Calpe, Spain: The Pearl of Costa Blanca with Views of Ifach Rock

Calpe (Calp) is a picturesque resort town on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante, Valencia region, Spain. Known for its iconic Peñón de Ifach rock, sandy beaches, and rich history, Calpe attracts tourists, expats, and investors. This city combines the charm of a traditional fishing village with a modern resort, offering ideal conditions for recreation and living. Discover why Calpe is the perfect place for vacation, relocation, or real estate investment.

Why Choose Calpe?

Calpe is a harmony of natural beauty, mild climate, and developed infrastructure. With a population of about 30,000 people, the city welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. A significant portion of residents are expats, especially from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia, making Calpe multicultural and hospitable.

Key Features of Calpe:

• Peñón de Ifach: Unique 332-meter rock, symbol of the city and nature reserve.
• Beaches: Playa de Arenal-Bol and Playa de la Fossa — clean sandy beaches with Blue Flag status.
• Climate: More than 300 sunny days per year, mild winter (12–16 °C) and warm summer (28–32 °C).
• Infrastructure: Excellent transport connections, medical centers, schools, and restaurants.

History of Calpe: From Fishing Village to Resort

Origin of the Name

The name "Calpe" comes from the Latin "Calpe", which may be related to Phoenician or Iberian origin, meaning "rock" or "fortress". This refers to the Peñón de Ifach, which dominates the city.

Main Historical Periods:

1. Antiquity: Calpe was an important Iberian and Roman settlement, known as Calpe Mons. Remains of Roman baths and villas have been preserved here.

2. Middle Ages: Under Arab rule (8th–13th centuries), the city strengthened as a port. After the Reconquista in the 13th century, it became part of the Christian kingdom.

3. Fishing Period (17th–19th centuries): Calpe thrived thanks to fishing, especially tuna fishing, and agriculture (grapes and almonds).

4. Tourist Boom (20th Century): Since the 1960s, tourism development has turned Calpe into a popular resort, thanks to beaches and the unique Ifach rock.

Archaeological sites such as Roman salt works and the old town preserve Calpe's historical heritage.

Calpe Attractions

Calpe abounds with natural and cultural attractions that attract tourists and locals.

Peñón de Ifach

• Description: Nature reserve and 332-meter rock, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Costa Blanca.
• Features: Hiking trails for climbing (moderate difficulty), stunning views of the sea and coast. Home to rare birds and plants.

Calpe Beaches

• Playa de Arenal-Bol: Central beach with golden sand, cafes, and water sports.
• Playa de la Fossa: Peaceful beach with crystal clear water, ideal for family recreation.
• Calas (coves): Small secluded coves such as Cala Manzanera for diving and snorkeling.

Calpe Old Town

• Description: Historic center with narrow streets, colorful houses, and Iglesia Antigua church.
• Features: Cozy restaurants, souvenir shops, and murals on walls reflecting local culture.

Calpe Salt Works

• Description: Nature reserve and historical salt works where salt was extracted since Roman times.
• Features: Popular place for observing flamingos and other migratory birds.

Calpe Climate: Sunshine Year-Round

Calpe's Mediterranean climate is ideal for recreation and living. The average annual temperature is 18–20 °C, summer is warm (28–32 °C), winter is mild (12–16 °C). There is little rainfall (about 350 mm per year), and more than 300 sunny days. The sea warms up to 25–27 °C from May to October, making the beach season long.

Calpe Infrastructure

Calpe offers everything for comfortable living and recreation:

• Transport:

- Buses: Regular service to Alicante, Benidorm, and neighboring cities.

- TRAM Train: Connects Calpe with Alicante and Denia.

- Alicante-Elche Airport: 45 minutes away, serves international flights.

• Medicine:

- Centro de Salud Calpe: Public clinic for local residents.

- IMED Levante (Benidorm): Private clinic 20 minutes away, with services in English and Russian.

• Shopping:

- Mercadona and Lidl: Supermarkets for daily purchases.

- Mercado de Calpe: Weekly market with food, clothing, and souvenirs.

- Centro Comercial Plaza Central: Small shopping center with stores and cafes.

• Education:

- Public Schools: CEIP Gabriel Miró and IES Ifach, free education in Spanish and Valencian.

- Private Schools: International schools nearby such as The Lady Elizabeth School (30 minutes), with British curriculum (€8,000–13,000/year).

- Kindergartens: Kids Garden Calpe (€300–400/month, bilingual education).

• Gastronomy:

- Restaurante Baydal: Seafood and paella with sea views.

- Beat: High cuisine restaurant with Michelin reputation.

- La Llar de Bárbara: Cozy tapas bar in the old town.

Entertainment and Active Recreation

Calpe offers diverse entertainment for all ages:

• Water Sports: Diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and yacht trips.
• Hiking Trails: Climbing Peñón de Ifach or walks in Las Salinas Natural Park.
• Festivals: Oktoberfest (October) and Moros y Cristianos (July) with parades and fireworks.
• Nightlife: Bars and clubs such as Blue Bay and Pub Delfin, popular among tourists and locals.
• Family Recreation: Beaches and small parks such as Parque de la Vallesa for picnics and children's games.

Living and Investment in Calpe

Calpe attracts expats and investors thanks to affordable real estate (average apartment price €120,000–200,000), peaceful atmosphere, and natural beauty. The city is ideal for families, retirees, and outdoor enthusiasts. Proximity to Alicante and Benidorm, as well as developed infrastructure, make Calpe attractive for renting and buying real estate.

Why Choose Calpe?

• Unique natural beauty thanks to Ifach rock and nature reserves.
• Affordable housing prices compared to Alicante or Barcelona.
• Mild climate and abundance of sunny days.
• Multicultural environment with developed services for expats.

Want to learn more about living in Calpe, relocation, or real estate investment? Contact us or visit our blog for up-to-date information! Also read our articles about [Benidorm](benidorm-guide.md) and [Alicante](alicante-guide.md) to compare Costa Blanca resorts.