LIVING IN CALPE: ONE OF ALICANTE'S MOST POPULAR COASTAL TOWNS
Calpe is a gorgeous town on the Costa Blanca, greatly valued for housing the Peñon de Ifach, an arid rock at 332 meters high. Below we discuss the many wonders and advantages you'll want to enjoy as a local.
Things to do in Calpe
What to see
- Beaches: Calpe's long beaches are famously soft to louge at. Places to visit on the coastline are Las Salinas, La Forat del Mar or the Enginent Park. The Costa Blanca has the most blue flag beaches in the country.
- Renowned works: Hermitage of San Juan de la Cometa, the Castle-Fortress and the Torre del Castellet.
- The Streets of the Old Town are places full of vigour where the locals can reconvene, and have gems like:
- The Spanish Flag Steps famously leading all the way up to the best shops in town.
- The Museum of Collections, with its ceramics, remnants of the city wall and artillery display dating back to the 15th century.
- The parish church Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, covered in mosaics and overlooking the sunset over the city.
Activities
Those who are active, in addition to visiting the usual tourist spots, have at their disposal other exciting plans, such as the possibility of hiking through the Sierra de Oltà, located a few kilometres from the town center, or in the winter, using the hills to test one's cycling at Cumbre del Sol, the highest ride at 3.2km at 11.9% altitude. It is also worth mentioning visiting its sandy beaches and coves with crystal clear Mediterranean waters, perfect to enjoy swimming, diving or other water sports.
Living in Calpe
Population
Expats often move to this area in Costa Blanca, to enjoy the dry summers and balmy winters, which can be as cold as 6ºC or stay near the twenties for weeks at a time. It's a family friendly town, only getting rowdy in certain areas of the city when in season. It feels safe because the population here is contained by the physical landscape and because of those who live there are not from Spain originally so most shop owners speak English - 52.08% are foreign-born.
Food
It consists mostly of long seating times with fresh seafood and lucious wine. You'll see 10€ meal-deals in shoreline restaurants, and cocktails that are of course charged and delicious, for an average 6€. But locals will simply frequent the couple of large supermarkets around town to get the best for their buck on their day-today. Of course, we also have a British food guide for those that tend to frequent this are the most, and are longing for a taste of home.
Travel
There's the opportunity to travel at all hours of the day or night, in train or taxi, to other towns in the Costa Blanca nearby. Alicante is ideal for nature lovers, with its green mountain landscapes and deep blue Mediterranean Sea; or for those who appreciate a quality gastronomy and lifestyle. Check out our complete list of the most beautiful villages in Alicante that are close enough to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Is Calpe, Spain a good place to live?
The east side coastline of Spain continues to have a reputation for lowering the blood pressure of its inhabitants. It's because of the delicious paella and oranges, the lower prices and refreshing candor of the people. Calpe specifically, is a great place for families because the culture is healthy and active, the nights are long and warm, and healthcare is free.
Is Calpe expensive to live in?
Calpe's cost of living is affordable in comparison with the neighbouring cities Moraira (property prices is cheaper here), Benidorm (property price and transport is cheaper here) and Alicante (rent and transport is cheaper here); but more equal with others like Jávea and Dénia.
Is Calpe better than Benidorm?
For a change of pace, locals can drive 30mins to Benidorm, or get a boat that leaves at 10am and returns at 5pm daily. Find properties for sale or rent in Benidorm and for getaway options, don't miss out on holiday rental alternatives in the city.
- Calpe has more rural areas which for many is the better alternative if they long for longer promenades in the sand or more range of options for aquatic activities. But for kids, stats show that Levante beach in Benidorm is one of the most family friendly beach in Spain.
- Benidorm has more tourists, which means that the establishments and rooms that are used for their purpose become vacant the rest of the year. Calpe is a place of frequent return because the disparity between seasons is less noticeable. It's less isolated in the winter.
- Benidorm is larger which makes it a better option for those that don't want to leave the metropolitan amenities behind - the bigger cinemas, stores and restaurant roster.
Can you swim in Calpe in October?
The warmest month in Calpe is July, with temperatures going above 30°C . The sun tans are in their prime, and swimmers can lounge in the sea for hours, without a shiver, because the water remains at 25°C. In late August and all the way through to October, nights strolls start requiring an extra layer and waters go down to a refreshing 19°C average.
- The colder months are for those that prefer a more private summer with their loved ones, and to be surrounded by an older demographic or have less time-pressure when booking a table for dinner.
Is Calpe, Spain a good place to live?
Finding a home in here, with the wide variety of terrain to chose from, can be very exciting. For those that need to prioritise better mobility, there is the area near the Calpe Port; otherwise, for a cool breeze and a quiet retreat, people can opt to go for a place on the hills. Check out our listings below.
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