by Antón Joan Rodríguez Fernig
Calpe is much more than an iconic holiday destination thanks to its Peñón de Ifach. For those of us looking for somewhere to put down roots, the Marina Alta offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat. But when you’ve got children involved, priorities shift: Where will they go to school? Where will they play on weekends?
In this guide, we’ll show you why Calpe is the perfect backdrop for your kids to grow up.
Calpe’s education options are varied and well-balanced, covering everything from state education to nearby international choices.
Located in easily accessible areas, these centers are pillars of the local community. The CEIP Azorín, for example, is known for its multicultural, inclusive atmosphere—ideal for families looking for full immersion in Spanish and Valencian culture.
The CEIP Paternina stands out for its strategic location and its focus on personalized support. These centers make the most of the city’s privileged surroundings to run outdoor activities and promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
Tip for parents: If you’re looking for a British or international education, Calpe is less than 20 minutes from prestigious centers such as The Lady Elizabeth School (Benitachell) or Lope de Vega (Benidorm), with bus routes that serve Calpe residents.
If there’s one place that defines Sundays in Calpe, it’s the Parque de la Vallesa, Parque la Cometa, Sierra Oltá Recreational Area, and many more.
BBQ areas: Equipped with benches and wooden tables, they’re the go-to meeting point for celebrations and family meals.
Safety and nature: Kids can run around freely in a fenced-in setting, surrounded by native vegetation.
Outdoor sports: It has flat walking paths that are perfect for helping the little ones learn to ride a bike or skate.
Not all beaches are the same when you go with a stroller and toys.
Playa del Arenal-Bol: With its blue flag and play areas in the sand, it’s the most comfortable choice for day-to-day life. Its wide promenade makes it ideal for walking with a stroller without any hassle.
Las Salinas: A magical place to take your children to see the flamingos. It’s a lesson in living nature right in the heart of the urban area.
Calpe promotes grassroots sports with real energy. The Municipal Sports Hall and the Yacht Club offer everything from basketball and football to sailing and kayaking. Living here means your children will swap screens for sea breeze and fresh air.
Living in the Marina Alta means a slower pace of life (slow living), where the trip to school isn’t dictated by traffic, but by views of the sea. The security of a small town combined with top-quality services means that investing in property here is, in reality, an investment in happiness.
Quiet residential areas (La Vallesa, Cometa, Ortembach): Ideal if you’re looking for villas with gardens, close to the parks, and with enough space for kids to play. To view residential areas, click here.
Town Centre / Arenal Beach: Perfect if you’d rather walk to school, the supermarket, and the beach without needing to use the car every day. To see urban areas near the town, click here.
