Xanadú Bofill
Iconic postmodern architectural complex by Ricardo Bofill, famous for its vibrant colors and geometric designs, especially La Muralla Roja.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Xanadú Bofill
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic postmodern architectural complex by Ricardo Bofill, famous for its vibrant colors and geometric designs, especially La Muralla Roja.
"Admire an architectural masterpiece and enjoy the stunning views from the walkway below the building. "
📸 Capture the Angles
Explore surrounding paths for unique photo ops of the entire complex.
🚶♀️ Cliffside Walks
Enjoy scenic walks with stunning sea views and architectural backdrops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red Wall (La Muralla Roja)
Calp, Alicante
Iconic postmodern residential building, famous for its striking red facade and labyrinthine design.
Xanadú Building
Calp, Alicante
A unique residential complex by Ricardo Bofill, known for its geometric shapes and vibrant colors.
Amphitheatre Building
Calp, Alicante
Another Bofill creation, featuring a distinctive amphitheater-like structure overlooking the sea.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Xanadú Bofill
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Angles
Explore surrounding paths for unique photo ops of the entire complex.
🚶♀️ Cliffside Walks
Enjoy scenic walks with stunning sea views and architectural backdrops.
🏨 Book to Enter
To go inside, you'll likely need to book a room or apartment.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be challenging; consider walking from Calpe town.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Angles
Explore surrounding paths for unique photo ops of the entire complex.
🚶♀️ Cliffside Walks
Enjoy scenic walks with stunning sea views and architectural backdrops.
🏨 Book to Enter
To go inside, you'll likely need to book a room or apartment.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking can be challenging; consider walking from Calpe town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Xanadú Bofill for its unique and impressive postmodern architecture, particularly La Muralla Roja, offering stunning photo opportunities and scenic views from surrounding public areas. While direct interior access is limited to residents or guests, the exterior's visual impact and the pleasant cliffside walks are highly recommended. +1
"Nice architecture but cannot Enter without Booking a room. There is a nice trail leading back to Calpe city center on a cliffside."
Felix S
"Edifici Xanadu is an impressive postmodern complex on a bluff overlooking the sea in Calp created by the internationally acclaimed Spanish Architect Ricardo Bofill. Well worth a visit to admire an architectural masterpiece and enjoy the stunning views from the walkway below the building."
Lawrence McClay
"If interested in architecture and even when you're in Calpe: would recommend!
Although you're not allowed to enter the domain, you can get amazing views on the three buildings from Ricardo Bofill in the neighbourhood."
Carolien P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Alicante, you can drive to Calp (approx. 1 hour) or take a bus. Once in Calp, Xanadú Bofill is located on a bluff overlooking the sea. Walking from Calpe town center is also an option via cliffside trails.
While there isn't direct public transport to the building itself, buses run to Calp. From there, you can walk or take a short taxi ride.
Parking directly at Xanadú Bofill is limited and often reserved for residents. Street parking in the surrounding areas can be difficult to find, especially during peak season.
Yes, there are scenic cliffside trails that lead from Calpe town center towards Xanadú Bofill, offering beautiful views along the way.
Public transport primarily serves Calp town. From Calp, it's best to walk or arrange local transport to reach the specific location of Xanadú Bofill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Public access to the interior of Xanadú Bofill is generally restricted. To explore inside, you typically need to book a stay in one of the apartments or rooms. +1
There is no entry fee for viewing the exterior from public areas. If you wish to enter the building, the cost will be the price of booking accommodation.
The exterior can be viewed at any time. However, for interior access, you are bound by the check-in and check-out times of your booked accommodation.
Tickets are not required for exterior viewing. If you plan to stay, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Official guided tours for the general public are not common. Access is primarily through booking accommodation. However, some local guides might offer architectural tours of the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the surrounding cliffside paths and public walkways, offering panoramic views of the complex and the sea.
If you are staying in the building, you can take photos inside your accommodation. However, common areas might have restrictions, and it's respectful to avoid photographing residents without permission.
Drone usage is generally restricted in residential areas and near coastlines due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check local drone laws before flying.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Daytime provides clear views, but can be harsher.
Focus on the geometric patterns, the vibrant red facade of La Muralla Roja, and the unique shapes of the Xanadú and Amphitheatre buildings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best visibility and to ensure children can safely explore the accessible public areas. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly at the building might be limited. The visual spectacle of the 'Red Wall' and other Bofill structures can be a fun and educational experience, sparking conversations about art and design.
📸 Photographers & Architecture Enthusiasts
Focus on the exterior from the surrounding public walkways and cliffside trails for the most comprehensive views. Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the interplay of light and shadow on the buildings. If you manage to book accommodation, you'll gain access to interior courtyards and staircases, offering even more photographic potential.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While staying inside requires booking accommodation, which can vary in price, simply visiting the exterior is a fantastic way to experience this architectural gem without significant expense. Pack a picnic to enjoy with the views, making it a cost-effective and visually rewarding outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Ricardo Bofill
The complex in Calp, Spain, showcases Bofill's signature use of color, bold shapes, and intricate layouts. La Muralla Roja, in particular, with its striking red hues and maze-like staircases and courtyards, has gained international fame, even being cited as an inspiration for the set design of the popular Netflix series 'Squid Game'.
While direct public access to the interiors is limited, the exterior of Xanadú Bofill remains a significant landmark for architecture enthusiasts and photographers, offering a glimpse into Bofill's unique vision for urban living and design. The surrounding public areas provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the scale and artistry of these buildings.
Experiencing Xanadú Bofill: Beyond the Facade
Those who wish to immerse themselves more deeply can book accommodation within the Xanadú complex. This provides an opportunity to experience Bofill's architectural vision from the inside, navigating the internal courtyards and corridors. Reviews suggest that staying here offers a unique architectural experience, though it's important to manage expectations as it is a residential building.
When visiting, remember that these are active residential buildings. Respecting the privacy of residents is paramount. While the exteriors are a public spectacle, interior exploration is best done as a guest, ensuring a harmonious experience for both visitors and inhabitants.
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