We had the chance to visit Calella de Palafrugell in winter. On a sunny day in December. Actually, winter here is like late spring in Eastern Europe. As a result, people can have a bath in the sea even in December. Meanwhile, the terraces are full of people enjoying their tapas, for instance. Certainly, Calella de Palafrugell is tiny. Above all, it’s not much more than a couple of cute streets. But let’s see our complete Calella de Palafrugell guide in detail!
About Calella de Palafrugell
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell. The other two towns are Llafranc and Tamariu. It is part of the Costa Brava, the coastal region of northeastern Catalonia.
Calella de Palafrugell is a small holiday resort and fishing village. With its white houses, narrow streets, wooden boats on the beach it is an unforgettable place.
Best activities in Calella de Palafrugell
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Calella de Palafrugell
The urban beaches Port Bo and En Calau are great for those who want to go to the beach with all services nearby. But the best and most picturesque beaches are along the path of Camí de Ronda (Camino de Ronda). For instance the wonderful El Golfet beach at the botanical gardens of Cap Roig.
Most of the beaches in Calella de Palafrugell have lots of facilities, including first aid services. The seawater here is clean and calm. As a result, making it perfect for snorkelling and discovering the beautiful underwater world.
The Castle of Cap Roig
The Castle of Cap Roig is an impressive palace. The Russian colonel Woevodsky and his wife Dorothy Webster constructed it in 1927. They wanted to escape the Russian revolution and bought land in Cap Roig. When they found ruins of an old church they decided to use it as a base for their new castle. When they finished the construction work in 1974, the end result was a spectacular complex. As a result, it has been even declared a Cultural Heritage Site of National Interest.
Let’s get lost in the narrow streets
This small coastal town is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages on the Mediterranean. Its whitewashed houses, deep blue sea and golden sands create a truly postcard-perfect scene. Not to forget its narrow streets with colourful flowers and cobblestoned pavement. Up on the hills or down to the bay, it provides us with unforgettable views.
Take a walk along Camí de Ronda
Originally, Camí de Ronda was used to connect towns along the Catalan coast. And protect their ports from pirate attacks. But nowadays it has been transformed into a magical route along the entire Costa Brava and Costa Daurada. Whether you choose to travel along the route on foot, by bike or on horseback, the breathtaking views and scenery will amaze you.
Cantada de Habaneras music festival
The Cantada de Habanera music festival originally was a small get together of local sailors and their families. On the first Saturday of July local singers met and song habaneras. Habaneras are traditional sailor songs of Caribbean origin.
Now this music festival has several performances spread over three days. As a result, during the festival, Calella de Palafrugell becomes a different, more tropical and energetic place. For example, people are dancing through the night. Singing on the terraces and in the bars with a cremat (coffee with rum and schnapps), for instance. In conclusion, if you are in the area in July, don’t miss out on this amazing festival!
Where to stay in Calella de Palafrugell
We can find many beach hotels, private apartments, luxurious villas all around Calella de Palafrugell. Since the place is tiny, it gets fully-booked very quickly in high-season. In conclusion, it’s better to book in advance or look around in the nearby villages & towns as well.
How to get to Calella de Palafrugell
By bus
- The best way to get from Barcelona to Calella de Palafrugell without a car is to bus which takes 3h 22m and costs €5 – €28. The buses from Barcelona stop in Palafrugell from where you’d need a taxi to Calella de Palafrugell.
- From Girona, there are many options to arrive by bus. Check here the schedule and choose based on your preferences.
By car
- The distance between Barcelona and Calella de Palafrugell is 125 km. If you can, just rent or borrow a car. By car is the quickest option to get there. Parking outside peak season of July and August is pretty easy and they stop charging at the end of September.
- From Girona is even easier & quicker to get there. The shortest travel distance between Girona and Calella de Palafrugell is 52 km, which equals a travel time by car about 50 minutes.
What to do around Calella de Palafrugell
More about Catalonia & its picturesque village
Catalonia has many hidden and less hidden gems to discover. That is to say, that it’s time to review the most picturesque Catalan villages for further inspiration. Firstly, the 10 best non-coastal villages. Such as: Peratallada, Monells, Santa Pau, Farena, Siurana, Rupit, Tavertet, Montblanc, Besalú and Castellfollit de la Roca.
Secondly, the focus still on the non-coastal villages. Therefore, we list 10 more. Such as: Miravet, Horta de Sant Joan, Santa Coloma de Queralt, La Morera de Montsant, Pratdip, Torroja del Priorat, Alcover, Banyoles, La Bisbal d’Empordà and La Vilella Baixa.
Thirdly, we list the most beautiful villages of Costa Daurada: Calafell, Altafulla, Salou, Creixell, Roda de Berá, Coma-ruga, Cambrils, Riviera, Mont-roig del Camp, L’Ametlla de Mar and Les Cases d’Alcanar.
Enjoy our discounts in the place
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