Like many of the towns along this coast, Calpe started out as a small fishing village whose old town has always been much loved by artists and writers (including Hemingway). It has grown into a popular resort, with a population of 20,000 and a busy town centre which feels part Spanish and part catering to expats.

There are two excellent sandy beaches, plenty of shops and outdoor restaurants, nightlife and good sporting facilities including horseriding, climbing and watersports. Lighthouse has its Costa Blanca North office in Calpe.

The town is dominated by the giant rock known as the Peñón de Ifach - the symbol of the Costa Blanca - which resembles Gibraltar's infamous rock and looms over sandy beaches to either side. Once a place to stake out smugglers, it's now a natural park which cannot be built upon. If you climb the path to the top - it takes about 45 minutes - the views from the top are astounding. On a clear day you can see Ibiza. On the way, you will spot tiny bays covered in wild flowers and 300 species of animals and birds including flamingos.

Property prices start at around £70,000 for a one-bed apartment, £100,000 for a two-bed apartment, £170,000 for a detached villa on a development with a communal pool or from £200,000 for a villa with its own pool and views of the Peñón de Ifach. There's the odd high-rise apartment block overlooking the beach (a two-bed apartment with sea views costs from £150,000-£220,000), though not the prettiest of buildings they are very handy for the town centre and beach, with good letting potential.

There are lots of new developments of townhouses and luxury villas being built within walking a short drive of Calpe town centre. Just inland from Calpe is the beautiful area of Benissa, set in a green valley with dotted with luxury villas and the odd rural hotel hidden among the trees.