Penon de Ifach

Penon de Ifach

The enigmatic Penon de Ifach stands proudly of 320 m at the head of Calpe surrounded  by the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a huge calcareous  rock, joined to the mainland a detritic isthmus. With a protected  surface area of just 45 ha, Pennon de Ifach is one of the smallest nature reserves in Europe. Despite  its size the reserve attracts approximately 100.000 visitors each year.

History of Penon de Ifach

Throughout history pennon de Ifach has served several purposes. In the 4^th to 3^rd centuries before Christ there was an Iberian village at the foot of the rock on its western side. Later  in roman times the settlement move to isthmus join  the rock to the mainland, though finding confirm that the sides of the rock were once again inhabited throughout the Middle Ages

Penan de Ifach once served as a landmark for mariners. It was then used as watchtower with is its lofty height  of 332 m providing  a superb vantage point  to spot approaching pirates and invaders. Despite best efforts, continuing attacks from the sea forced inhabitants down to the village  of Calpe. Originally the municipality of Cape owned Penon de Ifach. However in 1872 it  become privately owned. After having several different private owners it was purchased by the Geneeralitat Valenciana Authority, before being declared a nature reserve in 1987.

Flora and Fauna

Pennon de Ifach is home to a diverse colony of  endangered species. Toward its      base there are many varieties of plants common to the Mediterranean, but t higher elevations they become more Alpine in nature species such as the nearly extinct Silene Hifacensis, Rock Scabious and Thymus Webbianus grow in crevices and ledges on the sheer rock face. With regards yo fauna there can be as many as 60 birds species nesting and congregating at different times on the year, including the winter wren, shag, pallid , swift and peregrine falcon. Other species include reptilian inhabitants such as ocellated lizards  and Montpellier snakes, as well as mammals, such as the hedgehog, shrew and rabit. 

Walking up Penon de Ifach

The walk up Penon de Ifach is accomplished by following a pathway called the Red Route. The walk begins at the information center, and progresses up the north side of the rock. Along the  path eight designated paints of interest, including several scenic overlooks offering stunning panoramic views over Calpe.

The walk can be split into two main sections,   the winding path that leads to the tunnel and then the walk from the tunnel onwards. The walk to the tunnel is steep, but  features even ground. In comparison to the  walk starting at the tunnel, it’s a reasonably easy walk. However in summer it can get very hot and humid due to the tree cover. This path featured two named vantage points; the western vantage point     near the start and the Botanist Cavanilles Vantage Point, a bit further up. Both offer views to the  west and overlook the coast and the surrounding area. You will also pass the remains of an Iberian village, dating back to the 4^th – 3^rd century BC, as well as the windblown pines, which are trees growing  in unusual shape as a result of the wind. The trail features a lush shady landscape dominated by  a various lichens.

At the end of the winding pathway hikers will encounter a tunnel that passes through Penon de Ifach exiting on its northeast side. To continue through the tunnel you will need appropriate footwear.

Hiking boots or trainers  are recommended, as the rocks are very slippery. Just outside the tunnel exit, there is a small vantage point that offers a spectacular view of Fossa beach.

The path from here onwards features narrow slippery, rocky paths, which can be hazardous. The next point of  interest is where the trail splits called the Fork. One path leads to the Guard Past vantage Point, whilst the other leads to the summit. The Guard Post Vantage  point is a small lookout platform that offers beautiful panoramic ocean views. This is a shorter and easier path to follow, so it is recommended if you find the walk from the Foprk requires traversing the most difficult part of the trail.

However reaching the summit certainly offers the grandest reward; breathtaking views that span the horizon from Serra Gelada to Calpe, all the way to the Punta de Moraira.

When is the best time of day to walk up Penon de Ifach?

It is advisable to walk up pennon de Ifach in either the morning or evening in order to avoid the midday heat. This is particularly thee case in summer aas the wweather in Cape can be very hot.

Climbing Penon de Ifach

In addition to the Red Route for walkers Penon de Ifach offers various different impressive sport routes for climbers of a variety of grades. The most popular routes are climbed frequently and are reasonably well geaved. There may be loose rock, so climbers are advised to take caution and to wear a helmet.

How to get   to  Penon de Ifach?

Pennon de Ifach is easily accessible by car, via N – 332 trunk road and A7 motorway, taking the Benissa and Altea turnoffs upon reaching Calpe, Penon de Ifach is very well signposted.

There is car parking available at the base of the rock and at  the nearby harbor. Calpe is also well served via public transport, with both buses and trains operating at numerous different times throughout the day.

Rules and Safety recommendations.

There are several rules and safety recommendations that you should be aware of prior to your trip to pennon de Ifach, which are follows.

Use marked paths.

Use proper footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. Do not pass further than the tunnel with unsuitable footwer.

Observe plants and animals without disturbing. Do not fed the animals.

No camping, fires or smoking.

Be responsible for your pet – keep it on a lead and clean up the park, clean up its excrement.

Do not litter – keep the park clean and use the waste bins provided.

Be respectful of others and don’t make lot of noise, listen to the silence and sounds of the natural environment.

Respect opening   times. Do not enter the park after the dusk.