🏛️ Why Visit Calella, Spain?

Think golden beaches that stretch for 3km, a historic old town where fishing boats still bring in the daily catch, and that iconic lighthouse perched on the cliffs like something from a romantic novel.

Calella is an unpretentious, good value, resort town, offering Blue Flag beaches, a charming historic old town with cobbled streets lined with 16th-century architecture, and it's just one hour from Barcelona – perfect for when you want to swap sangria for Sagrada Familia, then back again.

Good to Know

☀️ Weather: Mediterranean climate with summer highs of 28-30°C and over 300 days of sunshine. Sea temps hit 24-26°C in peak season.

💶 Prices: Around €3-4 for a pint and €10-15 for a proper meal – this is good-value Costa Brava without the tourist-trap prices.

🗼 Fun fact: Calella's iconic lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1856 and you can climb it for just €2 – some of the best sunset views on the whole Maresme coast.

Top reasons to visit Calella:

• 🏖️ Three gorgeous Blue Flag beaches – from bustling Playa Grande to quieter rocky coves perfect for snorkelling

• 🗼 Iconic Calella Lighthouse – the town's symbol offering stunning panoramic views for just €2 entry

• 🏘️ Authentic old town – wander cobbled streets around the 16th-century Church of Santa Maria with its 40m bell tower

• 🚂 Easy Barcelona access – just one hour by train with services every 30 minutes for spontaneous city adventures

• 🎣 Fresh seafood scene – proper fishing port heritage means the catch of the day is actually caught that day

Where to Stay

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

htop Calella Palace Flagship 4-star from the htop group, about 550m from the beach. Kids' pool, family pool, rooftop Jacuzzis, spa area, and the TOP Mini Club keeps little ones entertained.

Oasis Park Splash The clue's in the name – four epic waterslides, a kids' pool, and an adults-only splash zone. Family rooms available, animation programme with daytime activities and evening shows. Buffet dining and poolside lounging sorted.

President Big 315-room hotel with over 2,000 square metres of gardens, two adult pools, a kids' pool, and outdoor games area. Evening entertainment with shows and live music, plus kids' activities in high season. Theme nights in the restaurant keep mealtimes interesting.

Bon Repos Hotel Solid 3-star option 600m from the beach with seasonal outdoor pool and separate kids' pool. Mini Club for the little ones, billiards, and a disco. Buffet restaurant keeps everyone fed.

💑 Couples

Neptuno Calella Stylish 4-star just 300m from the beach with rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, and a spa with Turkish baths, sauna, and sensory showers. Three dining spots including a gastro cocktail bar and rooftop tapas terrace. Suites with private Jacuzzis available for a proper treat.

Bernat II Well-located 3-star in a residential area, only 150m from the beach. The spa area is the highlight – hot tub, Finnish sauna, steam bath, and treatment rooms. Outdoor pool, Mediterranean restaurant, and a quieter vibe than the big resort hotels.

Checkin Catalonia Infinity pool with panoramic sea views is the star here – proper Instagram-worthy. Short stroll to Platja Gran, buffet restaurant with sangria on tap, and sea-view rooms with balconies for sunset watching.

⭐ All-Rounders

GHT Hotel Maritim Popular choice for couples and families with outdoor pool, rooftop hot tubs overlooking the sea, and a new gym. Massage area and chill-out zone for relaxation, daytime and evening entertainment in summer. Buffet restaurant with half-board and full-board options.

htop Olympic Central 3-star with three swimming pools, a kids' pool, gym, and nightly entertainment. Rooms sleep up to four (cosy!). The TOP Passport gives access to other htop properties, and all-inclusive guests get Barcelona excursion discounts.

GHT Balmes Hotel Peaceful location 450m from the beach with landscaped gardens, outdoor pool with adventure splash area for kids, and outdoor Jacuzzi. Studios and apartments with kitchenettes available – good for longer stays or self-catering flexibility.

💰 Budget

Hotel Terramar Calella Heart of the old town, just 50m from the beach – hard to beat for location. Pool for adults and kids, sun terrace, and cafe bar. Simple, comfortable rooms with balconies. Perfect no-frills base.

Summer Hotel Pleasant 3-star set 500m from the beach with pretty gardens and seasonal pool. Buffet restaurant, pool bar, and surrounded by local bars and restaurants. Good value for money.

Marisol Basic but brilliant location – 300m from the beach and 100m from Calella's nightlife. No restaurant but you're surrounded by tapas bars and cafes. Sun terrace and 24-hour reception. Budget-friendly for beach-and-bar holidays.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Calella

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers

🏖️ Playa Grande (Playa de Calella) – The main event! This whopping 1.6km stretch of coarse golden sand runs the entire length of town with a brilliant promenade lined with cafés and restaurants. Gets buzzing in summer with jet skis, banana boats, and even giant offshore slides – proper fun for the whole family.

🏖️ Playa de Les Roques – Tucked beneath the famous lighthouse, this 750m rocky beach is a snorkelling paradise with crystal-clear waters and colourful marine life hiding in the nooks and crannies. Perfect for those who want gorgeous scenery with their swimming.

Culture & History Buffs

🗼 Calella Lighthouse – The town's absolute icon since 1856! Climb up for some of the finest views on the Costa del Maresme – the vista sweeps across town and the Med for those Instagram-worthy shots. Open 6 days a week and only €2 entry.

⛪ Church of Santa Maria and Sant Nicolau – This stunning 16th-century church survived natural disasters and wars, and you can spot its impressive 40m bell tower from anywhere in town. The interior's surprisingly austere but has a gorgeous circular stained-glass window.

Families & Relaxed Holidaymakers

🌳 Dalmau Park – A lovely green space perfect for picnics and letting the kids run wild while you enjoy different views of the city. Great for a break from the beach action.

🚶 Historic Town Centre – Wander the pedestrian streets and cobbled alleyways discovering 14th-century houses, browse local shops, and soak up that authentic Catalan atmosphere away from the beach crowds.

When to Visit Calella

☀️ Summer (June–August) | Highs of 28-30°C

Peak beach season with buzzing promenades and warm seas (24-26°C). The Festa Major Petita (mid-June, around 13-16 June) honours patron saints Sant Quirze and Santa Julita with street dinners, live music, and family activities. Sardana dancing happens every Sunday evening on the beachfront from June to September – a beautiful Catalan tradition. The Screamin' Fest (June) brings rock & roll DJs to bars, clubs, and the beach. Calella Renaixentista (June) is a Renaissance craft fair with street entertainment and gastronomy. Kids' activities run on the promenade every Friday in July and August.

🌸 Spring (March–May) | Highs of 15-22°C

Lovely weather for exploring without the summer crowds. The Aplec de la Sardana (29 May – 1 June 2025, 97th edition) sees sardana dancers from across Catalonia descend on Calella for four days of traditional circle dancing – one of the region's most important cultural gatherings. Sant Jordi's Day (23 April) fills the streets with book and rose stalls. Easter brings processions and celebrations. Sea's warming up but not quite swimming temperature until late May.

🍂 Autumn (September–November) | Highs of 18-25°C

The big one – La Minerva Festival (around 23 September) is Calella's main fiesta. Three days of concerts, street parties, sardanas, giants parades, fireworks, and the Calella and Alt Maresme Fair with artisans, paella contests, and papier-mâché figure processions. Ironman Barcelona (late September/October) brings elite athletes to town. Oktoberfest Calella (first three weeks of October) is a proper German-style beer festival with live bands, traditional costumes, and Central European food. Sea stays swimmable into October.

❄️ Winter (December–February) | Highs of 10-15°C

Quiet season with mild temperatures perfect for hiking in Montnegre Corredor Natural Park. Carnival (late February/early March, dates vary with Easter) brings parades and fancy dress. Christmas markets in nearby Barcelona make great day trips. Many hotels close but those that stay open offer rock-bottom prices – ideal for off-peak exploring.

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of Costa Brava? These brilliant spots are all within easy reach:

• Pineda de Mar – Neighbouring resort just 10 minutes south by train with a long sandy beach and family-friendly atmosphere. Quieter than Calella but connected by the coastal promenade.

• Santa Susanna – 15 minutes south, brilliant for families with hotels featuring kids' clubs and splash parks. Long beaches, gentle waters, and easy train access to Barcelona.

• Malgrat de Mar – 20 minutes north, a mix of old town charm and modern beachfront. Three beaches, 16th-century church, and a more local Spanish feel.

• Lloret de Mar – 25 minutes north, Costa Brava's party capital with legendary nightlife, Water World aqua park, and 5 Blue Flag beaches. Perfect for groups wanting more action.