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You can find there a number of endemic species of plant. The rock is also a home to sea gulls and falcons. If you manage to get onto the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the countryside. Peñón de Ifach is widely popular among climbers who test their strength and abilities here. The number of tourists is regulated due to the protection of site.

Otherwise, the resort of Calpe looks, of course, like any other local sandy beach resort with crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. You can try a wide range of water sports here. You can also visit The Old Church (Iglesia Antigua) here which was built in 14th century and is located just in the town centre.

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It is the oldest monument in the town and the only example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture in this region. Another interesting sight is the fortress Torre de la Peca, which was built in the 14th century as part of a defensive fortress. Tourist attraction can also be the district Arabal formed by narrow streets and white houses. Do not miss Paternina street, which is adorned with dozens of flowering pots and houses with colorful mosaics. On the hill above the town is the Shrine of St. Salvatore, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Calpe is one of the liveliest resorts on the Costa Blanca. It holds a lot of interesting cultural events. History lovers should not miss the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of the festivities. However Calpe is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Spain, you still can find cheap restaurants here and the access to the beach is free.

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Prior to the 1960s, Benidorm was a small village. Today it stands out for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers, built as a result of its tourist-oriented economy. Now it is one of the most important holiday resorts in Spain. Due to the unique skyline formed by its numerous tall hotels and apartment buildings it is sometimes referred to as the “Manhattan of Spain” or “Beniyork”, which is unlike any other on the Costa Blanca (White Coast). According to the Urban Age project, Benidorm has the most high-rise buildings per capita in the world. Benidorm is surrounded by one of the most impressive mountains of the Costa Blanca, the 1406 m tall Puig Campana.

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Palm trees in Elche, Costa Blanca, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

A lot of time and effort had been put into the development and maintenance of the city of Elche. Each and every single road that meanders its way through the city is lined with some of the most well Palm trees imaginable. As a result of the countless palm trees which can be found throughout the city, the city of Elche has been dubbed the Capital of Palm Trees.

Of course this title got also thanks to the Palmeral of Elche Orchard Grove which is home to more than 200,000 palm trees. It is interesting to point out that the Palm Grove of Elche is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Basilica of Santa María de Elche, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

The city itself played an important part in the history of Spain. It was here, back in 1897 when the Dama de Elche was first discovered in the region. The statue itself can now be seen at the National Archaeological Museum which is found in Madrid. There are also a number of other important, and very significant monuments and attractions that can be found in and around the city.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to the city of Elche is that of the Altamira Castle which can be found right next to the Municipal Park. Both the Castle and the municipal Park are also part of the Palm Grove of Elche and was built back in the 12th and 13th centuries during the times of Almohad. It was also renovated back in the 15th century and also served as a fabric plant during the start of the 1900s. And while it had once been the town hall, as well as a prison, today the Castle serves as the Elche Archaeological and History Museum.

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In 1987, the rock was declared a nature reserve and the smallest protected area in Europe, because it covers an area of ​​4,5 square kilometers. There is a number of endemic species of plant and animals such as sea gulls and falcons.

Peñón de Ifach is a distinct visual attraction on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a height of 332 metres.

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