Penon de Ifach

The Penon de Ifach is a 332-metre limestone monolith rising straight from the sea at Calpe, one of the Costa Blanca's most recognisable landmarks. Declared a Natural Park in 1987, its 53 hectares make it one of Europe's smallest protected areas. The summit trail passes through a hand-carved tunnel and rewards hikers with 360-degree views: the coastline from Benidorm to Denia and even the outline of Ibiza on clear days.

It shelters over 300 plant species and seabird colonies including Eleonora's falcon and Audouin's gull. At the base lie archaeological remains of the Pobla d'Ifac, a 13th-century medieval settlement. Access is free but requires an online reservation (maximum 300 visitors per day).