Sun Soaked Day in Calp, Spain

Stepping out of a Swedish winter and straight into Mediterranean sunlight is like a small miracle.

A slow morning drive from Benidorm

We rented a car near our hotel in Benidorm. My daughter settled into the seat, happily absorbed in her stories, and the road in front of us with that coastal light that makes everything feel like a holiday.

The drive to Calp is short but scenic, with the sea peeking through now and then, and the mountains rising in the distance.

First Stop: Mirador Peñón de Ifach

Our first viewpoint was Mirador Peñón de Ifach, a sweeping view of the coastline and the harbour below. From up there, the ship decks looked like tiny toy boats, and the water shimmered in that unreal Mediterranean blue.

We didn’t hike the whole rock, just wandered around the viewpoint, letting the breeze and the view do their work.

After taking in the views, we made a short stop by the beach at Cala el Racó. Tucked right next to the Peñón de Ifach, the small cove felt calm and inviting, with clear water and smooth stones catching the sunlight. It was the perfect place to pause for a moment before continuing into town.

Wandering the Old Town

From the viewpoint, we headed into Calp’s old town, the narrow streets and to find a nice place for lunch.

The old town is charming, full of colour, but it was Monday and apparently, Monday is the day when almost every restaurant are closed.

We learned this at the tourist information centre, where a very kind lady explained that most places are closed on Mondays. She gave us tips on what to see next and even suggested architectural spots like La Muralla Roja.

With limited options, we ended up at Burger King. Not exactly the Mediterranean lunch we imagined, but there’s something comforting about French fries and burgers when you’re hungry and wandering.

The Climb to Mirador Morro de Toix

Our final stop was Mirador Morro de Toix. The walk up is steep in places, but the views are worth every step. And the best part? My daughter did the whole walk without a single complaint, still listening to her stories, still curious, still cheerful. That alone made the climb feel like a small victory.

From the top, we could see the coastline stretching endlessly, the sea glowing, and even the colourful geometric shapes of La Muralla Roja far below since we didn’t visit it up close.

And then, as if the day wanted to give us one last gift, we caught the soft colours of the sunset over Altea from the viewpoint.