The Costa Blanca is far less uniform than its name suggests. Anyone heading to this part of Spain for the first time soon faces a choice: the northern Costa Blanca around Calpe, or the southern coast around Torrevieja? Both destinations are beautiful, but they appeal to very different kinds of travellers.
As hosts with accommodation in both Calpe and Torrevieja, we hear this question almost every day. We know both places inside out. In this article we give you an honest picture of the differences, so you can make the best choice for yourself.
Calpe: active, varied and full of character
Calpe, or Calp in Valencian, is a coastal town on the northern Costa Blanca, about 90 kilometres north of Alicante. The town is dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332-metre limestone rock that rises straight out of the sea. The rock is more than an impressive sight: it gives Calpe its character. Adventurous, beautiful and a little wild.
The town itself combines an authentic fishing quarter, a lively centre and modern holiday homes. On one side the daily fish auction in the harbour, on the other international restaurants and a marina. Calpe is never boring.
From Calpe you can reach the lovely towns of Altea, Moraira and Jávea in under thirty minutes. Altea is a picturesque hilltop village with art galleries and a special atmosphere; Moraira is exclusive and peaceful; Jávea has three completely different types of coastline. The region offers more than enough to fill two weeks without ever becoming repetitive.
Torrevieja: relaxed, residential and truly Spanish
Torrevieja lies on the southern coast of the province of Alicante, about 45 kilometres south of the city. It is a larger town than Calpe, geared more towards long-term residents than short holidays. You notice it as soon as you arrive: fewer souvenir shops, more everyday Spanish life.
Torrevieja is popular with Dutch, Belgian, British and Scandinavian visitors who want to stay for longer. There are Dutch bakeries, English-speaking doctors and a large expat community. For winter visitors it is ideal. You will quickly feel at home, even without speaking a word of Spanish.
The nature around Torrevieja is remarkable. The pink salt lakes of the La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park are unique in Europe. Flamingos, walking trails and an almost surreal colour palette make it an unexpected destination for nature lovers.
The key differences at a glance
Character and atmosphere
Calpe
Active, international, varied. Calpe has an authentic fishing harbour, a historic centre and a marina. The beaches are lively, there is a wide choice of restaurants and the walking is excellent.
Torrevieja
Calm, residential and relaxed. Torrevieja is popular with long-stay guests and people spending the winter. Less of a tourist feel, more everyday Spanish life. The town has many expats and a large international community.
Beaches and swimming
Calpe
Two attractive beaches right by the Peñón (Playa Arenal-Bol and Playa La Fossa). Clear turquoise water, Blue Flag. Ideal for families and snorkellers.
Torrevieja
Long town beaches (Playa del Cura, Playa de los Locos) and quiet little coves nearby. Less crowded, with warmer, saltier water thanks to the nearby salt lakes.
Nature and activities
Calpe
The Peñón de Ifach is the absolute highlight. Hiking, climbing, snorkelling, sailing, kitesurfing. Ideal for active travellers. The nearby towns of Altea, Moraira and Jávea make excellent day trips.
Torrevieja
The La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park with its pink salt lakes is unique. Flamingos, walking trails and a very special landscape. Better suited to a quiet, nature-focused holiday.
Restaurants and shopping
Calpe
A wide range of restaurants in every price bracket. Fresh fish is a speciality: local restaurants buy straight from the fish auction. The centre and promenade have enough shops for daily groceries.
Torrevieja
A wide choice of supermarkets (including Mercadona, Lidl and Consum). Many European restaurants and Dutch bakeries. The Torrevieja market for fresh produce. Ideal if you stay for a long time and like to cook.
Best suited to
Calpe
Families with children, couples who combine an active holiday with relaxation, and first-time visitors to the Costa Blanca.
Torrevieja
Retirees, winter visitors, people who want to stay a few weeks or months, and anyone looking for a quiet stay with a Spanish feel.
Which one suits you?
In our experience, families with children and couples looking for an active holiday almost always choose Calpe. The mix of lively beaches, beautiful walks and varied day trips is perfect for a one or two-week holiday.
Winter visitors and retirees tend to go for Torrevieja. The relaxed pace, affordable groceries in large supermarkets, the international community and the mild winter sun make Torrevieja ideal for a stay of four weeks to several months.
Want to really get to know the Costa Blanca? Combine both: start with a week in Calpe to explore actively, then finish with a week in Torrevieja for authentic Spanish life.
Our accommodation in both areas
We rent out properties in both Calpe and Torrevieja, so you can choose where you would most like to stay.
In Calpe we have Villa Coco de Luxe (the entire villa) and three separate apartments: La Terraza, El Jardín and Rincón. The villa and apartments sit above Calpe, with wonderful views of the sea and the Peñón, within walking distance of the centre and the beaches.
In Torrevieja we have Costa Azul and Palmeras Puerto: two carefully furnished apartments in ideal locations in town, suitable for short holidays and longer stays.