Visitors to Calpe can now discover some of the town’s most famous landmarks from entirely new perspectives thanks to a digital tourism project that combines virtual reality, 3D reconstructions and immersive technology.
After launching virtual visits to the iconic Muralla Roja earlier this year, Calpe has expanded the programme to include the Penyal d’Ifac, Banys de la Reina, the Old Town murals and the Museum of Calpe History in Casa de la Senyoreta.
Opening heritage to more visitors
The initiative aims to make Calpe’s cultural and natural attractions available to a wider audience. People with reduced mobility can explore the sites more easily, while visitors can also enjoy attractions that may have limited access, restricted opening hours or visitor caps.
Visitors can access the virtual experiences through the Calpe Tourism website or use virtual reality headsets at local tourist information offices for a more immersive experience.
To create the tours, specialists combined panoramic photography, 360-degree walkthroughs, drone footage and advanced 3D modelling technology.
The project also introduces an interactive gigapixel viewer. Users can explore Calpe in remarkable detail while accessing information points and virtual experiences across the town.
Roman Calpe brought back to life
One of the project’s standout features focuses on the archaeological site of Banys de la Reina.
Visitors can compare today’s ruins with a detailed 3D reconstruction that
shows how the Roman complex looked centuries ago.
Guided tours now include augmented reality headsets. These allow visitors to view the digital reconstruction while standing among the remains.
The experience also includes multilingual audio guides in five languages.
New views of the Penyal d’Ifac
The famous Penyal d’Ifac now offers its own immersive digital experience.
Users can follow virtual routes around one of the Costa Blanca’s most recognisable landmarks. Along the way, they can access interactive videos and educational content.
Animated 3D characters also serve as digital guides. They help visitors learn about the natural park’s history, wildlife and geology.
A digital future for Calpe’s attractions
The project also brings the Museum of Calpe History online, making its collections easier to access for people who cannot visit in person.
At the same time, the town has digitised its Old Town murals as part of a wider Urban Art Museum project that will launch soon.
The museum will also screen two educational films. One focuses on Banys de la Reina, while the other explores the medieval settlement of Pobla d’Ifac.
Tourism planning councillor Mireia Ripoll said the technology allows visitors to enjoy views, details and information that traditional visits cannot always provide.
