spaces on Avenida Juan Carlos I as well as on the hotels facing the promenade. Up above, sunbathers can enjoy spectacular views of the towering Rock of Ifach that cuts through the skyline. Levante's first-rate amenities, safety, and cleanliness have earned it a Blue Flag certification.