Okay, I’m finally caught up with the North Africa posts, time to move on to my visit to the coast of Spain…

Tuesday, March 4 – transit from London to Calpe

I’m flying on British Airways out of Gatwick this morning; a little more of a journey than going to Heathrow. I ended up taking the Met line to St. Pancras, and connecting there using the Thameslink to Gatwick. The Gatwick Express would have been quicker, but more expensive (and you know that doesn’t work for me!). I left the flat at 7:15am, and arrived at Gatwick at 9:15am for my 11:30am departure. Probably a little earlier than necessary (no checked bag), but that’s alright.

My non-stop flight is to Alicante, a little bit south of my destination – Calpe. The 3 hour flight on the A320 was about 3/4 full, and fortunately the middle seat next to me was empty (I was on the window). The cost of the flight was £58.

From Alicante I booked a shuttle bus (in advance, thanks for the tip Mary) to Calpe. I had about a half hour wait at the airport until all of the shuttle passengers arrived (there were 4 of us). The one hour trip cost €24.

My stay in Calpe will be compliments of Mary and Tony – at their beautiful coastal apartment. So generous. Thank you very much!

Mary & Tony had stayed in the apartment just prior to my arrival, and Mary graciously left me a refrigerator stocked with food. Wow! More thanks to you both!

It was early evening by the time I got settled into the apartment, and I was still feeling a little under the weather; I’m in for the night.

Wednesday, March 5 – Calpe

The advance weather forecast for my stay was rather bleak – rain for the entire duration. Ugh! But I woke up to a dry morning, and it appeared like it might stay that way for the day. Fingers crossed!

So, what should I do today? Do you even need to ask? Let’s roam!

Up ahead is Penyal d’Ifac Natural Park; my destination. Rising to over 1,000 ft, Penyal d’Ifac is a striking limestone feature of the Mediterranean coastline. Historically it was known to the Phoenicians as the Northern Rock, to distinguish it from its southern counterpart, the Rock of Gibraltar.

With an area of 110 acres, it is the smallest natural park in Spain.

Looking back down the beach towards the location of Mary & Tony’s apartment. (there is one determined boy on the beach!).

My unconventional entrance to the park eventually led me to this more conventional one!

These medieval ruins on Penyal d’Ifac date to the 13th century. The perfect lookout spot!

I’m now making my way down the west side of Penyal d’Ifac, looking at the Calpe Port and the Bay of Calpe.

The headland jutting out up ahead is Morro de Toix.

This would be packed with people during the summertime. I’m happy I’m here in the off season!

This turned out to be a fun day! I was worried about the weather, but it remained dry, which was key.

Thursday, March 6 – Calpe

More exploring of Calpe is in store for today. Mainly the Old Town.

A little bit of a cloud cover on the Rock this morning. But like yesterday, it’s dry; I’ll take it! And it’s even a little warmer, and less windy, than yesterday. I think I’ll be bringing out the shorts today!

As I was making my way to the Old Town, I came across this. Now, Calpe is a little hilly, but a moving sidewalk? Are you kidding me? Let’s get some exercise people! What a waste of money!

One of the more curious corners in the Old Town is the Forat de la Mar, a side-street that was created between the building walls to allow sailors to check sea conditions.

Llavador de la Font is a century-old open-air laundry system set at the edge of Calpe’s Old Town.

This is the Torreo de la Peça, a defensive bastion that forms part of the old walled town of Calpe. In the background is the bell tower of the Old Church.

The old town wall and the bell tower of the Old Church. The Old Church was built in the early 15th century, atop an old chapel from the Christian conquest. This fortified Gothic building originally combined religious and defensive functions, since it was a place of refuge when the community was under attack.

I’m now making my way back to the apartment (in the background). In the foreground is Salines de Calp (Calpe Salt Flats). Two million years ago this lagoon was a bay open to the sea. Penyal d’Ifac was an island that protected the bay from wind and ocean currents while facilitating the slow accumulation of sand, which would end up closing the bay.

The salt flats have great historical significance, eventually supplying over 40 municipalities. Its decline began however at the end of the 18th century, when it became the focus as the source of infections that caused fevers among the population. Later, there were various attempts to once again make the flats operational, but eventually ended in the late 1980s.

Today Las Salinas de Calp is a protected nature reserve; home to more than 170 bird species.

I saw many cyclists in Calpe (which was awesome!). To be expected, considering the popularity of the sport in Spain, and the hilly topography of the region. And the motorists were very respectful of the riders. What a concept!