Calpe

Areas

Where to live in Calpe

Calpe offers a wide choice of homes, from seafront apartments to villas in the hills:

• Old town – narrow streets, colourful murals and traditional houses around the old church, just a few minutes from the beach.
• Seafront – Arenal-Bol and La Fossa – apartments with sea views along the promenades, within walking distance of beaches, shops and restaurants.
• Maryvilla and Gran Sol – established villa areas on the hillsides with panoramic views of the bay and the Peñón.
• La Canuta and inland areas – quieter residential zones with villas, gardens and pools, a short drive from the centre.

Nature

A natural park and a salt lake

The Peñón de Ifach is a protected Natural Park. A path leads up through a tunnel in the rock to the summit, rewarding hikers with views reaching as far as Ibiza on clear days. Its cliffs are home to rare plants and nesting sea birds.

In the middle of town lie the Salinas de Calpe, an old salt lake where flamingos, herons and other water birds can often be seen. The Sierra de Oltà and the Sierra de Bernia offer more hiking just inland.

Schools

Schools for every family

Calpe has several public primary schools and a secondary school (IES), as well as a music school and sports academies.

International families can choose from British and other international schools in the wider area, such as in Alfaz del Pi and Jávea, within a reasonable drive.

Culture & festivals

Roman baths and Moors and Christians

Calpe's history goes back to Roman times: the Baños de la Reina are the remains of a Roman fish farm carved into the rock by the sea. In the old town you can visit the Torreó de la Peça, the old church and several small museums.

The biggest celebration is the patron saint fiesta in October, with colourful Moors and Christians parades. Throughout the year there are markets, concerts and gastronomic events, such as the popular tapas routes.