The Ifach rock jutting out to sea at Calpe is an emblem of the Costa Blanca. This granite rock is 332 metres high and a kilometre wide providing a challenging walk or climb for thousands of residents and visitors each year. Although a tough ask, they are rewarded with amazing views of the North Costa Blanca coastline and mountains.
Calpe is a popular coastal town with lovely beaches, a salt lake and a vibrant town centre. It has long been a favourite with German and English expats, and holidaymakers. The resort even hosts its own version of the Munich Oktoberfest complete with oompah bands, steins overflowing with German beer, food and lederhosen. The festival attracts about 10,000 visitors and is a major tourist event.
Calpe is a busy town throughout the year with many businesses being located here. It is also one of the best places for business conferences held in one of the town’s large hotels.
Calpe has 13 kilometres of gorgeous, sandy beaches which are a major lure for sunbathers and snorkelers who are tempted into the clear water to see a close view of the shoals of fish, flora and fauna in the bays.
Close to the town centre beach and Ifach rock is the beautiful salt lake. From the road you can watch elegant flamingos, herons and other wildfowl hunting for their supper.
At the foot of the Penon de Ifach rock is the port and fish market where visitors can see the fishing fleet bringing home its catch of the day, such as squid, tuna, prawns, swordfish or sardines. Much of the fish will find its way to the restaurants along the beach where you can try local cuisine such as paella or other rice dishes.
Calpe has two special dishes to try too. Llauna de Calp consists of fish, potatoes and tomatoes while Arros de Senyoret is similar to paella with fish, shellfish such as prawns and lobster, garlic and rice.
Calpe’s cosmopolitan make-up is reflected in the range of restaurants. As well as Spanish fare, you can try British, German, Italian, Chinese, Indian, French or Argentinean cuisine, for example.
The town is fabulous for active sportspeople who can try a range of activities including walking and hiking, tennis, bowls, quad biking, sailing, surfing or stand up paddle.
Calpe also knows how to party and hosts some spectacular fiestas throughout the year. It holds one of the best Moors and Christians fiestas on the Costa Blanca with spectacular running battles, parades and fireworks in October.
Carnival is celebrated in February with two separate parades – one of which is organised by the German residents with bands and groups of people in traditional dress.
Calpe has a very interesting walled old town built to defend the former fishing village against marauding pirates in bygone days.
Many health specialists and alternative therapists have set up in Calpe where you can receive treatments such as physiotherapy, Botox, Indian head massage or Reiki. The top hotels also have spas offering quality beauty treatments, saunas, massages, Turkish baths or Jacuzzis.
Calpe has good road networks with the AP7 toll road and N332 coast road on the edge of town to link it with neighbouring beach resorts as well as being just 50 minutes by road to Alicante international airport and 1.5 hours to Valencia airport.
The popular little train between Denia and Benidorm stops in Calpe, which provides an inexpensive and intriguing way to explore nearby towns such as Altea or Moraira as well as having a unique view of the coastline and countryside.
Calpe has a population of nearly 30,000, about 11,000 are Spanish, 3,600 are German and 3,200 are British.
Popular properties for sale in Calpe include sea front beach apartments, townhouses and villas in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean, or luxury modern villas with views of the sea and Ifach.
