LE PEÑÓN DE IFACH

THE ROCK OF IFACH
The Phoenicians called the Rock of Ifach the Northern Rock to distinguish it from Gibraltar, the Southern Rock, as these were the only spectacular promontories they encountered in their travels to the western shores of the Mediterranean. Ifach is, indeed, a large rock, measuring 332m in height. Today, it has been transformed into a nature park to protect its unique vegetation and over 300 species of animals, including colonies of sea birds that use it as a nesting area. Located here is a nature school where local carnations and even original Robertonian orchids can be admired. The peak itself can be reached up a zigzagging track which is compulsory climbing for anyone anxious to get a panoramic view over the entire Marina Alta coastline. Mountaineers use the southern face for practice, as it drops straight down to the sea. To visit the Nature Park, tel.: 96 597 20 15.

TOURIST VILLAGE
Calpe sits close to the Rock of Ifach on a hill rising up from the last spurs of the sierra Bernia, a geographical marvel that provides access to the northernmost towns of Alicante's Marina district. It is an authentic tourist site, with a coastline boasting sandy beaches, cliff faces in some areas and an ancient salt mine, which all give the town a peculiar flavour of its own. Next to the seafront promenade are the remains of an ancient fish salting factory from Roman times.

Calpe's fishing port comes alive with hustle and bustle as the afternoon fish auction draws near. Restaurant terraces fill up with lively crowds anxious to try some of the fresh local shellfish. The town centre preserves the remains of a small fort from the 16th century, called the Torreón de la Peça. There is also a Gothic-style parochial church worth visiting, with Mudejar additions. From the chapels of Cometa and Salvador there is an attractive view.

MUSEUMS
Municipal Archeological Museum; Festivities Museum.

FIESTAS
Fallas in March; Our Lady of Mt Carmelo on July 16th; Patron Saint Festivities in early August; Moors and Christians in second half of October.

YACHTING
Calpe Yacht Club, tel. 96 583 18 09 and Puerto Blanco Yacht Club, tel. 96 583 13 37

The sturdy fortress that surveys the beach of Moraira dates from the days of Felipe II (16th C). But today the importance of this fishing port in the municipal district of Teulada, located 6km inland, is due to its tourist infrastructure. Visitors from all over Europe have discovered the magnificent environment this town offers for holidaymakers or even for residents from abroad. Sandy beaches like El Portet, L'Ampolla and Plagetes, and also the tiny rocky coves with clear blue water (L'Andragó, Punta Estrella and La Cala) make Moraira the spot for fun, sun and sea sports. The modern Moraira Yacht Club (Tel. 96 574 4319) completes the round-up for seadogs.

SIGHTS
Watchtower at Cap d'Or
Torreón (Moraira Castle)

FIESTAS
Moors and Christians in June
Our Lady of Mt Carmel on July 16th

ALMONDS AND RIU-RAU ARCHITECTURE IN TEULADA
On the road to Teulada, vineyards, and almond and olive tree orchards, cover the undulating slopes of the mountains facing the sea to create a special kind of Mediterranean landscape painted in tones of ochre. The riu-rau houses - a name for the typical farmhouses with columned patios where grapes are dried - show how traditional lifestyles still follow the rhythms of yesteryear. These grapes make delicious raisins and an excellent muscatel wine, sweet and tangy.

SIGHTS
Church of St Catherine and chapel of St Vicente Ferrer

FIESTAS
Patron Saint Festivities in April; November brings fiestas honouring St Catherine

A STROLL IN MEDIEVAL
This town proudly offers visitors the elegant neo-Gothic temple of the Purísima Xiqueta (Our Holy Maiden), which is part of the Marian tradition of the La Marina district. To the right, on the way to Alicante, lies the town centre, with a Medieval quarter still very well preserved. This is an ideal place to do some shopping in the many establishments which offer traditional products including the local sausages which are famous all over the La Marina district. There are fine old houses with ornate window grilles. La Lonja de Contratación, or marketplace, built in the 15th C, is the most notable construction. Also viewable is the Casa de los Torres Orduña - the Lords of Guadalest - which is an important family monument. Today this mansion has been transformed into a Cultural Centre. The Sierra Bernia nature park is nice spot for both hiking and rock climbing. In addition, visitors can see other sights such as "El Forat" or fort, as well as various chapel in the surrounding area: Santa Ana, Benimarraig, Pinos, Lleus, Benimarco and Pedramala. Also worth visiting are the district's numerous festivities, which make everyone feel welcome and part of the celebration.

TRAVELS ALONG THE COAST
Following the route along the coast to the fishing port of Moraira, there are innumerable coves with narrow stretches of rocky shoreline and sometimes a small, sandy beach. In the municipal area of Benissa, there are sandy beaches and cliff faces with names like Fustera, Llobella, Pinets, Baladrar and Advocat, and nearing Calpe is the small fishing port of Les Bassetes (Tel. 96 583 1213). Many housing estates climb the slopes of the mountains among luxuriant green-leafed trees.

SIGHTS
Lonja de Contratación, Convent of the Franciscans Temple of the Purísima Xiqueta, Town Hall and Chapel of Santa Ana.

MUSEUMS
Cultural Centre, tel. 96 573 13 13

FIESTAS
In January, the traditional "Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni"; late April the Patron Saint Festivities; June, Moors and Christians

REPLENISHING ENERGY...
Don't forget to take a break and try some of the local cuisine. There are typical rice dishes in a variety of formats: al horno (oven-baked), and amb fessols i naps (with beans and turnips) anywhere you go; putxero de polp (octopus stew) in Calpe; borreta de melva (fish stew) and bull amb ceba (sausage) in Benissa; and with your dessert, try a real muscatel from Teulada.

CALPE
From the A-7 (junction 63) and the N-332. Alicante airport at 70km.
Bus connections.
Regional railways from Alicante running along the coast.

TEULADA
From the A-7 (junction 63) and the N-332. Alicante airport at 90km.
Bus connections.
Regional railways.

BENISSA
From the A-7 (junction 63) and the N-332. Alicante airport at 80km.
Bus connections.
Regional railways.