[3] Its name is derived from cape, referring to either a species of rattan or to the local varietal of coffee, Kape Barako, both of which still grow abundantly there to this day.

The sitios of Binogawan, Masonoy, Bentig, Cahayag, and Lawis were also constituted into barrios.

To the north, the town center faces the Cebu Strait on the western side of Bohol Island, 42 kilometres (26 mi) from Tagbilaran.

Most of the coastal area is a fairly level plain that gradually rises into rolling hills of coralline limestone.

The highest point in Calape is Mount Candungao in the eastern portion of the town, with an elevation of 150 metres (500 ft) above sea level.