Discover Calpe, a vibrant coastal town on the Costa Blanca

Living in Calpe – beaches, mountains, and a lively coastal town

Calpe, known as Calp in Valencian, is located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante. The town is best known for the imposing Peñón de Ifach, the limestone cliff that rises hundreds of meters above the Mediterranean Sea.

Calpe combines long sandy beaches, a fishing harbor, nature, a historic center, and a wide range of everyday amenities. As a result, the town is not only popular as a vacation destination but also among people looking for a second home or who want to move to Spain permanently.

The housing options are just as varied as the surrounding area. You’ll find apartments close to the beach and downtown, modern new construction, homes in residential developments, and villas in the hills with ocean views.

Where is Calpe?

Calpe is located on the northern Costa Blanca, between Benissa, Altea, and Moraira, among other towns.

Nearby are well-known places such as:

The landscape here is clearly different from that of the southern Costa Blanca. Mountains and hills are close to the sea, and many residential areas have varying elevations.

This offers beautiful views, but it also means that a home may appear closer to the beach or downtown on a map than it actually is on foot.

Calpe or the Southern Costa Blanca?

Anyone still undecided between different parts of the Costa Blanca would do well to compare the north and the south.

The Southern Costa Blanca, around towns such as Torrevieja, Guardamar, and Ciudad Quesada, is generally flatter.

Around Calpe, you'll actually find:

Bergen;
cliffs;
small bays;
elevation differences;
and many homes with a view.

For hikers, cyclists, and people who appreciate a more rugged landscape, the Northern Costa Blanca is therefore often an attractive destination.

From Peñón de Ifach

The Peñón de Ifach, or Penyal d'Ifac, is the symbol of Calpe.

The rock is a protected nature reserve and is visible from virtually every part of the city.

There is a hiking trail that leads uphill. The first section is relatively easy to navigate, but after the tunnel, the trail becomes significantly rockier and more challenging.

Anyone wishing to go upstairs should always check the current access and any reservation requirements in advance.

For people who don't want to go to the top, there are also easier hiking trails around the base of the rock and the harbor.

Calpe for Hikers

Calpe is an attractive base for people who enjoy hiking.

In addition to the Peñón de Ifach, you can go hiking, for example:

along Playa de la Fossa;
past Arenal-Bol;
round of Salinas;
along parts of the coast;
toward Cala Calalga;
and in the surrounding hills.

Further inland lie larger mountainous regions.

Be sure to check out our guide to hiking and biking on the Costa Blanca for more routes in the region.

Beaches of Calpe

Calpe has several beaches and smaller coves.

The two best-known sandy beaches are Playa del Arenal-Bol and Playa de la Fossa.

They are located on different sides of the Peñón de Ifach, and each has its own unique atmosphere.

Arenal-Bol Beach

Arenal-Bol is located near the center of Calpe.

The beach has a long boardwalk lined with restaurants, cafes, and apartments.

For people who want to get to the beach, restaurants, and stores without a car, living in this area can be convenient.

However, its urban character does mean that it’s livelier in the summer.

La Fossa Beach

On the north side of the Peñón lies Playa de la Fossa, also known as Playa de Levante.

This beach also has a boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and apartments.

The view of the Peñón makes the area particularly recognizable.

This is a popular area for a second home near the beach.

Smaller bays

In addition to its large sandy beaches, Calpe also has smaller coves and rocky coastal areas.

These may be of particular interest to:

snorkeling;
kayaking;
swimming;
and more relaxed days at the beach.

Anyone buying a home because of a specific bay should always visit the site to see what the access is really like.

Salinas de Calpe

Nestled between the town and the beaches are the Salinas de Calpe.

These former salt pans are now a unique nature reserve.

Flamingos and other water birds can often be seen here.

The contrast is striking: on one side, apartments and roads; on the other, a lagoon with birds, and beyond it, the Peñón de Ifach.

For hikers, this is an accessible place to combine nature with the city.

The Queen's Baths

The Baños de la Reina are located along the coast.

Archaeological remains from Roman times have been preserved here.

The name literally means The Queen's Baths, but the area originally served various purposes and is a tangible part of Calpe's Roman past.

It's a nice place to stop during a walk along the coast.

The Historic Center of Calpe

Calpe isn't just beaches and modern apartments.

In the old town, you'll find narrow streets, squares, traditional buildings, and sections of the historic fortifications.

A well-known spot is Torreó de la Peça.

If you just drive past the high-rises by the sea, you'll only get a limited view of the city.

It's also worth taking a stroll through the old town.

History of Calpe

The area around Calpe has been inhabited for a very long time.

Archaeological finds point to an Iberian and Roman presence, among other things. Later, its location on the Mediterranean Sea played an important role in fishing, salt production, and coastal defense. The current text rightly mentions, among other things, the Roman ruins at Baños de la Reina and the historic Torreó de la Peça as recognizable remnants.

It wasn't until the 20th century that Calpe began to develop significantly as a coastal tourist town.

Today, tourism, services, and real estate are key components of the local economy.

Ports and Fisheries

The port of Calpe is located right next to the Peñón de Ifach.

Fishing still plays a visible role.

Around the harbor, you'll find seafood restaurants and see just how deeply the city is historically connected to the sea.

In addition, various recreational boating activities depart from the harbor area.

Catamaran and Boat Tours

There are several boat tours available from Calpe.

Depending on the season and the provider, you can choose, for example:

catamaran;
coastal excursion;
sunset hike;
snorkelstop;
or a private boat.

Availability and departure dates are subject to change, so always check them before you leave.

The Kayak and the SUP

The rocky coastline around Calpe is also ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Especially in calm weather, this can be a wonderful way to view the coast from the sea.

If you have little experience, it's best to go with a certified provider and check the wind and wave conditions beforehand.

Amenities in Calpe

For permanent residents, it is important that a coastal town remains functional even outside the high season.

Calpe has, among other things:

supermarkets;
stores;
schools;
health care;
sports facilities;
hospitality industry;
pharmacies;
local services;
and municipal facilities.

That makes the city practical for people who don't just stay here a few weeks a year.

Supermarkets and Grocery Shopping

There are several large supermarket chains for daily grocery shopping.

You'll also find local shops, bakeries, butcher shops, and specialty stores.

If you prefer to do your grocery shopping on foot, you should consider the city center or more densely populated beach areas.

From villa communities in the hills, driving is usually more practical.

Shopping in Calpe

There are several shopping streets and local stores in the city center.

For a bigger shopping day, residents also drive to other towns in the region.

For example, the commercial area near Finestrat and Benidorm offers much larger stores and shopping centers.

Of course, Alicante also has a much wider selection of shops.

You can read more about this in our guide to shopping on the Costa Blanca.

Market in Calpe

Calpe also has a regular market.

For permanent residents, local markets are often just as practical as they are for tourists.

Depending on the market, you can go there for:

vegetables;
fruit;
clothing;
shoes;
household items;
and other products.

Check out our complete guide to markets on the Costa Blanca for more markets in the area.

Health Care in Calpe

Calpe has local medical facilities and pharmacies.

Larger nearby towns are also important for more comprehensive specialized and hospital care.

Anyone moving to Spain permanently must distinguish between:

public healthcare;
private care;
emergency room;
and any Dutch or international services.

You can read more about this in our guide to health care in Spain and our overview of hospitals, clinics, and Dutch doctors on the Costa Blanca.

Schools in and around Calpe

There are several public elementary and secondary schools in Calpe for families.

In the Valencian Community, Valencian plays a role in public education alongside Spanish.

In addition, there are international schools in the wider region.

For families who emigrate to Spain with children, we recommend considering school options early on in the home-search process.

A school that looks close on the map may still be less practical on a day-to-day basis due to traffic and elevation differences.

Sports in Calpe

Calpe is popular among active residents.

Among other things, you can:

hiking;
cycling;
mountain biking;
swimming;
frying pans;
play tennis;
working out;
kayaking;
soups;
lines;
and diving.

Cycling, in particular, is very visible.

Thanks to the hilly countryside and mild winter climate, professional and recreational cyclists frequently stay in this area.

Calpe for Cyclists

From Calpe, you can quickly reach well-known cycling routes and climbs in the surrounding countryside.

The region around Jalón, Benissa, Coll de Rates, and the surrounding mountains is popular with recreational cyclists.

That makes Calpe an attractive base if cycling is an important part of your lifestyle.

For purely recreational and flat cycling, the Southern Costa Blanca is generally easier.

Living in Calpe

Calpe is large enough to function year-round, but compact enough that it doesn't feel like a big city.

That makes the place appealing to various groups.

Consider:

second-homeowners;
families;
retirees;
people who work from home;
and people who want to emigrate permanently.

Which neighborhood is the best fit depends mainly on the kind of lifestyle you want.

Downtown Calpe

If you want to live close to shops, restaurants, and everyday amenities, consider the city center.

You'll find mostly apartments here.

The benefits are:

a lot within walking distance;
less dependent on cars;
near Arenal-Bol;
and urban amenities.

Drawbacks may include crowds, parking, and less outdoor space.

La Fossa Beach

Around Playa de la Fossa, you'll find many apartments and vacation-oriented residential complexes.

It's a great option for people who want the beach, the boardwalk, and restaurants nearby.

If you're planning to live there year-round, it's a good idea to also consider how lively the area is outside the summer season and how much storage and parking space an apartment offers.

Maryvilla

Maryvilla is located on the west side of Calpe, nestled against hilly terrain.

Here you'll find mostly villas and homes with varying elevation levels.

The view can be a major plus.

On the other hand, in many areas, a car is practically a necessity.

Anyone viewing a home in Maryvilla would be wise to consider not only the ocean view but also:

gradient;
access road;
parking;
stairs;
distance to the supermarket;
and maintenance of the lot.

The Crow

La Canuta is also located on the west side of Calpe.

The area is appealing to people who want to live a little outside the busiest part of downtown but still be close to the city.

There are apartments, villas, and other low-rise buildings.

Cometa-Carrió

Cometa-Carrió is located further inland and consists of scattered residential areas.

Here you'll find a relatively large number of villas with their own lots.

This may be appealing to people who value space, a garden, and a private pool.

A car is more important here than it is if you live in the center of Calpe.

Empedrola

Empedrola is also located in the quieter countryside behind Calpe.

The landscape here is more residential and greener.

If you're looking for the shortest walking distance to the boulevard, this probably isn't the place for you.

If you're looking for privacy and peace and quiet, you might find this interesting.

Puerto Blanco

Puerto Blanco is located on the west side of the city, around the small harbor area.

The area features homes close to the sea and residential areas located on higher ground.

Developments related to the port and the housing market may change the character of this area.

When making a purchase, we would therefore focus primarily on the current situation rather than on outdated general descriptions.

Gargasindi

Gargasindi is located closer to the residential part of Calpe.

For permanent residence, such an area may be more practical than a distinctly tourist-oriented waterfront location.

You're less focused on beach vacations and more on schools, stores, and everyday traffic.

Which neighborhood in Calpe is right for you?

As a general outline, you can think of it as follows:

Beach and hiking: Arenal-Bol or La Fossa.

Central and not many cars: downtown.

Villa and view: Maryvilla.

A villa with more peace and quiet: Cometa-Carrió or Empedrola.

Close to the west coast and the sea: La Canuta or Puerto Blanco.

But this is still an oversimplification.

Within a single neighborhood, the locations of two homes can be completely different.

Buying an Apartment in Calpe

Calpe has a wide selection of apartments.

When looking at an apartment, we would pay attention to the following, among other things:

floor;
lift;
patio;
orientation;
view;
parking space;
salvage;
community;
distance to the beach;
and winter sun.

A spectacular ocean view is nice, but a practical apartment should also suit the way you plan to use it.

Buying a Villa in Calpe

If you're looking for villas, you'll find them more easily in the residential areas surrounding the central part of Calpe.

There, you'll often find:

own lot;
garden;
swimming pool;
privacy;
and the view.

But a villa also means more maintenance.

For existing villas, be sure to carefully check whether any renovations, swimming pools, and outbuildings have been legally registered.

New Construction in Calpe

New construction projects are also regularly available in Calpe and the surrounding area.

The offerings may include:

apartments;
penthouses;
modern villas;
and residential complexes.

When it comes to new construction, it's important not to rely solely on artist renderings.

Existing Buildings in Calpe

Existing homes often offer more choices in established neighborhoods.

This might be of interest to you if:

want to buy right away;
want to live closer to downtown;
looking for a larger lot;
or want to customize a home to suit your own taste.

Have the legal and technical aspects thoroughly reviewed in advance.

Calpe as a second home

Calpe offers many options for a second home.

An apartment near the beach can be convenient if you visit for a few weeks each year.

A villa with a pool offers more space, but it also requires maintenance when you're not there.

So don't just think about what you enjoy during your vacation, but also consider:

key management;
pool maintenance;
garden;
community;
security;
and periodic inspections.

Living in Calpe Year-Round

Anyone who moves to Spain permanently looks at housing differently.

Then issues such as:

supermarket;
medical care;
schools;
parking;
winter sun;
storage;
internet;
and accessibility

much more important.

Differences in elevation also deserve special attention.

A home with a stunning view may be less practical on a day-to-day basis if you have to use the car for every errand.

Retirement in Calpe

Calpe might be of interest to people who want to spend their retirement in Spain.

The combination of the ocean, amenities, and a large international community appeals to many foreign residents.

When looking for a retirement home, we would pay special attention to:

lift;
number of steps;
level access;
parking space;
supermarket;
pharmacy;
medical facilities;
and distance from the center.

That said, a home with a slightly less impressive view is sometimes more practical than a villa perched high on a mountainside.

Investing in Calpe

Calpe is a major tourist destination, which is why some buyers are looking at real estate as an investment.

But it is too simplistic to say that every property yields a high occupancy rate or an attractive return.

The result depends, among other things, on:

purchase price;
location;
housing type;
response from children;
maintenance;
type of lease;
regulations;
funding;
and management.

Vacation Rentals in Calpe

Are you interested in renting out your property for tourism?

Be sure to check before making a purchase whether the desired rental option is available.

Rules may depend on:

regional legislation;
municipal regulations;
homeowners' association;
registration;
and the property's features.

So don't buy a property solely based on an ad that says an apartment is “perfect for vacation rentals.”

Long-term rental

A home may also be a good option for long-term rentals.

In that case, other characteristics come into play.

For example, a long-term tenant is more likely to pay attention to:

parking space;
storage;
schools;
stores;
heating;
air conditioning;
and daily accessibility.

Calpe or Altea?

Altea is a logical comparison.

Calpe has larger sandy beaches, more high-rise buildings, and a wider selection of apartments.

Altea is best known for its historic white-washed town center, pebble beaches, marina, and hilly residential areas.

If you'd like to live right on a wide sandy beach, Calpe is the closer option.

If you value atmosphere and a distinctive historic center, you might find Altea more appealing.

Calpe or Moraira?

Moraira is smaller and has few high-rise buildings.

The housing inventory consists of a relatively large number of villas.

Calpe has a more urban feel and offers more apartments and everyday amenities within a compact area.

Moraira may feel quieter and more intimate, but housing prices and the types of properties available differ significantly.

Calpe or Benidorm?

Benidorm is much larger and more urban.

You can find more information here:

public transportation;
entertainment;
high-rise building;
stores;
and urban amenities.

Calpe feels smaller and is nestled more closely against the natural mountain landscape.

For people who want a lively atmosphere and plenty of amenities, Benidorm might be a better fit.

For those looking for a more compact coastal town, Calpe may be a better choice.

Calpe or Jávea?

Jávea is located further north and is much more spread out.

The site consists of:

old town;
port;
Arenal;
and various villa developments.

Calpe is more compact.

People who like to have multiple amenities relatively close together may find this convenient.

What is there to do in Calpe?

There's plenty to do for visitors and residents as well.

Some well-known activities and attractions:

Peñón de Ifach
La Fossa Beach
Arenal-Bol Beach
Salinas de Calpe
The Queen's Baths
historic center
Tower of the Piece
port
walking along the coast
the kayak and the SUP
boat tours
Cycling in the countryside
snorkeling
markets
restaurants and tapas
Les Bassetes Marina
viewpoints around the city

The original text also lists La Muralla Roja, Xanadú, fishing, Calalga, and various scenic overlooks as interesting local attractions.

The Red Wall

One of Calpe's most famous modern buildings is La Muralla Roja, designed by architect Ricardo Bofill.

The complex is famous for its geometric shapes and striking shades of red, pink, and blue.

Important: It is a private residential complex.

So it's not just a regular tourist attraction where visitors can walk around freely.

Admire it from public areas and respect the privacy of residents.

Xanadú Building

Xanadú was also designed by Ricardo Bofill.

The building is one of Calpe’s striking examples of modern architecture and is located in the same broader area.

For architecture enthusiasts, this part of the city offers an interesting contrast to the historic center.

The Bassetes

Les Bassetes is located on the coast toward Benissa.

The small marina is popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Here you'll find opportunities for sailing, diving, and other activities at sea, among other things.

The area is located between Calpe and the coast toward Moraira.

Day Trips from Calpe

Thanks to its central location on the northern Costa Blanca, you can easily explore other towns from Calpe.

Consider:

Altea
Benidorm;
Guadalest;
Pull
Moraira;
Jávea;
Denial

That means you don't have to drive far for a day trip.

Climate in Calpe

Calpe has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters.

I would deliberately avoid presenting the commonly used marketing claim of “more than 300 days of sunshine” as a hard fact on this page.

The more important practical point is that the climate makes it possible to enjoy many outdoor activities for much of the year.

For permanent residence, the orientation of the home is also important.

A south-facing patio can be very pleasant in January, while shade can actually be a valuable asset in July.

Moving to Calpe

Would you like to emigrate to Spain and are you considering Calpe?

Then look beyond the beach and the view.

Buying a Home in Calpe

Are you interested in buying a home in Spain and would you prefer Calpe?

First, decide which part of the city suits your lifestyle.

Would you like to:

beach within walking distance;
near the city center;
ocean view;
village;
garden;
private pool;
few stairs;
Or, on the contrary, as much rest as possible?

Ultimately, those choices determine much more than just the number of bedrooms.

Purchase Costs

Please keep in mind that the asking price is not the entire purchase budget.

In addition to the purchase price, you'll have to pay taxes and other purchase-related costs.

In addition, different tax rules apply to new construction and existing buildings.

Therefore, always calculate your total available budget first.

Mortgages in Spain

Would you like to finance part of it?

Then read more about how a Spanish mortgage works.

It is best to explore your financing options before making a reservation.

Find a home in Calpe with Casas Palmeras

Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers in finding and purchasing a home on the Costa Blanca.

In your search, we can consider both new construction and existing homes, and we do not limit our search to just our own portfolio.

Check out our current listings or the available new construction projects.

Would you like to learn more about our approach? Then take a look at our process.

Do you have specific preferences for a home in Calpe—such as a ocean view, walking distance to the beach, an apartment, or perhaps a villa with a private pool? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.

Calpe is particularly appealing because of its combination of a true coastal town, wide sandy beaches, mountains, and a wide range of housing options. You can live in an apartment in the center of town and do almost everything on foot, or choose a villa with a view and privacy a few kilometers away. It is precisely these differences that make it important not only to choose Calpe as a location, but above all to determine which part of Calpe suits the way you want to live in Spain.