Insider Guide to Calpe

A Vacation Insiders Guide

Costa CarpeDiem's Guide to Calpe

CostaCarpeDiem.com +34 648 049 936

¡Hola! Welcome to Calpe!

Hello! I'm Christophe, and I'm excited to welcome you to Costa CarpeDiem. Holidays are a precious opportunity to escape our hectic lives, so I'm offering my insider knowledge to help you seize the day and make your time here unforgettable. ¡Calpe Diem!

I'm here whenever you need me! www.costacarpediem.com T: +34 648 049 936

From beachfront penthouses with stunning sea views to secluded villas with sparkling swimming pools, our homes are tucked in Calpe's most desirable locations and offer unparalleled comfort, luxury and style. Escape to Costa Blanca today.

E: christophe@costacarpediem.com

MY STORY French by birth but Spanish by adoption, my love affair with Spain began in 2000 when I visited Madrid to finish my studies in Business Administration and Management.

I never planned to call the country home, but there was something about it − its warm people and sunny days, its mouthwatering food and laidback lifestyle − that struck a chord. Settling here was one of the easiest − and best − decisions I ever made.

I was drawn to the coastal village of Calpe for its small town charms and picture-perfect scenery. In 2005, my wife and I bought a penthouse and began our journey in holiday rentals. As more and more great reviews came in, this rewarding experience encouraged me to start managing villas and apartments.

MY HOMES My desire to offer my guests a professional experience, new rentals and the best holidays possible pushed me to quit my day job in a multinational corporation to found Costa CarpeDiem and pursue my passion full-time.

A lot has changed in the past decade. We now offer a vast selection of peaceful villas and luxurious penthouses in a spectrum of Calpe locations, from tranquil beachfronts to the heart of town.

With desirable features like sea-facing terraces with barbecues, crystal clear swimming pools and sweeping views, our hand-selected homes embody the heart and soul of Calpe while offering premium comfort.

Come seize the day and discover Calpe. We'll be waiting.

THE REAL CALPE...

With historic relics, sweeping cliffs and clear blue waters, our ancient fishing village in the heart of Valencia attracts travelers of all ages and interests. There's so much waiting to be discovered in Calpe, and our villas and penthouses offer uninhibited access to it all.

Standing tall above our city is the Peñon de Ifach, a rock outcropping and nature reserve. A steep climb delivers you to its peak, where you can look out over Calpe in its entirety - from the stone iglesias to the Mediterranean Sea stretching out towards the horizon.

Once you've seen it all from above, come down to sea level to explore Calpe's 14 coves and beaches - some of the most beautiful on the entire coast. With 300 sunny days each year and a comfortable Mediterranean climate, there's no bad time to visit Calpe's shores, and no shortage of ways to enjoy them. Waterskiing, sailing, and windsurfing are all popular pastimes in our village by the sea.

Landlubber? Don't fret. You don't need to make a splash to see the real Calpe. With a landscape this diverse, there are plenty of ways to make the most of our village.

“It's not just a picture-perfect scenery and cool sea breezes that beckon visitors from around the globe. History lives and breathes through the streets of Calpe.”

Like from the green, for example. Nestled in a country estate, the Ifach Golf Course has nine short holes that are made all-the-more interesting by narrow fairways and challenging terrain. Or if you enjoy life a little more fast-paced, cycling routes weave throughout Calpe's city, coast and mountains, making it a popular destination for professional athletes and teams during training season.

But it's not just a picture-perfect scenery and cool sea breezes that beckon visitors from around the globe. History lives and breathes through the streets of Calpe.

Wandering the streets of town, you'll find stunning relics of Valencia's gothic architecture at Iglesia Vieja (Old Church) and the remnants of a Roman villa and fish factory at Banys de la Reina (Queen's Bath). In the town center, the Museum of Archeology and Fiestas Museum put the city's and country's deep roots into perspective through educational exhibits.

After you've explored, satisfy your tastebuds with local gastrónomy like paella Valenciana or arroz a banda (fish and rice stew). You'll find classic Mediterannean cuisine made with fresh ingredients at many eateries along the coastline.

Whatever it is you're looking for in our stretch of Valencia, the team at Costa CarpeDiem will make sure you discover it. Visit us today.

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

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Calpe's Beaches and Coves...

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Wet and Wild Watersports...

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Not one, not two, but 14 beaches and coves await your discovery in Calpe, from secluded shores lush with natural vegetation to hot spots surrounded by pubs and ice cream shops. Natural rock formations and turquoise waters offer stunning vistas, and with a different landscape at every beach and cove, there are abundant opportunities for everything from swimming to fishing to cliff diving.

With year-round mild temperatures, over 13 km of coastline and a natural recreation area formed by the Peñon de Ifach and Punta de Les Bassetes, Calpe is one of Spain's most visited nautical destinations. A stone's throw from city center, you'll find several clubs and marinas where you can paddle out in a kayak or learn the ropes in sailing school. Parasailing, sea excursion and jet skiing outlets also dot the shoreline.

Breathtaking Nature...

Climb 332 meters to the peak of the Peñon de Ifach to get a birds-eye view of the city and sea beyond. Catch sight of flamingos and herons at Las Salinas. See the region's lush flora and fauna when you explore the trails at Sierra de Olta. There's no denying that Costa Blanca is beautiful, and there are plenty of parks and natural areas that let you see it from every angle and perspective.

Scenic Ecoroutes...

Set aside time to see all of Calpe up close. Six different walking routes offer the chance to choose your own adventure. Wander through the city's historical sites to Mediterranean shores, or stroll a seafront promenade before climbing the Peñon de Ifach. These family-friendly walks let you explore on your own terms and spend as much time as you'd like admiring Calpe's rich history and nature.

Markets...

Every Saturday morning, Calle del Norte fills with local vendors peddling everything from food to goods. Let the kids pick out a toy while you search for a momento to remember your time in Calpe by. And no trip to our fishing village would be complete without trying a fresh catch - the famous Calpe Fish Market auctions off the daily haul every weekday. Pick out your favorites and prepare dinner in the comfort of your rental.

CHRISTOPHE'S DAY TRIPS...

Guadalest...

Moraira...

Altea...

For age-old architecture, there's no better destination than the village of Guadalest. Discover an Arab fortress, an 11th century castle perched on the side of a cliff, and several intriguing museums, including one that houses works viewable only by microscope. Take the 45 minute drive from Calpe and enjoy the historic structures and scenic sea views along the way.

Nestled on the coast 20 minutes from Calpe, this small town is framed by vineyards, forests and mountains. Traditional architecture thrives here, including a castle from the 18th century that still stands on the shore. Climb the lookout tower for an unforgettable view of the Mediterranean sea, or tee off at any one of the fishing village's three courses.

Home to El Fornet, one of the most picturesque old towns in the region, Altea is tucked along a bay with sweeping white sand beaches. This popular tourist destination is located just 20 minutes from Calpe, and is a must-see if you're staying at the end of September when the town celebrates the Fiesta de Los Moros y Cristianos with music, pyrotechnics and more.

Theme Parks & Zoos...

Cova del Rull...

City of Arts & Sciences...

Just a half hour away in Benidorm, a world of excitement awaits for your little ones. Swim with the sea lions at Mundomar, or get up close and personal with wildlife at Terra Natura. Inspired by ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, Terra MĂ­tica offers a glimpse at the past in addition to adrenaline-pumping rides. Or visit Aqualandia to make a splash on waterslides and rides surrounded by lush greenery.

Sparking with stalactites and stalagmites, this 220-meter long cave was discovered on accident in 1919 by a hunter named JosĂŠ Vincente Mengual, known as TĂ­o Rull. Its circular layout grants you the chance to view its formations at every angle. Guided tours offer captivating views and an educational experience for every family member, and last 45 minutes.

Located 120 km from Calpe, this futuristic-looking urban complex is devoted to the promotion of art, culture, science, technology, nature and leisure activities.

With an IMAX theater, science museum, aquarium and more, there's something for everyone to appreciate. It's considered one of the 12 Treasures of Spain and is also the largest leisure complex in Europe.

Calpe Loves Families...

From its historic buildings to its breaktaking shores, there's a setting for every family to make memories when visiting Calpe. Find treasures at local markets, celebrate traditional festivals in nearby towns and hike and swim at Costa Blanca's gorgeous natural beaches.

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS...

There are so many great restaurants I love! Here are my personal top five picks. If nothing inspires you, ask me, I have years of research to share!

1 Best of Paellas & Fideuas...

For the Spanish classics, you can't beat Las Olas, a family-run restaurant known for its friendly service, sea views and reasonable pricing. Come for tapas and drinks, or order takeaway and hit the beach. For a more fine dining experience, El Cantal offers impeccable service and equally stunning views. The lobster and chicken paella is a must-have.

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Best of Seafood...

An upscale favorite, El Cantal also specializes in fresh seafood prepared perfectly - our visitors rave about their lobster and potato stew and octopus carpaccio. To eat like a local, stop by Baydal and feast on freshly caught seafood a stone's throw from the fishing boats, then wander the port glimpsing restaurants' fish showcases.

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Best of Tapas...

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A local favorite, El Andaluz is the place to go for an authentic Calpe dining experience. Its mouthwatering dishes and first-class service draw big crowds, so securing a reservation is recommended.

Choose from an extensive menu of tapas and rices, including duck croquettes, patatas bravas, vegetable paella and calamari Andaluz.

Best of Original Food...

Located in Old Town Calpe, Casa Mola Mola's versatile menu is made up of both Mediterranean classics and inventive new dishes.

Opt to dine alfresco to watch the world go by on a narrow, bustling street. Head to Restaurante Sietelunas to dine on the classics in a modern lounge-style atmosphere in city center.

Best of International Food...

Looking for something a little different than Spanish food? Chill out with a cocktail or coffee at Bar Morena, a casual joint by the sea that's perfect for people watching and offers up delicious cafe and bar fare. Or dig into Italian meals at Dolce Vita - the tagliatella calabrese is our favorite!

STAYING WITH US: WHAT TO EXPECT It goes without saying that Costa Blanca is stunning and Calpe is rich in history, dining and adventure. But what can you expect of a stay at Costa CarpeDiem? With a dedicated staff of hospitality professionals, we welcome you with open arms and ensure your holiday goes off without a hitch. We're happy to help you coordinate even the smallest details and to fulfill special requests. Let's plan your escape together.

Dedicated Service First and foremost, I want you to feel at home and remember a fivestar stay. From inquiry to departure, our team is available every step of the way to help you make a decision you're comfortable with and enjoy each day of your holiday to its fullest. We're here to answer any question you may have, provide you with any amenity you may need, and help you make memories that last a lifetime.

Hassle-Free Transportation Leaving your car at home? We can make your arrival at our home an effortless one by sending for a car to meet you at the airport.

And with so much to explore on Costa Blanca, you won't want to be bound by how far you can walk. Let us match you with Calpe's premier rental car companies for a vehicle that suits both your tastes and needs.

Thorough Housekeeping We do everything in our power to make our rentals feel like your home away from home, including keeping them in tiptop condition. You can count on a spotlessly clean home upon arrival, and we're happy to offer housekeeping services weekly, or even daily, so you can spend less time fretting about your accommodations and more time enjoying Calpe.

CHRISTOPHE'S Reviews Traci says

Jude says

Chris says

"Excellent service and value for money. Our accommodations were spotlessly clean, and there were no additional cleaning or heating charges. Our rental was centrally located near the beach, shops, bus and train. Christophe's staff was friendly and helpful. We immediately booked again upon returning home.

We would, and have, recommended a stay at Christophe's vacation rentals to friends."

"What an excellent apartment.

Exceptionally clean and comfortable.

Perfect view, perfect location, and the manager couldn't have been more helpful. I would absolutely recommend this apartment to friends. There are any number of restaurants and bars in Calpe. We've been going here for about 20 years so have tried most! We love the old town, too. Quite a lot of expats but still very authentically Spanish. We love it."

"We used this accommodation for a week and from start to finish we could not fault it. There is everything that you would need for a relaxing holiday, a proper home away from home. The view from the balcony is amazing, so much so we did not use the TV for the first five days. I have to thank Christophe and Pepe for their professional service and outstanding accommodation and will definitely use them again."

Thanks for staying with us!

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