Calella de Palafrugell is a beautiful coastal town located in the Costa Brava region of Spain. With stunning beaches, a vibrant culture, and a relaxed atmosphere, this charming town is a popular destination for both holiday makers and those looking for a holiday home.
This article provides an overview of the many attractions of Calella de Palafrugell, including the town’s beaches, activities, and the area’s history and culture.
Calella de Palafrugell is located in the Costa Brava region of Catalonia, Spain. It is situated on the north eastern coast of Spain, about 60km north of Barcelona and is one of three coastal towns within the municipality of Palafrugell. The other two are Llafranc and Tamariu.
The town is well suited to those who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It is also a great destination for families and couples looking for a relaxing beach holiday. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature in summer is around 25°C and in winter it typically drops to around 10°C. The average rainfall is around 600 mm per year.
Beaches
The main beach in Calella de Palafrugell is Platja Gran. It’s a large sandy beach with a wide range of amenities including beach bars and restaurants, lifeguard services, showers and toilets. There’s also a large car park nearby and children’s playground area. This beach is the most popular in the town and is ideal for families.
Nearby the beach at Llafranc is quite secluded and is a popular spot for windsurfing surfing and a great place to look out to sea as the sun sets behind you. A little further afield is Tamariu, which is located between two rocky headlands and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also quite sheltered, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Finally, platja de Castell is another stunning beach close to Palamos, the last truly unspoilt beach on the Costa Brava.. It’s located near an ancient Iberian settlement – the castle after which the beach is named – and is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. There’s also a beach restaurant where you can get lunch or a cold drink. The beach is a great spot for snorkelling.
No matter what kind of beach experience you’re looking for, Calella de Palafrugell has something for everyone. With its stunning views and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder why this town is such a popular holiday destination.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Calella de Palafrugell offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a hotel with all the amenities, a cozy holiday home or a simple campsite, you will find the perfect place to stay.
The Hotel Mediterrani (Carrer Lladó, 55) is a great option, offering comfortable rooms and great views. For something a bit more affordable, the family run Hotel Garbí (Avinguda de Baldomer Gili i Roig, 20) is a great choice. It offers a range of modern facilities and amenities, including a pool and a spa. For more options see our hotel page.
For a more homely experience, why not stay in one of the many holiday homes in Calella de Palafrugell? These range from traditional Spanish villas to modern apartments.
For those looking for a more rustic experience, the resort style Camping Calella de Palafrugell is the perfect choice. It offers a range of camping pitches, all with access to shared facilities such as showers, toilets and a communal kitchen. Read more about campsites here.
Eating in and eating out
Calella de Palafrugell is a great place to enjoy some of the best restaurants and cafés in the Costa Brava region. From traditional Catalan cuisine to more modern, international dishes, there is something to please everyone.
The town is home to a number of great restaurants, such as Restaurant Tony’s, Restaurant León, and La Gavina. It’s hardly surprising that many restaurants here specialise in seafood. It’s hard to beat a summer evening dining under the stars with views out over the Mediterranean. For those looking for a more casual meal or snack you can eat in one of the town’s cafés where you are guaranteed to find something to suit your taste.
Calella de Palafrugell also has a number of smaller stores for buying food and groceries, including a couple of fishmongers. If you’re looking for a wider choice head to Palafrugell where you’ll find the big name supermarkets as well as a wider choice of butchers, bakers and fishmongers.
See & do
Calella de Palafrugell is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and exploration. The town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, from rocky cliffs to tranquil beaches, and is a great spot for a wide variety of activities.
For nature lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the local countryside. The town is well known for its beaches and rocky coves. Here, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or try their hand at kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area, with some offering breath-taking views of the coastline.
Families can enjoy a fun day out at the nearby water park at Platja d’Aro, or take a boat trip along the spectacular coast. Here, visitors can take part in snorkelling and scuba diving, or observe the variety of marine wildlife. It’s easy to pass some time exploring the narrow streets of the old town and visit the quaint shops and galleries. You might also like to visit the watchtower situated between Calella and Llafranc.
There are a number of small stores clustered in the area near the picturesque Port Bo. Here, visitors can find unique souvenirs, local handicrafts, and clothing, as well as local ingredients. There are also several boutiques that specialize in beachwear, offering a wide selection of swimsuits, cover-ups, and accessories.
Local markets are also a great place to find fresh produce, flowers, and traditional souvenirs. While Calella de Palafrugell has no weekly market, there is one at Palafrugell every Sunday in area of Carrer Pi i Margal. There you’ll find stalls selling a variety of wares including fruit, veg, meat, fish, cloths, shoes, toys and kitchen utensils. It offers visitors a chance to explore the local culture and purchase handmade goods and fresh produce. Palafrugell also has a covered food market open every day except Monday from 8am to 1pm.
History
Calella de Palafrugell dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by fishermen from nearby Palafrugell. In the 18th century, the town was known for its production of cork and fishing, and the village grew and prospered.
In the 19th century, the village began to draw tourists due to its beautiful beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and close proximity to the larger town of Palafrugell. Calella de Palafrugell has since become a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to enjoy its picturesque coastline, quaint fishing harbor, and charming atmosphere.
The town is also home to a number of historic monuments, including the ruins of a 16th-century watchtower, the church of Sant Pere de Calella Palafrugell, and the iconic Plaça de Port Bo. Calella de Palafrugell is also known for its traditional Catalan cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and calçots.
How to get there
Calella de Palafrugell is located about 82 km from Barcelona. To get there by car, take the A-2 highway out of Barcelona, then take the C-31 highway and follow the signs to Calella de Palafrugell.
From France, you can drive to Calella de Palafrugell via the A-2 highway. Start by taking the A-2 highway from France, then continue on the A-2 highway until you reach Barcelona. From Barcelona, take the C-31 highway and follow the signs to Calella de Palafrugell.
You can take the Renfe Cercanias train from the Barcelona Sants station to the Blanes station, then take the local bus service to Palafrugell. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Barcelona Nord Bus Station to Palafrugell. In the summer there is a bus service to the coastal towns.
