Calpe Inspiration – Why This Town Inspired My Art

The Inspiration Behind My Calpe Poster

Calpe is a place in Spain on the Costa Blanca that I’ve visited regularly over the past few years – and one I hope to return to many more times. Not just for everything this Mediterranean town has to offer, but also to visit family. This blog post shares my personal Calpe inspiration, and how it led to the creation of one of my art prints.

The town has much to explore. You can take a quiet walk along the promenade or hike up the Peñón de Ifach, the large rock that extends into the sea. From the top, you can look out over Calpe and the surrounding coastline. (Note: the path can be tricky, so good shoes are recommended.)

Another option is the Paseo Ecológico, a walking route through nature between Moraira and Calpe, with sea views along the way.

Other highlights include the old town with its narrow streets and mosaic-tiled steps, the red buildings of La Muralla Roja (often photographed), and the Baños de la Reina – a small archaeological site by the water with remains of Roman fish pools. Calpe also has a range of beaches, from the wide Playa de la Fossa to the quieter Cantal Roig and central Arenal-Bol.

Calpe has plenty to offer in terms of food and drink. One of my personal rituals: getting ice cream from Heladería Italiana on the La Fossa promenade. For breakfast or coffee with something sweet, I recommend Pastelería Galán (also known as Cafeteria Flandes), a local bakery with freshly baked pastries. In the mood for tapas or paella with a view? El Cantal, near the beach, is a good choice. Or try one of the fish restaurants near the harbour, where the daily catch is often served the same day.

In the middle of town is Las Salinas, a salt lake where flamingos and other birds can be seen. Larger groups tend to appear in spring and autumn. In winter, many migrate to Africa.

The Flamingos’ Migration

The flamingos in Calpe are Phoenicopterus roseus. They regularly migrate between Spain and parts of North and West Africa, such as Mauritania and Senegal. These journeys cover long distances, sometimes crossing the Sahara. It’s a demanding flight, but necessary to adapt to changing conditions in Europe.

There are walking paths around the lake, perfect for birdwatching or simply spending time outdoors.

My Calpe Inspiration

During one of my walks around Las Salinas in 2019, the idea to illustrate Calpe first came to mind. The flamingos are such a familiar presence in this setting that I wanted them to take centre stage. In the final composition, I drew two flamingos in the foreground, their beaks nearly touching. With their curved necks, they form the shape of a heart – a quiet reference to my connection with this place.

In the background, you can see the skyline of Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach, the town’s most recognisable landmark. It rises from the sea and quite literally marks the centre of the area.

This illustration is available as an art print in various sizes, from small to large.

Whether you’ve walked around the lake, spent time by the sea, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean feel – this print is a lasting reminder of my Calpe inspiration.

View the poster here.