Calella Holidays 2025/2026 from £355pp

Why go to Calella

Calella holidays are about sand, sun and fun, with traditional Catalan charm thrown in for good measure. On the Maresme coastline in the south of the Costa Brava, this seaside town has unspoilt beaches, an enchanting historic centre and a lively nightlife.

Some 3km (2 miles) of golden sandy beaches make a solid case for a Calella holiday – Blue Flag sands are dotted with sun loungers and beach bars, and the kids can swim in calm waters or while away hours building sandcastles.

Beyond the beach, explore Calella’s history along the winding streets of its alluring old town. It’s packed with enough historic architecture, shops and restaurants to keep you busy, and the lighthouse and turret ruins overlooking the town offer another interesting window to the past.

While you’re in town, try some of the local specialties. Alongside restaurants serving international fare, you’ll find plenty of Catalan cooking – try pan tumaca, bread spread with tomato and oil (the quintessential Catalan brunch); esqueixada, a cod and tomato salad; and escudella, a meatball stew.

Things to do aside, Calella holidays are also convenient – it’s only an hour from Barcelona by car and the short flight from the UK makes it a perfect cheap break destination for families or groups of friends. Once there, you can complement relaxation on the sun-drenched coast with a day trip to bustling Barcelona.

If you’re back in time for Calella’s nightlife, the beachside promenade has relaxed bars where you can share a romantic drink. In town, you’ll find everything from karaoke to nightclubs. This town likes a party and the biggest is La Minerva Festival in September. Visit then and you’ll be met with days of street parties and cultural displays, and nights of fireworks.

When to go to Calella

Many visitors come to Calella in summer, when the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. July is the hottest month of the year (with average highs of 29C), and you’ll be able to bask in 13 hours of sunshine a day.

Spring is a cheaper alternative. You can still expect plenty of sunny days and temperatures as high as the late teens and early 20s. You may also pick up some cheap holidays outside of the peak season. The payoff is putting up with more rainy days – May is Calella’s wettest month.

If you’re up for a party, Calella hosts a series of festivals throughout the year. Experience beer and music at the town’s Oktoberfest and traditional Catalan folk dancing at the Sardana Gathering in June. The biggest celebration is La Minerva Festival, in September, when there are three days of concerts, fireworks and processions of giant folklore figures.

What to do in Calella

Shops and tapas bars line the cobbled streets of the old town and further afield, Calella’s natural landscapes encourage you to explore on foot. Barcelona is a tempting day trip away, too.

Beaches

Calella’s main stretch of sand, Platja Gran (Big Beach), buzzes with sun seekers and families in summer. To keep you active, there are several beach volleyball courts, and you can give canoeing, parasailing and other watersports a go.

For a change of scene, Platja de les Roques is at the southern end of town. The crystal-clear waters beside pine trees and cliffs make up for the lack of sand. Nudism is allowed here.

Old town

The old town is the place to discover Calella’s past or simply lose yourself wandering the narrow streets. The 16th-century Church of St Mary and St Nicholas, built in a Neoclassical Baroque style, is a good starting point.

Browse the fresh produce in the municipal market, which has a traditional facade in the style of a Catalan farmhouse. A pedestrianised shopping street and the plethora of bars and restaurants also make the old town a must-see.

Hiking

Get in touch with nature at Montnegre Corredor Natural Park. Hiking trails snake over the lush landscapes and range from the gentle to the challenging. For a soothing stroll, take the Route of the Cormorant. It’s a relatively easy walk past typical Mediterranean flora, including lavender and chamomile and leads to lookouts with magnificent views of Calella’s coast.

Looking for a challenge? Follow the Route of the Fox. The trek goes through an area of rich biodiversity, where you can spot foxes, squirrels and badgers. The park is about four miles away from Calella.

Lighthouse and turrets

On the cliffs between Calella and neighbouring Sant Pol de Mar, the lighthouse of Calella has overlooked the coastline since 1859. Visit for the sweeping panorama of golden sands below and peek in inside for an overview of its history.

Another symbol of the town is the Turrets of Calella, just a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse. The towers were built in the 19th century as a military outpost and coastal communications network.

Barcelona day trip

Barcelona, one of the world’s most-visited cities, is easily reachable by car or public transport from Calella. Head to the Catalan capital to take in its celebrated cultural sights, including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.

For art of a different kind, see Messi and co. play at FC Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou stadium. If shopping is more your thing, Passeig de Gràcia is a boulevard packed with fashion boutiques. Before you leave, make sure you experience the city’s excellent dining scene.