Calpe
Calpe is a picturesque coastal town situated in the north of the Costa Blanca in the Valencian province of Alicante. It possesses some of the most beautiful sandy beaches along this stretch of the Mediterranean coast, yet is most well-known for the huge craggy limestone outcrop known as the Peñón de Ifach that rises up from the sea to dominate the scenery for miles around.
In the height of the summer, Calpe buzzes with activity as it is a popular resort for tourists to visit and offers much in the way of things to do and places to eat and drink. Calpe also attracts visitors during the off-peak season, who perhaps want to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy lives to spend a quiet and relaxed time surrounded by beautiful nature.
Good communication links
The town boasts good communication links as it is ideally located just off the N332 main road and the A7 motorway, which both lead directly to the Alicante-Elche Airport, the sixth busiest in the country.
For those that want to explore the surrounding area, Calpe is a great place to set up base during your stay. Nearby towns and cities worth a visit include Benidorm, Alicante and Denia.
Peñón de Ifach
The Peñón de Ifach is not only symbolic of Calpe, it is symbolic of the whole of the Costa Blanca region. This rugged mass of rock, which is geologically related to the Rock of Gibraltar, towers 332m above sea level and today enjoys a peaceful role as a nature reserve housing hundreds of different species of wild flowers, plants and wildlife.
In days gone by, the town’s inhabitants used to keep watch from the top of the rock and lit warning fires when Berber pirates threatened the coastline, and, later on, the rock became a haven to many smugglers in the area.
Today it is possible to climb the Peñón de Ifach, but to reach the summit is a tough feat and you must be relatively fit. Part of the trek upwards is carried out on a footpath, yet the latter stage involves manoeuvring through a dark and slippery tunnel and by holding on to a secured piece of rope. Nevertheless, for those who do complete the challenge, the panoramic rewards at the summit are fantastic.
Property
Property in Calpe comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and there is generally something to suit all types of budget. It is perhaps most well-known for its stunning luxury villas with magnificent views of the sea and mountains and well-constructed homes that are easy to immediately fall in love with.
History
Due to its strategic position on the coast, Calpe has long been a settlement for people from other lands and cultures. It has attracted visitors from many ancient civilizations including the Romans, Celts, Iberians, Moors and Greeks, all of whom have left their mark on this old fishing village that was hugely prosperous centuries ago. This is mainly evident nowadays through Calpe’s gastronomy, culture, traditions, monuments and architecture.
Sightseeing
Today, Calpe is a hub for tourists and visitors and has plenty to offer those that love to explore. The town centre is a fantastic mixture of the modern and old, as trendy shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants are peppered with centuries-old churches and Roman ruins.
Located in the heart of the town centre, right next to the ancient Moorish quarter, are two of Calpe’s most interesting sites. The Iglesia Vieja (old church) was built in the 15th century and is the only remaining example of Mudejar-Gothic architecture in the whole of the Valencia Region. Nearby is the Señora de las Nieves Church, which is also well worth a visit.
Other interesting sites to see in Calpe are:
• Torreón de la Peca (Moorish towers and town walls)
• Moorish Quarter
• Museo Arqueológico (Discoveries from 4 A.D. – 8 A.D.)
• Museo Fester (Depicts the tradition of the Moors and Christians fiestas)
• Casa de la Senyoreta
• Banyos de la Reina (Remains of an ancient Roman fish farm)
• Castellet de Calpe (Moorish castle remains)
• Torre del Moli (One of the old flour mills that used to be a watchtower for pirates)
• La Lonja (today’s fish market, which holds auctions every Mon-Fri at 3pm)
• El Llavador del Font (Old public washhouse)
• The salt flats surrounding the Peñón de Ifach
Calpe’s beaches
One can’t finish describing the many delights of Calpe without mentioning the town’s several magnificent beaches of golden sand that stretch out for 13km along the coast. Whether you just plan on lazing about and soaking up the sun or partaking in some fun and energetic water sports, the beaches in Calpe are perfect for both. In addition, the harbour and marina are ideal places to sit with a good book during the day or to enjoy an evening drink and exquisite meal just as the sun is setting.
Whatever you hope to find in the Costa Blanca town of Calpe, it is certain that your expectations will be exceeded, as Calpe really is one of those gems that you are unlikely to forget once you’ve been here.
Highlighted properties in Costa Blanca North:
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Apartment in Calpe
Costa Blanca North, Spain349,000 €
2
2
134m2
Exclusive front line apartment in Calpe Exclusive apartment on the frontline of La Fossa beach. With a total constructed area of 101 m², it consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living-dining room, independent fitted kitchen and a...
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Detached Villa in Calpe
Costa Blanca North, Spain1,699,000 €
4
4
430m2
1550m2
This new villa, located in Calpe, is situated within a short distance from the beach and all amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and services, all within a 1 km radius. Nestled in a tranquil area where neighboring houses boast large...
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Detached Villa in Calpe
Costa Blanca North, Spain1,550,000 €
4
5
427m2
637m2
This beautiful newly built villa in Calpe offers breathtaking views of the sea, the impressive Peñón and the enchanting bay of Calpe. Built with outstanding craftsmanship, this high-tech villa uses high-quality building materials....
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