This coastal town along the Costa Brava transformed from a fishing village into a beach destination with Mediterranean beaches, stone-paved streets, and active nightlife.
Calella sits 50 kilometers north of Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast. You can swim at three different beaches, walk through streets dating back to the 1300s, or climb to the clifftop lighthouse for views of the coastline. The town's underground network of Civil War shelters and medieval merchant houses like Casa de los Salvador tell stories of its past, while its marked coastal swimming route attracts swimmers year-round.
Getting to Calella
Regular trains connect Calella to Barcelona (1 hour) and Girona (45 minutes). The town extends for three kilometers along the coast, with most sights within a 20-minute walk from the train station. Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park lies 6 kilometers inland.
Three Distinct Beaches
La Playa Grande stretches along Paseo Manuel Puigvert, with three beachfront restaurants and courts for beach volleyball and football. At Garbi beach, recognized with Blue Flag status, you'll find nine volleyball courts and designated areas for beach sports. Near the lighthouse, Las Rocas beach breaks into four small coves, including the clothing-optional Cala d'en Pere.
Town Center
The Church of Santa MarĂa dominates the old quarter, its Baroque façade and neoclassical interior dating from 1564. The pedestrian streets lead past the stone-built Casa de los Salvador from the 1300s and Casa Sivilla from the 1500s. The covered Municipal Market and the brick walls of Llobet-Guri factory remain from when Calella was a textile manufacturing center.
The Lighthouse and Defense Towers
A 50-meter cliff supports Calella's lighthouse, which replaced an earlier medieval watchtower. From the viewing platform, you can spot several 19th-century towers that once formed part of Spain's coastal telegraph system.
Underground History
Three Civil War air raid shelters run beneath the town streets. Since 2010, these tunnels have opened to visitors, with information panels explaining their wartime use. An audiovisual presentation called "Witnesses of the War" shows at regular intervals inside the main shelter.
Where to Eat
Restaurants along the beachfront focus on Mediterranean rice dishes and fresh seafood. Look for local catches like John Dory, sea bream, sea bass, and cod prepared in Catalan style. Many kitchens serve lunch from 1:00 PM and dinner from 8:00 PM.
Town Celebrations
On June 16, Calella celebrates its patron saints with communal outdoor meals and street performances. Throughout the year, you can join carnival celebrations in February, book exchanges on Sant Jordi day in April, and watch sardana dancing during the summer Aplec festival.
Sports and Activities
The marked VĂes Braves swimming route follows the coastline, with buoys and signs guiding swimmers. Walking trails connect the town to Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park, where paths range from 3 to 15 kilometers. The town's sports facilities include an Olympic-size pool and multiple tennis courts.
