Dominated by the spectacular rocky promontory of Ifach, Calpe has a long history as a working port and fishing area on Spain’s Costa Blanca. When you are looking for a property for sale in Calpe, it is nice to get to know the area where you hope to live, and finding out about its history is a good way to discover what makes the town tick.
The area first became an attractive place to live before Christ. The good location and fertility of the land and sea attracted the first inhabitants whose footsteps you would follow when you bought a villa in Calpe. The excellent location for seafarers meant that this is believed to be one of the first settlements Phoenician sailors established, using Ifach as a strategic navigational point. They were followed by the Romans, who were similarly attracted to the area's excellent position on the Mediterranean Sea and named the settlement Portus Alonis. If you buy an apartment in Calpe, you may even find one overlooking the ancient Roman fish salting baths, which can still be seen today.
The town changed its name to Calpe with the arrival of the Moors, who established a fortified town at the foot of Ifach and whose influence can still be seen in some of its architecture. The medieval streets of the old town are reminiscent of its past and are an excellent location for finding a traditional townhouse for sale in Calpe. When the Christians retook the town, they also established their own defences against Barbary pirates from the Ottoman Empire, who were constantly pillaging Mediterranean towns at this time.
Following the drama of the medieval period, Calpe settled into a peaceful existence, and the townsfolk enjoyed the fresh supply of food from the sea. This fishing village is remembered in the bustling harbour that remains active today, where you might be lucky enough to find an apartment for sale in Calpe overlooking the fishermen at work. The port area is full of wonderful restaurants where you can enjoy the day's freshest catch at reasonable prices.
The rise of tourism in the 20th century saw people seeking warmer climates and an escape from rainy, grey weather. Many areas along the coast began to build accommodation, and with the arrival of charter flights, the affordability of a holiday abroad became a reality for many. As the industry grew, those who visited began to fall in love with the lifestyle Calpe could offer, and many went on to buy property in Calpe.
Following in Roman footsteps, those who buy a luxury villa in Calpe are about to become another part of the town’s rich history. Very soon, you will walk through the same narrow streets where Phoenicians and Romans once traded. You can also join in or watch the annual re-enactment of the battles between the Moors and Christians. The experience of living in Calpe will constantly inspire and enrich your life.
Buying a house in Calpe will include you in the ongoing history of this lovely seaside town. Behind the newer apartment blocks, you will be enchanted by the old town and the port area, while the mountains surrounding the town hold even more interest and history for you to explore and marvel at. Just ask the knowledgeable team at Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London) to help you with your search, and you will soon follow in the footsteps of Calpe’s previous inhabitants.
Calpe has a history stretching back thousands of years. Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Christians have all left their mark on the town, making it one of the Costa Blanca's most historically interesting destinations.
The Peñón de Ifach is Calpe's famous limestone rock, rising dramatically from the Mediterranean Sea. It has acted as a navigational landmark for sailors for centuries and is now one of the Costa Blanca's best-known natural landmarks.
Yes. Although tourism is now a major part of the local economy, Calpe still has a working fishing port where visitors can watch the fishing boats return with their daily catch.
Many buyers are attracted by Calpe's combination of beautiful beaches, historic old town, excellent restaurants, modern facilities and wide choice of property for sale in Calpe, making it suitable for both permanent living and holiday homes.
Calpe is approximately one hour's drive from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport via the AP-7 motorway, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team.
