Hot Property Spain in Calpe, Costa Blanca

Calpe on Spain's Northern Costa Blanca, lies between the pretty towns of Altea and Moraira. It is a town of many surprising contrasts - modern properties set in wide avenues and narrow cobbled streets in the ancient fishing village.

The Spanish residents of Calpe are proud of their local history, and welcome visitors with warm-hearted hospitality. And because Calpe's climate is one of the mildest on the whole of the Spanish Costa Blanca, it is a very popular area for the British to buy retirement property or to relocate and start a new life.

Spanish Hot Property has an excellent selection properties for sale in Calpe, ranging from luxury villas with sea views to penthouses and modest apartments.

Calpe has a fascinating history and culture. Its strategic location has attracted settlers and pirates throughout the centuries, and remains of early Spanish tribes have been discovered around the Rock of Ifach. Thousands of years later, the Romans founded a prosperous colony based in Calpe. Later still, the Moors and Christians lived together peacefully for hundreds of years, but suffered continual attacks by pirates during the 14th to 16th centuries.

The ancient Arrabal Moorish quarter in the old town of Calpe is surrounded by narrow, steep streets with small white-washed houses. The pavements are embedded with patterned stones and the locals decorate their houses with flowers. It is here in the old quarter where you will find the defensive tower known as the Torreo de la Peça and the remains of the old town walls. The ancient church is the only surviving example of Mudejar-Gothic architecture in the Valencian province.

Today, the modern town of Calpe has an enormous number of bars and restaurants serving food from every part of the world. Many of the restaurants have with terraces with live music great excellent entertainment throughout the year. But the town is worth exploring beyond the bars and restaurants - it has two fine old churches, several museums, and the old streets and squares are very picturesque.

Calpe’s famous Moors and Christians festival is held every year in October. Two battles are re-enacted on the towns beaches and and are accompanied by live musical acts, fireworks, food and drink for all. In March, the Feast of Saint Joseph celebrates the arrival of Spring by burning large wooden statues at midnight. There are street processions, a giant paella is cooked, and sardines and sangria are served to for everyone. And of course there is the massive firework display!

The town extends northwards along the gently curving bay to the Rock of Ifach, now a nature reserve and home to many rare and exotics plants. The summit  towers to over 332 metres, and can be reached via a tunnel. It is well worth the climb, since it offers magnificent panoramic views - on a clear day, you can see as far as the island of Ibiza.

The long, clean promenade is lined with dozens of excellent bars and restaurants serving tapas and a wide range of international cuisine. The Mediterranean here is clear and clean - these golden sandy beaches are awarded the EEC Blue Flag for cleanliness and are perfect for children. With its sun-kissed beaches, this is the ideal family holiday resort and a perfect place to live.