Calpe celebrates 100 years of tourism in 2026

The origins of tourism in 1926

The municipality established 1926 as the official starting point of tourism in Calpe. Although the train connection to Alicante had existed since 1915, the town was really discovered by artists and intellectuals in the first quarter of the twentieth century.

Famous names such as Oscar Esplá and Gabriel Miró visited the city regularly. Writer Azorín wrote his comedy “Ifach” between 1926 and 1930, which is the definitive reason for choosing this anniversary year.

Overview of the festivities

The Tourism Department has put together a program that both looks back at the past and looks ahead to new challenges.

Activities that have already taken place

Since the start of the year, the following items have been completed:

• Official presentation: the launch of the program by Alderman Marco Bittner in February;

• Historical Conference: a lecture by Professor Antonio Michavila on Azorín’ s play on March 17;

• Archival research: the first collection of documents and photographs for the city’s digital memory.

Agenda for upcoming activities

If you are visiting Calpe in the near future, you can participate in the following programmed parts:

• Exposition “100 years of tourism”: an exhibition with photos of the first tourists and lodging, to be visited daily until the end of May;

• Museo del Turismo Virtual: the launch of the digital collection about Calpe in the global online museum this month;

• Tourism debate nights: meetings with former administrators and academics on the city’s future in June;

• Theatrical walking tour of the Casco Antiguo: every Saturday in April and May, departure at 11:00 a.m. from Plaza del Mosquit.

A century of transformation

After the first visits by intellectuals in 1926, a period of steady growth followed. In 1935, the Paradero de Ifac opened, putting Calpe definitively on the map as a destination for the elite.

The biggest change, however, occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. During these decades, the focus shifted from small guesthouses to large-scale hotels and apartment complexes along the Levante and Arenal-Bol beaches. This rapid urbanization changed the silhouette of the town and made Calpe an international draw for more tourism.

Balance and new direction

Councilman Marco Bittner emphasized that this anniversary is a time for residents to collectively set the course for the next century.

The challenge is to protect the historic identity and nature surrounding the Peñón de Ifach, while the city seeks modern and sustainable solutions for the sector. The goal is a balance between economic growth and livability for residents.

Practical information

You can find all the information about the various anniversary activities in these places:

• Central information point: the tourist office at the salt lakes (Salinas) for the full program and hiking trails;

• Main locations: Casa de la Cultura for the exhibition and Plaza del Mosquit for the start of the walks;

• Cultural Center opening hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m;

• Cost: admission to the official exhibitions and lectures is free;

• Parking tip: use the large parking lots on Avenida de los Ejércitos Españoles to avoid crowds in the old center.

Sources:

• CalpeNoticias

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