DK Travel : Costa Blanca : Penyal d’Ifac (Peñon d’Ifach)

Penyal d’Ifac (Peñon d’Ifach)

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This sheer, impregnable crag dominating the bay of Calp (Calpe) has become the symbol of the Costa Blanca. Once a notorious pirate hideout, it’s now a protected Natural Park perfumed with lavender and wild flowers. A steep trail zig-zags upward, burrows through a tunnel cut in the rock, then winds dramatically to a viewing point at the very summit, 332 m (1,089 ft) above sea level. A word of caution: the first section of the trail is suitable for walkers of all levels; after the tunnel, it becomes increasingly tricky.
If you intend to follow the trail right to the summit, ensure that you have suitable footwear and plenty of water.

Top 10 Features

1. Hiking Trail

On the lower flanks of the rock, the main trail to the summit twists and turns through gnarled pine trees and swathes of perfumed lavender. On the upper reaches, you’ll need a head for heights and sturdy footwear.
2. Tunnel

2. Tunnel

In 1918, a tunnel was hacked through the rock to make the ascent easier. The floor here is steep and slippery, but at least visitors no longer have to be hauled over the cliff face by ropes, as was the old custom.
3. Summit of Ifac

3. Summit of Ifac

The narrow hiking trail leads to the very summit of the rock, with stunning views of distant mountain ranges, the coastline and far out to sea.
4. Miradors

4. Miradors

There are three viewing points (miradors): two are on the lower slopes, but the best views (besides those from the summit) are from the old guard post on the southern flank.
5. Climbing Routes

5. Climbing Routes

The Penyal d’Ifac is a rock-climbers’ mecca. There are several climbing routes on both the north and south faces, which take between five and eleven hours.
6. Flora and Fauna

There are more than 300 species of flora on the scrubby slopes of Ifac, including lavender, golden rod, red valerian and St Bernard’s lily. The rarest endemic plants are contained in two microreserves. Few animals besides lizards and other reptiles can survive in these rather parched conditions.
7. Birds

The Penyal d’Ifac is home to more than 80 species of bird, including Eleanora’s falcon, the peregrine falcon, the shag and the northern gannet. There are several species of gull, including the yellow-legged gull and the rarer Audoin’s gull.
8. Exhibition

A cluster of buildings at the base of the Penyal d’Ifac contains the park information office and two exhibition rooms, which highlight the most important features of the park and describe the wildlife to be found within its borders.
9. Coves and Inlets

The base of the Penyal d’Ifac is dotted with picturesque coves, which also have protected status under the Natural Park scheme. A paradise for divers and snorkellers, the crystal-clear waters are home to a wealth of marine life.
10. Port

Calp’s port sits at the neck of the narrow isthmus which joins the Penyal d’Ifac with the mainland. It’s a cheerful mixture of sleek yachts and battered fishing boats. Cafés and ice-cream parlours aplenty offer welcome refreshment after an exhausting climb.

Practical Information

There are no cafés on the rock, but picnics are permitted so long as you collect all your rubbish. The nearby port has several cafés. The number of visitors on the rock is strictly limited, with a maximum of 150 allowed to climb it at one time. In high season, get there early in the day, and try to avoid weekends if you want to avoid the queues. The information centre is located at the park entrance. Calp (Calpe) Visitor information centre: C/Illa de Formentera s/n 965 97 20 15 www.gva.es Open Oct–Apr: 8am–3pm, 4–6pm weekdays, 9am–3pm Sat, Sun; May–Sep: 8am–7pm weekdays, 8am–4pm Sat, Sun Free