The Costa Blanca has beautiful towns and villages along its Mediterranean coastline, and one of these is Calpe. It offers a variety of scenery, with cliffs falling to private little coves, long sandy beaches, and a backdrop of magnificent mountains. In addition, the town's two main beaches are divided by the iconic Peñón de Ifach, a striking rock formation and nature reserve. It is without doubt a lovely town, and there are many properties for sale in Calpe. But what is it like to live in Calpe?
Throughout the year, many activities can be enjoyed outdoors because of the warm temperatures in Calpe, and most are also available during the winter. There are water sports, including diving, sailing, kayaking, and much more, available throughout the summer months. The lively marina is full of fresh fish and seafood restaurants, sightseeing boat trips during the summer, as well as moorings for privately owned vessels. There are walking, hiking, and cycling clubs, together with tennis and padel courts and golf courses. For those who prefer more leisurely activities, there are choirs, drama groups, U3A membership, various social dances where lessons are also available, and plenty more besides.
With wonderful fresh seafood and fish on the doorstep and fruit and vegetables grown abundantly in the valleys behind Calpe, the restaurants offer both Spanish and international seasonal menus prepared with locally sourced produce. These are often paired with wines that have also been produced locally, and there are opportunities to visit vineyards and bodegas for tasting trips in the nearby Jalon Valley and other wine-producing areas close by.
When you buy a villa in Calpe, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy day trips to the cities of Alicante and Valencia, both of which have plenty of interesting attractions to explore. It also means that you have convenient access to two international airports. Nearby Benidorm offers plenty of theme parks for families to enjoy, with water slides, thrilling rides, and other family attractions. Other popular attractions include the beautiful hilltop village of Guadalest, the Algar Waterfalls, and the traditional guitar-making workshops of Gata de Gorgos, amongst many others.
The excellent road network around Calpe makes travelling to other parts of the Costa Blanca straightforward. There is also a bus station and a TRAM station, making it easy to get around without a car. Local taxis are readily available, and several companies provide reliable airport transfers at reasonable prices.
In the old town, Calpe has narrow cobbled streets, pretty townhouses, and plenty of Spanish charm. Throughout the town, there are many festivals to join in with during the year that involve the whole community in parades, music, dancing, and, of course, enjoying local food and wine, as well as spectacular firework displays.
Prices for most everyday items in this part of Spain are lower than in many Northern European countries, although this will naturally vary according to individual lifestyle choices. The Spanish healthcare system is excellent if you meet the registration requirements; otherwise, private health insurance is a good alternative. Remember to check the annual taxes you may need to pay to the local council, on your income, and on any property that you purchase. When you decide to buy an apartment in Calpe, do try to learn some Spanish. Although English is widely spoken, your efforts will be very much appreciated and can really help you integrate into the local community.
Calpe offers a large selection of real estate to choose from, so there will be something to suit both your requirements and your budget, whether it is an apartment with a sea view, a townhouse in the old town, a luxury villa overlooking the coast, or a finca set back in the countryside behind the town. Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London) has been helping people find homes on the Costa Blanca for over 25 years, and our friendly, experienced team will be more than happy to help you find yours.
Yes. Calpe enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, excellent amenities, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities throughout the year, and a welcoming international community, making it a popular place for both permanent residents and second-home owners.
Calpe offers a wide choice of properties, including modern apartments, traditional townhouses, luxury villas, and rural fincas, catering for a wide range of budgets and lifestyles.
Calpe offers a large selection of real estate to choose from, so there will be something to suit both your requirements and your budget. Apartments generally start from around €200,000, townhouses from approximately €300,000, and villas from around €450,000, while luxury frontline properties can exceed several million euros. Whether you are looking for an apartment with a sea view, a townhouse in the old town, a villa overlooking the coast, or a finca set back in the countryside behind the town, Hamiltons Real Estate (formerly Hamiltons of London) has been helping people find homes on the Costa Blanca for over 25 years, and our friendly, experienced team will be more than happy to help you find yours.
Calpe is well placed between Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. Depending on traffic, the journey to either airport usually takes around one to one-and-a-half hours by car.
Yes. Hamiltons Real Estate offers a wide range of properties for sale in Calpe, and our experienced local team can help you find the right home, whether you are looking for a permanent residence, holiday home, or investment property.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team (formerly Hamiltons of London).