A place to visit could easily be Calpe while on your
HOLIDAY VILLAS IN SPAIN. There is a fair amount of history surrounding Calpe which was originally settled by Iberians. It rose to prominence with the Romans who built fish factories and theres plenty of evidence of the fish factories at the Queens baths Els Banys de la Reina.
The region came under the control, like so many other towns and regions on the Iberian peninsula, of the Muslims from the 8th century until the 13th. The Moors built the original castle of Calpe overlooking the Muscarat ravine which is now in ruins. Dotted around the surrounding countryside are many of the olive and raisin drying houses known as riu-raus. On another hill overlooking the bay is the 18th century hermitage of San Salvador.
The origins of the town are based around the old village of Ifach which stood on top of the Penon de Ifach. A community founded in a small farmhouse which overlooked the Calpe bay and over the years this developed into the town now called Calpe. The Penon de Ifach has been known as the northern rock. The only other most prominent landmark along the Iberian coast the southern rock is now what we call Gibraltar. In later years the Penon de Ifach also acted as a natural lookout forewarning of Barbary pirates that roamed the region and coastline. This lead to the construction of so many of the towers that are found all along the costas. The town however was sacked by the pirates in 1637 and many of the inhabitants were imprisoned in Algiers for almost 5 years until the exchange of gold liberated the 290 prisoners.
During the 18th century a newly fortified wall extended the township. Up until that time many of the inhabitants had been forced to live outside the walls. The fisherman's cooperative was constructed, working alongside existing fish factories. Monuments are always worth a mention and in the old town the Moorish quarter has the sole surviving architecture: the Torreo de la Peca, which defended the town from marauders during the 15th century.
Like a lot of towns and cities in Spain festivals rank high in the things to do list and at the Festival museum in Calle Jose Antoni there are many costumes worn by past participants. Most are from the 'Moors and Christian' festivals but there are samples from others. Although the town itself is enough to keep a lot of tourists occupied, there are plenty of things to be seen outside. It may well be wise to hire a car for the most part as some places can be a little awkward to reach. For example, the Algar Waterfalls are a beauty spot with plenty of bathing pools and as the name suggests waterfalls. Be careful though as even on the hottest of days the water can be extremely cold.
Of course while in the Costa Blanca, Alicante and Benidorm are two of the larger cities that should not be missed, While in Benidorm, Aqualandia and Aquascop are fantastic family activities. Whatever you choose to do when in Calpe, be it stay in the town or to hire a car and get out and about, youre sure of a great time in your
HOLIDAY VILLAS IN SPAIN near Calpe.
