Calella holidays

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.

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.

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.