One of the best things I’ve done in my life was climbing up this 332m-high rock. The climb was fun and exhilarating (and a bit tricky) and, in some parts, it can get pretty slippery.
If you have the chance to ascend the rock, I’d recommend it. The prize once you reach the top is the amazing view of the coast!!! I’d suggest bringing lunch and a LOT of water. After a strenuous but fun hike up, there’s nothing better than having lunch on top of the world.
The symbol of Calpe and one of the symbols of the White Coast is undoubtedly the famous Peñón de Ifach (Ifach rocky outcrop). An enormous rock that comes into view from the beach town is a very important natural reserve. Visitors can do several things: simply enjoy it from afar (which is the most common), or solicit permission to enter the natural park and enjoy its immensely varied vegetation and animal life.
The Phoenicians called it the rock of the North to differentiate it from the Rock of Gibraltar, to the South. It was one of the notable hills they ran into during their commercial expeditions along the Mediterranean sea. The Arabs called it Ifach, which means North.
It has all the necessary elements needed to be the great natural symbol of the White Coast's landscape, especially since it was declared a Spanish natural park in 1987. Many birds take refuge in the park, including Common Shags, Yellow-legged Gulls, Northern Gannets, Eleonora's Falcons, Peregrine Falcons, and Pallid Swifts, among others. The park is full of vital vegetation, like silene, thyme, among others.
The peñón de Ifach is 47 hectares big and 332 meters high. It's formed by a rocky mass that protrudes from the sea and has a its own unique fauna (especially birds) and flowers. It's connected to the mainland by a isthmus (made up of debris). On January 28, 1987 it was declared as a Spanish Natural Park. Before that day, there was no type of regulation to protect the area from illegal construction and development.
Today we can enjoy its incomparable beauty and the unique views from the top, which can be accessed by a hard-to-climb trail.
A lovely mountain in Calpe, the ascent of Peñón, you must bring good, sporty shoes to best enjoy the experience. We found numerous species of trees along the path. The seabirds calmly looked at us as they sunbathed on the rocks, used to the foot traffic of the frequent visitors.
The hike to Peñón de Ifach was incredible... after the tunnel is when it really gets tough, but its well worth it at the end as you're rewarded with breathtaking views. The workers from the interpretation center were great, as they were patient and provided plenty of information. Thanks
