Calpe is one of those places that looks stunning from the beach — but the moment you put on a pair of walking shoes and head inland or uphill, you realise the town has been hiding its best side all along. Hiking in Calpe rewards you with panoramas over the saltwater lagoon (Las Salinas), bird's-eye views of the Peñón de Ifach, wild rosemary-scented hillsides and coastal paths that most package tourists never bother to find. September is honestly one of the finest months to walk here — the worst of the summer heat has broken, the trails are quiet, and the golden afternoon light on the limestone cliffs is something else entirely.
I've been walking these paths for a decade. Here's what's worth your time.
1. Peñón de Ifach Summit Trail — The Classic (Challenging)
Yes, the Peñón gets its own full guide on this blog, but it belongs on every hiking list for good reason. The summit trail is 3.2 km return with around 320 metres of elevation gain. The first half is a clear wide path through the nature reserve; the second half involves a hand-dug tunnel through the rock and a scramble up fixed chains on the exposed face. It's not technical climbing, but you do need steady nerves, decent shoes (not flip-flops — I've seen people try), and a head that doesn't spin at heights.
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Find rentals →Practical info: Entry is free but numbers are capped at 300 visitors per day on the upper section. Arrive before 9am in September to guarantee a spot. The park gates open at 8am. Take water — there's nothing up there. The views from the top stretch to Ibiza on a clear day and down over the twin bays of Calpe like a postcard you can't quite believe is real.
2. Las Salinas Lagoon Walk — Flat, Lovely & Unmissable (Easy)
This is my go-to recommendation for guests staying in a holiday rental in Calpe who want a morning stroll with genuine wow factor. Las Salinas de Calpe is a protected saltwater lagoon sitting right between the beach and the town — it looks surreal in September when the flamingos (yes, actual flamingos) turn up to feed in the shallow, pink-tinged water.
The circular walk around the lagoon perimeter is roughly 3 km and completely flat — perfect with young children or if you just want to stretch your legs. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and the most birds. The path connects to the Playa de las Salinas beach directly, so you can finish the walk with a swim. There's a small chiringuito there too.
3. Serra Ferrer & Cala del Moraig — Coastal Drama (Moderate)
This trail follows the dramatic cliff-top coastline south from Calpe towards Moraira, and in my opinion it's the most scenically varied walk in the area. You start near the urbanisation of Maryvilla and follow a waymarked path through pine and carob scrubland along cliffs that drop sheer into the clearest blue water you've ever seen.
Distance: around 8 km one way to Cala del Moraig (a stunning sea cave beach accessible only on foot or by boat). Most people walk to a viewpoint above the cala, take a hundred photos, and turn back — making it a comfortable 10–12 km round trip with around 280 m of total ascent. Wear sun protection; sections of this trail are fully exposed. Take the bus back from Benitachell if you want to do it one way.
Tip: The water at Cala del Moraig is so clear it's almost unfair. Bring your snorkel.
4. Morro de Toix — Hidden Clifftop Loop (Moderate–Challenging)
Fewer people talk about Morro de Toix, which is exactly why I love it. This rocky cape to the north of Calpe juts out into the sea between Calpe and Altea, and the loop trail around it — roughly 6 km with 250 m of ascent — gives you views in three directions simultaneously. On a September morning before the heat builds, this walk is close to perfect.
Park near the Altea Hills urbanisation and follow the dirt track west toward the cape. The path narrows and gets rocky toward the tip, with a small lighthouse and a couple of wooden crosses marking the point. The return leg drops back through terraced almond and carob groves. It feels genuinely remote even though you're 15 minutes from Calpe town centre.
5. Oltà Mountain — Calpe's Secret Summit (Challenging)
If the Peñón is Calpe's famous rock, Oltà is its quieter, wilder sibling. The Oltà mountain massif rises steeply behind the town to 491 metres and offers a network of trails that most tourists never discover. The main ascent route starts from the Calle Tossalet area — look for the GR-225 waymarkers (red and white) — and winds up through scrubland and exposed limestone ridgeline.
The summit rewards with arguably the best view of the Peñón from above — you see it differently when you're looking across at it rather than up at it. The full circuit is around 9 km with 400 m of ascent and takes 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace. Take plenty of water, a map (the Wikiloc app has good GPX tracks for this route), and go before 10am in September.
Practical Tips for Hiking in Calpe in September
Start early. Even in late September, temperatures can hit 28–30°C by midday. Most trails have limited shade. I aim to be on the trail by 8am and finished by noon.
Water. Carry more than you think you need. There are no water fountains on any of the natural trails described above.
Footwear. Proper trail shoes or hiking boots for anything above the lagoon walk. The limestone rock is grippy when dry but murderous when wet.
Navigation. The Wikiloc and AllTrails apps both have good community tracks for all five routes. Download them offline before you go.
Insects. September is the tail end of processionary caterpillar season. Avoid touching pine trees or anything that looks like a fuzzy white nest on the ground.
After the walk. The best post-hike reward in Calpe is a cold Estrella Damm at Bar La Cava near the old town, or a fresh-squeezed orange juice at any of the terraces around the pescadería. You've earned it.
Where to Stay for a Hiking Holiday in Calpe
The best base for walking in Calpe is somewhere central — close enough to the Peñón and Las Salinas to walk from your door, with parking for day trips to the coastal trails. Our holiday rentals in Calpe range from studio apartments near the beach to larger villas on the hillside with their own pools and direct access to some of the walking routes described above.
Booking directly with us at JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to the same property on Airbnb or Booking.com — that's a meaningful saving that might fund an extra day or a very good dinner. Browse our Calpe properties here and get in touch if you want advice on which property suits a walking holiday best.
Calpe on foot is a completely different town to Calpe on a sun lounger. Both are excellent, but the views from up high are the ones you'll actually remember.
