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 two main beaches are divided by the rock formation and nature reserve Peñon de Ifach. 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; most are also available in the winter. There are water sports, including diving, sailing, kayaking and even more, available during the summer. The lively marina is a place full of fresh fish and seafood restaurants, sightseeing boat trips in the summer, as well as moorings for privately owned vessels. There are walking, hiking, and cycling clubs, as well as tennis and padel courts and golf courses. For those who may want more leisurely activities, there are choirs, drama groups, U3A membership, various social dances where lessons are also available and plenty more.
With the wonderful fresh seafood and fish on the doorstep and fruit and vegetables grown plentifully in the valleys of the hills behind Calpe, the restaurants offer both Spanish and international, freshly produced, seasonal menus. These will often be paired with wines which have also been made locally and there are opportunities to visit the vineyards and bodegas for tasting trips in the nearby Jalon valley and other wine producing areas close by.
When you buy a property in Calpe, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy day trips to the cities of Alicante and Valencia, both of which have plenty of interesting sites to enjoy, It also means that you have easy access to two international airports. Nearby in Benidorm, there are plenty of theme parks for families to enjoy with water slides, rides, dolphin shows and other “safari” animals to see There is so much to enjoy. Other attractions include the beautiful hilltop town of Guadalest, the Algar falls and the guitar making workshops of Gata de Gorgos among many others.
The road system to and from Calpe means that other parts of the area are easily accessible but, there is also a bus and train station, making it easy to get around. There are also local taxis available and services which provide airport transfers at reasonable prices.
In the old town, Calpe has narrow cobbled street, pretty townhouses, and plenty of Spanish charm. Throughout the town, there will be a lot of festivals to join in on 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 consumables in this part of Spain are lower than many other Northern European countries but, this will vary in relation to individual lifestyle choices. The Spanish healthcare system is excellent if you can comply with registration requirements but, otherwise, private health insurance is a good alternative. Remember to check out the likely annual taxes that you may need to pay annually to the council, on your income and for 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.
Calpe offers a large selection of real estate for sale to choose from, so there will be something that will suit both your requirements and your budget, whether it is 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 (previously known as Hamiltons of London) have been helping people find homes in the Costa Blanca for 25 years now and our friendly, experienced team will be more than happy to help you find yours.
Information written by your Hamiltons Real Estate team - 2024
