Visit Calella

If you’re getting a bit of cabin fever and want to get out of the city then the idyllic town of Calella, just up the coast northeast of Barcelona is a great option. Calella offers just about everything you might be looking for, for a weekend away or day trip: golden beaches, tranquil outdoor terraces, a plethora of good restaurants and a lively nightlife. Calella is now certified as a Sports Tourism Destination by the Catalan Tourism Agency so you can be sure there are also lots of sports activities on hand for those looking for an active break. Throughout the year the town also hosts a number of music events and handicrafts festivals that may peak the interest of any culture vultures.

How to get there

By car

If you have a car it is very easy and quick to get to Calella by taking the C 32 motorway.

By train

If you prefer to catch a train this is a very easy option as there are trains going there every 20 minutes or so during the day from Placa Catalunya or Estacio Sants, and the journey takes roughly 1 hour. The train you need is C1 – destination Blanes and the railway runs along the coastal line so you can enjoy the stunning views of the sea throughout your trip. You can use a regular T-10 ticket to get there as it includes Calella. To save time and stress on the day, you can look on the train service website to plan your journey and book your tickets in advance.

By bus

It is also really easy to get to Calella by bus, which leaves from Barcelona Nord coach station a few times a day. For the most updated timetables, you can look on their website. You can also catch the 603 Aeroport Prat – Barcelona – Blanes (per N-ll) coach from Barcelona’s airport, which goes to Calella about five times per day.

The best times to visit and things to do

We would suggest you visit Calella in the spring when there aren’t so many crowds lining the beaches and seafront promenades and taking up all the good restaurants and bars!

Related article: Things to do on the Maresme coast

Relax on the beaches

There are three fantastic beaches in Calella that are worth a visit, depending on what you want from your trip:

Platja De Les Roques

Translated as Beach of the Rocks, this beach is one for nature-lovers. Located to the South of the main town, you will find the beach set in the foothills of the incredible Montnegre Natural Park, overlooked by pine trees, with clear waters to swim in. 

Platja De Garbí

For those looking for a tranquil promenade walk, this is the beach to go to. Located just in front of the town’s main hotel area, Garbi beach has a scenic promenade, you can walk on, which is also dotted with exercise points, beach volleyball, and football areas and a bike lane for keen cyclists. The beach is adapted for wheelchairs and there are lots of pleasant bars where you can enjoy some tapas and a drink by the waterside whilst soaking in the beautiful views.

Platja Gran

One for the night-time owls, this fairly big beach gets buzzing at night time with lots of entertainment, restaurants and bars to while away the evening. In the daytime, for those looking for a bit of an adventure, this beach has a great offering of water sports, from kite-surfing and surfing to paddle boarding.

Explore the historic Lighthouse of Calella

The famous lighthouse of Calella is an absolute must when you come for your trip. It is a museum in part and a very important symbol of the town’s heritage; it was built in 1856 and its light can be seen from over 35 miles away!

The lighthouse has different working schedules depending on the time of year you visit. The price of admission isn’t exactly cheap, costing 32€ per person, but it really is worth the visit.

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Play some games

Calella also has an entertainment center which offers a whole host of fun to be enjoyed; from an 18-hole mini golf course, American-style bowling room and a game room featuring pool, foosball and air hockey tables. There is also a good restaurant if you’ve worked up an appetite during your gaming session!

Visit the Municipal Museum Archive of Calella

The Calella Municipal Museum Archive offers a variety of interesting exhibitions covering the history and heritage of the town as well as inspiring art in the impressive Gallartt Gallery which can be found on the first floor. The museum occupies a seventeenth-century mansion with a wondrous stone parapet façade and original windows.

Take in the view at Parc Dalmau

Dalmau Park is a large area with beautiful views out to the sea and a tranquil setting to relax.

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* Main photo by Felipoween via Wikimedia Commons