Calpe Old Town forms the traditional core of Calpe, just inland from the coastline and shaped by centuries of development. While modern growth has expanded along Arenal and La Fossa, this older part of town retains its original layout and architectural character.
This guide explains where Calpe Old Town sits, how it evolved, what it is like today and how it differs from the beachfront. Whether visiting or considering property here, understanding its structure and character is essential.
Where Is Calpe Old Town Located?
Calpe Old Town sits slightly inland from Playa Arenal-Bol. It lies below Maryvilla and west of the beachfront areas of Arenal and La Fossa.
Unlike the tall apartment blocks along the coast, the Old Town consists of winding streets centred around Plaza de la Villa and the historic Iglesia Antigua.
The beaches in Calpe are typically a 10 to 15 minute walk, depending on the street. You are close enough to reach the sea easily, but far enough away to avoid peak summer density.
To the north, Peñón de Ifach dominates the skyline and is visible from many of the higher streets.
Access and Connectivity
Calpe Old Town is centrally positioned within the town. Supermarkets, banks, schools, medical centres and municipal offices are all within walking distance, making daily life possible without relying heavily on a car.
The N-332 runs just outside Calpe, connecting to Moraira, Benissa and Altea. The AP-7 motorway is around 15 minutes away.
Approximate driving times:
20 minutes to Moraira
25 minutes to Altea
30 minutes to Javea
Alicante Airport is around one hour by car, with Valencia slightly further.
Although the internal layout reflects its history, wider road connections are straightforward. That balance between character and accessibility is one of the reasons this area continues to function as the administrative and residential centre of the town.
The History of Calpe Old Town
Calpe Old Town was not created for tourism. It developed over centuries, and much of that structure still shapes how the area looks and functions today.
Understanding its past explains why the layout and architecture differ so clearly from the modern coastal zones.
Moorish Origins and Medieval Layout
The origins of the town date back to the Moorish period. Tight corners and stepped passages were designed for defence rather than convenience.
Parts of the old wall remain, including the Torreó de la Peça, now used as a cultural space. The compact design created shade and protection, and that footprint is still visible throughout the area.
From Fishing Settlement to Modern Town
For centuries, Calpe was a fishing and agricultural community, with the Old Town at its centre.
When tourism expanded along the Costa Blanca in the 20th century, development moved toward the coast. The older quarter continued as a residential and working area rather than becoming a resort district.
Landmarks That Still Define the Area
At the centre stands the historic Iglesia Antigua. Nearby, Plaza de la Villa continues to function as a meeting point.
These landmarks are not preserved displays. They remain part of daily life.
The history of Calpe Old Town can still be seen in the way streets are arranged and how the area operates today.
What Calpe Old Town Is Like Today
Calpe Old Town is not a museum quarter. It is a lived-in part of the town where daily routines continue alongside historic buildings. It functions as a residential neighbourhood and administrative centre rather than a staged tourist zone.
Architecture and Street Layout
The streets are narrow and often stepped, following an irregular pattern shaped by medieval planning. Buildings are usually two to four storeys, with balconies, painted façades and occasional roof terraces.
There are no large plots or wide roads. Movement is primarily on foot.
Daily Life and Community
The town has a permanent population. Local families, long-term residents and international owners live here throughout the year.
Cafés, small shops and services operate beyond the summer season. Municipal offices are located nearby, reinforcing the Old Town’s role within everyday town life.
Shops, Services and Accessibility
Within walking distance you will find grocery stores, banks, schools, medical facilities and weekly market areas.
This accessibility is one of the reasons some residents prefer this part of Calpe over more seasonal coastal areas.
The architecture reflects the past, but the area functions in the present and remains fully integrated into the structure of the town.
Things to Do in Calpe Old Town
Calpe Old Town is compact, but it rewards slow exploration. It is not built around large attractions. The experience comes from walking through the area, understanding its layout and noticing details that are easy to miss if you rush through.
Walk the Upper Streets and Viewpoints
The best way to explore Calpe Old Town is on foot. Stepped passages gradually lead uphill, revealing painted staircases, small squares and occasional open viewpoints.
One of the most recognisable spots is the Calpe Spanish Flag Steps, a staircase painted in red and yellow that has become a well-known feature of the upper streets.
From higher streets, you can look across the rooftops toward the Mediterranean and the Peñón de Ifach. Late afternoon light gives a softer perspective across the town.
Visit the Historic Core
At the centre stands Iglesia Antigua, still active and central to the surrounding streets. Nearby, Torreó de la Peça offers insight into the town’s defensive past and occasionally hosts exhibitions.
These are not large monuments. They are part of the everyday fabric of the area.
Explore Independent Restaurants and Local Bars
The Old Town has small, independent restaurants and cafés serving traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is generally quieter than the seafront.
Outside peak summer, evenings feel residential. Many of the people dining here live locally rather than visiting temporarily.
Experience Weekly Markets and Fiestas
The weekly market brings regular activity to nearby streets. During fiestas, decorations, music and processions transform the area into the focal point of town life.
At those times, the atmosphere differs noticeably from a weekday morning. That rhythm is part of its character.
Walk Down to Playa Arenal-Bol
From Calpe Old Town, Playa Arenal-Bol is around 10 to 15 minutes on foot. You can move from historic streets to the promenade quickly and without driving.
That connection between centre and coast is one of the reasons the area continues to function as part of daily Calpe life.
Calpe Old Town is best understood by walking it. It is defined less by a single landmark and more by how streets, buildings and everyday activity fit together.
How Calpe Old Town Differs From the Beachfront
Although the town is only minutes from the sea, it feels different from Arenal and La Fossa. The differences are practical rather than dramatic, but they matter.
Building Style
The beachfront is dominated by taller apartment blocks built during the tourism expansion of the late 20th century. Many include lifts, communal pools and direct sea views.
In the Old Town, buildings are lower and older. Properties are typically townhouses or smaller apartment blocks with a more traditional structure.
Seasonality
Coastal areas see a clear increase in activity during peak summer months, with short-term rentals and restaurants operating at full capacity.
Activity levels in the Old Town are generally steadier. It becomes busier during fiestas and summer, but it does not depend entirely on seasonal tourism.
Parking and Access
Beachfront developments often provide designated or underground parking, and streets are designed for vehicle access.
In the Old Town, parking can be limited and some streets restrict direct access. This is an important practical consideration.
Views and Outdoor Space
Many coastal apartments offer open sea views and larger terraces.
In Calpe Old Town, outdoor space is more likely to be a balcony or roof terrace. Views are often across rooftops or partial sea glimpses from higher streets.
Neither area is better in absolute terms. They suit different preferences. The Old Town prioritises character and proximity, while the beachfront focuses on direct sea access and modern apartment living.
Who Calpe Old Town Suits
Calpe Old Town is not for everyone, and that is part of its appeal. It tends to attract buyers who value character, walkability and everyday town life over large plots or uninterrupted sea views.
It works well for full-time residents who want daily essentials within walking distance and prefer an established neighbourhood rather than a seasonal complex.
The scale of properties also suits remote workers and those downsizing from larger villas to something easier to manage.
If sea views, underground parking and modern apartment living are priorities, the beachfront areas may be more appropriate.
In most cases, the choice between the Old Town and the coast comes down to lifestyle rather than price.
Property in Calpe Old Town
Calpe Old Town forms a distinct part of the wider Calpe property market. Homes here differ clearly from beachfront apartments and villas in areas such as Maryvilla.
Typical Property Types
Most properties are:
Traditional townhouses over two to four levels
Renovated historic homes with roof terraces
Apartments above commercial premises
Smaller residential blocks, often without lifts
Outdoor space usually comes as balconies or roof terraces rather than gardens. Garages are rare, and private parking is limited.
Pricing Positioning
Property in Calpe Old Town generally sits below prime sea-view apartments and well-positioned villas.
Values depend heavily on:
Street position
Renovation standard
Terrace space
Natural light and orientation
Fully renovated homes with usable outdoor space typically achieve stronger prices.
Rental and Licensing
Short-term rental demand exists, particularly in summer. However, tourist licensing regulations in the Valencia region must be checked carefully.
Not all properties qualify automatically, so compliance should be confirmed before purchase if rental income is part of the plan.
Calpe Old Town is a smaller, more specific market than the coastal zones. That focus appeals to some buyers, while others may prefer the broader demand of the beachfront.
Considering Buying in Calpe Old Town?
The old town is a specific part of the market. It does not behave in the same way as beachfront apartments in Arenal or La Fossa, or detached villas in areas such as Maryvilla or Cometa. Properties can vary noticeably from one street to the next.
Two homes only a few streets apart may differ in light, access, layout and long-term resale appeal. Understanding those differences before committing is important.
If you are considering buying in Calpe Old Town, look closely at:
Street position and orientation
Renovation quality and condition
Access and parking
Rental licensing, if relevant
At Solinea, we assess property at street level, with practical local insight.
If you would like a clear overview of current availability or an honest view on whether Calpe Old Town fits your requirements, we are happy to discuss it with you.