Route to the top of "Penyal d'Ifac", natural park and symbol of the Costa Blanca
Whether you enjoy hiking trails or if you are more of coves and beaches, the Peñón de Ifach is one of the essential places to see in Calpe if you come on vacation or reside in the province of Alicante.
On this page we have compiled practical information to help you enjoy your visit to the Peñón de Ifach.
What would you like to discover?
Peñon de Ifach, icon of the Costa Blanca
The Peñón de Ifach -Penyald’Ifac in Valencian- is a coastal mountain range 332 meters high and 1 kilometer long that rises majestically and defiantly in front of the coasts of the tourist town of Calp / Calpein the north of the province of Alicante.
Ifach is an icon of the Costa Blanca, a visual reference not only of the Marina Alta region in which it is located, but of the whole of Alicante.
This enormous rock is a natural space of singular environmental importance and for this reason it was declared a Natural Park by the Generalitat Valenciana in 1987, being the oldest (and smallest) natural park in Alicante.
Practical Guide Ifach
Visitors Center
HOURS
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Weekends and holidays: 9:00 to 14:00 h.
Landline: 965 693 300 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
Mobile: 679 19 59 12 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
e-mail: ifac_cma@gva.es
Ifach Visit Reservation
To visit the Peñón de Ifach you have to make a reservation in advance. Reservations are made individually on the official website of the natural park.
Book from here:
The Natural Park of Penyal d'Ifac
On January 19, 1987, the Penyal d’Ifac was declared a Natural Park by the Generalitat Valenciana, thus becoming the first protected area of its kind in the province of Alicante.
With its 53.3 hectares, the Penyal d’Ifac is one of the smallest natural parks in Europe. However, its special geological characteristics confer a great singularity to its flora and vegetation , being its most outstanding natural aspect.
In Ifach we find more than 400 species of cataloged plants, some of them in danger of extinction , as is the case of the Silene de Ifach ( Silene Hifacensis ). To recover this endemic species (unique in the world in this region) a recovery plan was launched a few years ago in the Valencian Community, which is gradually bearing fruit.
For this reason, it is vitally important to respect the layout of the paths and not go off the path, to avoid causing damage to the flora and vegetation, as well as the fauna that has its habitat in the Penyal.
Walking route to the summit
If you want to embark on the adventure of climbing 332 meters above Calpe and its beaches, I tell you all the details of this medium-high difficulty route in this article:
Sailing with views of Ifach
In addition to the climb to the Peñón de Ifach, one of the best activities in Calpe is to enjoy a boat trip around Ifach. Below I recommend several options. Remember to book in advance!
Cala El Racó, at the foot of Ifach
Cala El Racó is one of the most beautiful beaches in Calpe. It is located next to the port, at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach, and is ideal for snorkeling. You can also walk by the sea along the Paseo Príncipe de Asturias. I leave you all the information below:
How to get to the Rock of Ifach
To visit the Peñón de Ifach, we must go to the town of Calpe (Calp), in the north of the province of Alicante.
The old dirt parking lot at the foot of the Rock has been closed.
I recommend parking in this large open space next to the Salinas de Calpe. From there, you can reach the beginning of the climb in just 10 minutes on foot. You can also park closer, but keep in mind that in season there is ORA (blue zone).
Click on the attached map to see the location on Google Maps.
Links of interest
✓ O fficial website of Penyal d’Ifac NP. It is highly recommended to consult it before our visit, to know the regulations, routes, values of the natural park, etc.
This LinkAlicante.com article about Peñon de Ifach was first published on March 21, 2015 and updated in June 2023.
Alternative Routes
If you have not been able to book in advance, or there was no availability for the chosen day, we suggest these nearby routes that are an excellent alternative .
CALPE. 14 Essential plans next to Peñón de Ifach
Discover what to see and do in Calpe / Calp, one of the most attractive destinations on the Costa Blanca for its beaches, culture and nature.
The Ecological Walk of Benissa, a coastal route of great scenic beauty
Marvel at the crystal clear waters and seabed of the coast of Benissa in this simple excursion along the sea, among pine trees and beautiful coves.
