Calpe is one of the best-known coastal towns on the northern Costa Blanca. The town lies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and is recognizable from a great distance thanks to the impressive Peñón de Ifach, the enormous rock that rises more than 300 meters above sea level. But Calpe is much more than just this famous rock. There you’ll find long sandy beaches, pleasant boardwalks, a fishing port, a historic district, salt flats teeming with flamingos, and quiet residential neighborhoods in the hills surrounding the town.

Furthermore, Calpe isn’t just a place that comes alive during the summer. Both Spaniards and many foreign residents live there year-round. This makes Calpe an attractive option for those looking for a vacation home, but certainly also for those who wish to live permanently on the Costa Blanca.

Services in Calpe

One of the advantages of living in Calpe is that virtually all everyday services are available right in the town itself. Calpe has a public health center and several private clinics, dentists, physical therapists, and pharmacies. For more comprehensive specialized care, residents can go to the hospitals in Dénia and Villajoyosa, among other places.

Calpe is also an ideal place for families. There are several public elementary and middle schools. In addition, there are international schools in the surrounding area, including The Lady Elizabeth School. For everyday shopping, Calpe offers a wide range of supermarkets and specialty stores. Avenida Gabriel Miró and the surrounding area also feature shops, cafes, and restaurants, and the famous market is held there on Saturdays.

Living in Calpe

What makes Calpe such an attractive place to live is the combination of being both an authentic town and a vacation destination. You can live right in the center and do practically everything on foot, but just a few minutes away you’ll find quiet residential neighborhoods with single-family homes, swimming pools, and views of the Mediterranean Sea.

As a result, the real estate market offers a wide variety of options—from beachfront apartments to modern new-construction projects and villas in the hills surrounding Calpe. Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol are very popular areas among those who want to live near the beach and local amenities. Maryvilla is located on the hillsides and is known for its villas and magnificent ocean views. Cometa-Carrió, La Canuta, and Empedrola are also interesting options if you’re looking for more space and tranquility.

The Beaches of Calpe

Calpe has several beaches and small coves, but the Arenal-Bol Beach and the Fossa Beach stand out. The Arenal-Bol Beach is located right next to downtown and features a long boardwalk lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. On the other side of the Peñón de Ifach is Playa de la Fossa, also a wide sandy beach with a lively boardwalk. Those who prefer something quieter can visit one of the smaller coves surrounding Calpe, which are also very popular for snorkeling.

From Peñón de Ifach

When people talk about Calpe, they naturally think of the Peñón de Ifach. This enormous limestone cliff is the town’s symbol and forms part of the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. For hikers, the trail up the Peñón is a unique experience. The first section is relatively easy to hike, but after the tunnel, the trail becomes considerably more challenging. From the highest points, you can enjoy spectacular views of Calpe and the Costa Blanca coastline.

Nature and Flamingos

Almost right in the center of Calpe lies a very special natural spot. The Salinas de Calpe are former salt flats that today constitute an important natural area where flamingos can often be seen. What’s most striking, above all, is their location: on one side, you can see the apartments and the town, while just a few meters away, flamingos stroll peacefully through the shallow waters.

There’s also plenty of nature outside the city center. Several hiking trails run along the coast, and the Ecological Trail toward Benissa is a lovely way to explore the small coves and rocky coastline.

The Old Town of Calpe

Anyone who stays only on the coast will miss out on a completely different side of Calpe. The historic center consists of narrow alleys, stairways, colorful facades, and cozy little squares. Here you’ll find, among other things, the Torreón de la Peça, a remnant of Calpe’s ancient fortifications. You can also see the famous staircase painted in the colors of the Spanish flag.

In addition, along the coast are the Baños de la Reina, literally the “Queen’s Baths.” Despite their romantic name, they are archaeological remains from the Roman era. On the rocks by the sea, you can see some pools that were part of a Roman complex.

The Harbor and the Outdoors

Calpe continues to have strong ties to fishing. In the harbor, you can see fishing boats coming in with their catches, and there are several seafood restaurants in the area around the harbor. That’s why taking a stroll through the harbor and combining it with lunch or dinner is a pleasant way to discover another side of Calpe.

Thanks to the climate, much of daily life takes place outdoors. Calpe is very popular among cyclists, and—especially during the winter and spring—it’s common to see professional cycling teams training in the area. In addition, you can go hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and paddleboarding. Various boat and catamaran excursions are also organized from the port.

Unique Architecture

One of the most photographed buildings in Calpe is La Muralla Roja. This apartment complex was designed by the famous Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill and immediately catches the eye with its geometric shapes and shades of pink, red, and blue. The building is privately owned, so it is not open to the public. Nearby is another striking design by Bofill: the Xanadú Building.

Moving to Calpe

Calpe is an attractive option for those who want to live by the sea without being entirely dependent on the tourist season. There is plenty to do year-round, and you’ll find supermarkets, schools, healthcare services, sports facilities, and restaurants and bars. It also has a large international community. This can make the initial adjustment after moving abroad easier, while Calpe has retained much of its Spanish culture.

For families, the quiet residential neighborhoods located on the outskirts of downtown are appealing, while those who prefer to be able to do everything on foot tend to choose downtown or an apartment in the Arenal-Bol or Playa de la Fossa areas.

Buying a Home in Calpe

The real estate market in Calpe is quite diverse. Apartments located near Playa de la Fossa and Arenal-Bol are very popular due to their proximity to the sea. In the mountainous areas surrounding the town, on the other hand, there are many single-family villas, often with private pools and views of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, new homes are regularly being built in Calpe and the surrounding area.

Are you looking to buy a home to live in permanently? In that case, accessibility, amenities, and the location during the off-season are likely to be more important. Are you looking for a vacation home or an investment property? If so, proximity to the beach, outdoor space, and the potential to rent it out may be more important factors. That’s why we consider not only the property itself, but above all, how you ultimately plan to use it.

Investing in Real Estate in Calpe

Due to Calpe's international reputation, there is significant interest in the real estate market. Homes located near the beaches and apartments with ocean views are particularly popular. Villas in areas such as Maryvilla are also attractive to international buyers.

If you wish to rent out a property—either in its entirety or in part—for tourism purposes, please be aware that vacation rentals in the Valencian Community are subject to regulations. Not all properties can automatically be rented out as vacation rentals. Therefore, before purchasing, check whether the property is suitable for your intended purpose.

What is there to do in Calpe?

A day in Calpe doesn't have to be all about sunbathing. Climb the Peñón de Ifach, stroll through the historic center or the Salinas, and see if you can spot any flamingos. Afterward, head to the harbor to enjoy some fresh seafood, take a catamaran ride, or rent a kayak to see Calpe from the water.

For snorkeling enthusiasts, the smaller coves surrounding the town are well worth exploring, while hikers can follow the Ecological Trail along the coast toward Benissa. And sometimes, the best plan is to have no plan at all: take a stroll along the boardwalk, sit at an outdoor café, and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle with views of the Peñón.

Real Estate Agent in Calpe

Are you thinking about buying a home in Calpe and looking for a real estate agent to guide you through the entire buying process? At Casas Palmeras Real Estate, we’d be delighted to help you. Whether you’re looking for a second home, want to invest in the Spanish real estate market, or plan to move permanently to the Costa Blanca, we’ll work with you to find the home and neighborhood that best fit your plans.

Because finding a nice home is important, but at the end of the day, what really matters is that the place makes you feel good. From the initial search and viewings to the legal review, the notary, and the practical steps after the purchase: we’re with you every step of the way.