Floral displays and colourful murals border narrow alleys meandering past immense defensive fortifications that once formed a great wall around this city.

Steep and narrow cobbled avenues adorned with murals wind between the brightly colored façades of historic buildings in the Calpe City Centre. Its array of defensive fortifications was initially constructed to ward off pirate attacks, but now surrounds the many museums, plazas and markets of the preserved Old Town district. Wander beside the remains of the old ramparts and imagine the city as it was in its prime a few centuries ago.

Make your way to the central Plaza de la Vila and marvel at the sturdy historic buildings surrounding it. Look up at the Torréo de la Peça, the sole remaining part of a fortress that once stood here as part of the town’s defensive walls. Explore the range of temporary exhibits showcased inside the tower’s Museo de Coleccionismo.

Learn about the city’s past in the Archaeology and History Museum of Calpe. You can also find a way into the Calpe culture through the mosaic murals of local artist Gastón Castelló on the wall of the tourist office and elsewhere.

Another highlight of the city is the Iglesia Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, Parish Church of our Sister of the Snows, which has a mosaicked exterior and a bright and airy interior with beautiful stained-glass windows.

On Saturdays, visit the craft market east of the city centre for its range of food, clothing and handicrafts. Wednesdays feature a flea market. Take your time and speak with friendly residents to get an insight into the local traditions. Arrive in the city toward the end of October for the Oktoberfest Calpe Festival, when the bars come alive with German beer and food.

This district is in the centre of Calpe, a little inland from the eastern shore of Spain. Drive northeast from Benidorm for 13 miles (21 kilometres) to get here in about 25 minutes. Continue heading north along the coast to reach Xàbia, Dénia and Valencia.