The ancient fishing town of Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns that belong to the district of Palafrugell; the other two being Llafranc and Tamariu. It lies in the province of Girona, 55km from Girona city and is said to have some of the most beautiful family-friendly beaches in the Costa Brava. With its colourful boats and winding cobbled lanes, Calella de Palafrugell is the perfect Spanish holiday destination if you're looking to experience a relaxed, authentic Catalan way of life away from commercial tourism. The resort is particularly known for its excellent seafood gastronomy, street markets and famous international music festival, Cap Roig, which takes place in the middle of July each year.
Enjoy a tranquil way of life by the Wild Coast, sheltered by the rocky landscape which is perfect for cycling and scenic walks. Calella de Palafrugell's eight beaches are family-friendly, boasting an abundance of water sports from canoeing to sailing and scuba diving. The subtropical weather combined with the gentle sea breeze means ideal conditions for swimming and golf, while there are plenty of secluded spots to choose from if you just want to unwind and bask in the Mediterranean sun in undisturbed peace. Perhaps the most beautiful and popular for snorkeling is El Golfet, a picturesque bay between Punta d'Els Forgats and Cap Roig, boasting fantastic views of the Formigues Islands and surrounding cliffs. Platja de Canadell is the perfect spot to people-watch and a local's favourite, with plenty of upscale restaurants and nearby bars.
Calella de Palafrugell may be humble sized, but there's more to it than fine beaches and seafood. Take a trip to Jardins de Cap Roig Botanical Garden housing over 1000 species of exotic plant life, with Cap Roig Castle in the background. Come sundown there are many tapas bars, atmospheric tavernas and seafood restaurants to choose from where you can enjoy an alfresco meal followed by a glass or two of Catalan Cava. If you're feeling adventurous we recommend the cremat - a flaming dark rum cocktail mixed with sugar, coffee and cinnamon! For a change of scenery, Barcelona offers the perfect blend of culture, history and vibrant metropolitan city life, while Cadaques has a nostalgic charm with a landscape that inspired the likes of Salvador Dalí and Miró. Neighbouring Lloret de Mar, 60km east along the coast, is the ideal holiday destination if you're looking for a nightlife scene and livelier crowds.
Find out where Calella de Palafrugell ranks!
