Climbing the Penon de Ifach

Climbing the Peñón de Ifach – icon of the Costa Blanca

The climb of the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe is the best known mountain walk in the area around Moraira. The limestone rock is 332 metres high and lies in the Penyal d’Ifac nature park. A marked path leads through a tunnel in the rock to the summit. The walk is short, but the second part is steep, rocky and in places dangerous. Access to the summit is free, but only with an online booking.

Booking is compulsory

The park admits a maximum of about 300 visitors a day on the route to the summit. You book free of charge through the official site of the nature parks of the Generalitat Valenciana (the route is called Ruta Roja there). Beware of other websites that charge money for a booking. According to recent information you can book up to about ten days ahead; at Easter and in summer the places go quickly, so book as soon as your date is fixed.

The route in two parts

The first part runs from the visitor centre up an easily walkable path to the tunnel. Most visitors can manage this stretch, and it already has fine views over Calpe and the salt flat. The tunnel is some 30 metres long, was cut out in 1918 and is damp and slippery; there are chains to hold on to.

After the tunnel the hard part begins: a narrow path along the rock face, with chains and ropes on the trickiest stretches and a final section where you occasionally need your hands. Red paint marks show the way. Under-eighteens may not go beyond the tunnel.

Safety

• Wear walking shoes with a good grip. The limestone has been worn smooth by the many visitors; flip-flops, sandals and smooth trainers are not advisable.
• Take enough water. There is nothing to buy along the way.
• Do not go in rain or strong wind. In bad weather the park may close the route.
• Set out in good time: climbing in the dark is not allowed, and the descent takes almost as long as the climb.
• If you suffer from vertigo, the part after the tunnel is not advisable.

From Moraira

From Calamora you drive to Calpe along the coast road in about twenty minutes. There is little parking space at the visitor centre. An alternative is to park at La Fossa beach and walk the last stretch (allow 15 to 20 minutes).

Starting point: visitor centre Parque Natural Penyal d’Ifac, Calpe
Google Maps

More about the rock itself, the nature and the birds in the park is on our page about the Peñón de Ifach as a natural monument. If you want to combine the climb with the harbour, the old town and the beaches, take a look at our day trip to Calpe. Prefer a shorter climb closer to home? Then the walk to the Torre de Vigía in Moraira is a good alternative.