The changing civilisations of Calpe

Calpe remains one of the most visited towns of Costa Blanca, renowned for its picturesque beaches and the unique Ifach mountain.

The town is 23, 5 square kilometres in size, with a population reported to be 24,096 in 2022. It has seen the changing faces of civilisations; the Phoenician, Roman, Muslim, and European; an immense transformation turned Calpe from a small fishing town to the favourite destination of European tourists. 

The town´s history can still be witnessed in local remains, especially in the Old Town, embroidered with mosaic walls and paintings, co-existing with the modernized hotels and Ricardo Bofill´s 1970s colourful “social utopia” architecture.

In the past, Calpe´s location was essential for protecting the coasts from pirate attacks, and the town later became centred on fishing; its culture and economy relied on the efficiency of the fisherman. 

Today, Calpe´s port continues to work in full swing, as every day at 5pm, the local merchants present freshly sourced seafood to tourists and locals and supply restaurants across the town.

The symbol of Calpe, the mountain of Ifach, which stands 332 metres high amid the sea, continues to be a key tourist destination in Spain, unique in its shape and breathtaking views of Ibiza and Santa Pola.

Calpe´s Arenal-Bol and Levante-Fossa beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for environmental excellence and bring a large number of visitors, especially in the spring and summer seasons. 

Another speciality of Calpe is the salt lake inhabited by flamingos, which can be found nowhere else in Costa Blanca, and the local town train, coloured in bright blue, which functions all year round.

In today’s world, Calpe is inhabited by people from all around the globe, including Latin, African, Nordic, Slavic, and English residents, all of whom get to witness the beauty and joy of Spain.