Calella de Palafrugell, an Icon of the Costa Brava
The urban core of Calella is part of the municipality of Palafrugell, located in Baix Empordà. It is one of the few places along the Costa Brava that still maintains its original charm.
This former fishing village is known for its narrow streets and white houses with shutters in shades of green and blue. It is perfectly integrated into the wild landscape, typical of this area of the Catalan coast; surrounded by pine trees and rocks.
What to See
Once you arrive in the town, we recommend walking to the historic complex of Port Bo and les Voltes, a street with a lot of charm, where you will find the enchanting fishermen’s houses of yesteryear. Currently, the lower parts of these houses host some of Calella’s most popular restaurants.
From there, you can continue through some of the various alleys of the old quarter, such as calle de la Gravina, and approach the church of Sant Pere, from the late 19th century, where you can admire the emblematic clock of its bell tower.
Among the most picturesque buildings in the village, the Casa Rocamora, located on rocky ground; the Casa Verdaguer, from the late 19th century, and the Casa Sagrera, which presents a neoclassical aesthetic, stand out.
For its part, the paseo del Canadell, located to the north of Port Bo beach, brings together a series of houses of quite different styles, but together, they create a harmonious combination.
Moreover, on Canadell beach, you can see another of the most characteristic constructions of the coastal town; the boat sheds, a kind of basements with doors of different colors that, in the past, were used to store boats and fishermen’s gear.
Currently, most of these “storage rooms” have been turned into bars and restaurants, or are privately owned.
From the Manel Juanola i Reixach viewpoint, a pharmacist from Palafrugell known for being the inventor of Juanola pills, you will have a panoramic view of Canadell beach and Port Bo.
Another viewpoint, in fact, the one that offers the best views of the town as a whole, is located at Punta de los Burricaires, between Pelegrí beach and cala de la Platgeta.
Finally, to the south of the town, within the Protected Natural Space of Castell-Cap Roig, are the famous Cap Roig Gardens. From this charming botanical garden, you will enjoy splendid views of the most authentic coastline of the Costa Brava.
What to Do
Apart from its beaches and coves, Calella is also a great destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, as you will find abundant marine life.
The busiest beaches are Port Pelegrí, La Platgeta, Canadell, and Golfet beach; the latter is accessed through the coastal path.
We encourage you to walk some sections of the coastal path, as, specifically in this area of the Costa Brava, the views are spectacular. By taking a stroll, you can reach the neighboring towns of Llafranc and Cap Roig.
One last suggestion we want to make is to explore the coast that runs through Calella and its neighboring towns by kayak. You can rent them both at Canadell beach and at Port Pelegrí beach. It’s a lot of fun for both adults and children, and an alternative that will allow you to reach the less crowded coves.
Gastronomy
The Empordà cuisine is known for its unique and tasty culinary offerings, making the most of the unparalleled resources of its immediate environment; the best products of the land and sea. There is no shortage of paella, brothy rice, fish stew…
However, one of the traditional dishes of Palafrugell; formerly only available during Lent, is known as “Es Niu”. It consists of a mix made from cod tripe, hard-boiled egg, dried fish, and potato. Over time, variations of the recipe have appeared, for example, adding cuttlefish, game birds, or sausages.
Specifically, if you visit Calella de Palafrugell in winter, we recommend having a garoinada, that is, trying a dish of sea urchins freshly picked from the sea. An experience that leaves no one indifferent!
Where to Eat
Calella de Palafrugell has a quite wide gastronomic offer. You will find establishments specializing in the traditional cuisine of the area, but there is also representation of other types of cuisine.
You can consult all the restaurants in Palafrugell at Guiacat.
Where to Stay
Staying in a village as picturesque and charming as Calella is a unique experience. Its historic center, with streets of smooth stone slabs, and decorated with bougainvillea, are the most authentic expression of this area of the Mediterranean. Let yourself be amazed by this ancient fishing village!
You can find all the rural accommodations of the Costa Brava at Guiacat.
Festivals
Some of the most well-known events in the coastal town are: the Main Festival, which takes place on June 29, and then, on the first Saturday of July, the famous Habaneras Singing is celebrated.
If you like live music and have the chance, between July and August, we recommend going to the Cap Roig Festival.
You can consult all the activities that take place in Calella de Palafrugell throughout the year at the Catalonia Tourism agenda.
Best Time to Visit
The unique charm of Calella is maintained throughout the year, as temperatures remain moderate and, really, in each season, the beauty of its landscape is worthy of a postcard.
However, if what you are looking for is to enjoy the beaches and coves that the Costa Brava has to offer, then, the best time is summer. Do bear in mind that August is the busiest month, touristically speaking.
Must-Sees
Below we leave you our recommendation of places you must not miss on your visit to Calella, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic essence of the Costa Brava.
- Beaches and coves
- Old town and contemplate the sea from les Voltes
- Coastal Path
- Cap Roig Gardens
- Punta de los Burricaires (the best viewpoint of Calella)
What to See Nearby
In Palafrugell, you have access to three places considered cultural assets of national interest. On one hand, the historical monuments of the San Sebastián watchtower; the oldest in the municipality, and the Can Mario tower. And on the other, the historic complex of Port Bo de Calella.
The parish church of San Martín, located in Palafrugell, and formed by different architectural elements dating from the 15th-18th century.
You can also visit the Cork Museum of Catalonia (in Palafrugell), or the Contemporary Art Space Can Mario (Vila Casas Foundation). Likewise, the municipality also hosts the Josep Pla Foundation, a celebrated Catalan writer, in love with the Empordà.
If you feel like exploring a bit more the natural surroundings, in Llafranc, you will find the dolmen of Can Mina de los Torrents, and on the San Sebastián mountain; the Iberian Settlement of San Sebastián de la Guarda.
Other nearby towns to Calella are: Palamós, Vall-llobrega, Tamariu, Regencós, and Begur.
How to Get There
If you are coming by car from the south, you must take the A-7 motorway in the direction of Girona/France, then take exit 9 (Vidreres / Lloret) and continue towards San Feliu de Guíxols and Playa de Aro via the C-35. From there, follow the direction Palamós (C-31) and take the exit 331 Palafrugell Sur.
If you come from the north, take the A-7 motorway towards Barcelona and take exit 6 (Girona North), towards la Bisbal / Palamós (C-66). Finally, take the Palafrugell North exit.
Additionally, the Sarfa bus company operates the route between Palafrugell and the nearby towns. You can check the prices and schedules on their website.
If you opt for the train, the nearest station to Palafrugell is Flaçà. Once there, take a Sarfa company bus to Palafrugell.
