Calella
🏛️ 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.
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
🎭 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.
