Between sea and calm: your perfect holiday in Calella

Calella: much more than sun and sea

Calella is far more than a typical seaside destination. Known as the “Tourist Capital of the Costa del Maresme”, this vibrant coastal town has a strong personality and a fascinating history that makes it truly unique.

Here are a few curiosities that make Calella such a special place:

• The Lighthouse: more than a guide for ships The Calella Lighthouse is the city’s most iconic landmark. It was inaugurated in 1859 and its light originally ran on olive oil. Today it is still active, but it also houses an interpretation centre where visitors can discover how optical communications once worked along the coast.

• Why are locals called “Llops” (Wolves)? The people of Calella are affectionately known as llops (wolves). According to local legend, many years ago a very large, shaggy dog frightened the townspeople, who believed it was a wolf. After gathering the courage to hunt it down, they discovered it was simply a lost dog. The nickname stayed forever as a playful local joke.

• A refuge from the Civil War Beneath Dalmau Park lies the Dalmau Park Air-Raid Shelter, built by local residents in 1937 to protect themselves from bombings during the Spanish Civil War. It is one of the best-preserved shelters in the area and can be visited today, offering a powerful glimpse into the city’s living history.

• The “Church Street” This is the commercial heart of the city. Despite modern changes, it has kept its historic layout and remains one of the longest and most lively pedestrian streets in the region, linking the old town with the more tourist-oriented areas.

• A host for international events Calella is not just a summer destination. The town is also famous for hosting major events throughout the year, including:

  Ironman Barcelona, with Calella as the official host town of this demanding triathlon.
  Aplec de la Sardana, one of the oldest and largest Sardana gatherings in Catalonia, held in Dalmau Park.
  Calella Film Festival, a festival dedicated to independent cinema and emerging talent.

• Extra highlight: Manuel Puigvert Promenade This beautiful seafront promenade is a wonderful example of 19th-century urban design. With its rows of century-old plane trees and elegant wrought-iron railings, it is the perfect place to see how bourgeois architecture once blended with the town’s maritime life.

Costa del Maresme: peaceful beaches close to Barcelona

The Costa del Maresme, located just north of Barcelona, is an ideal destination if you want to combine relaxed beach days with easy access to one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Known for its long sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere and charming seaside towns, this stretch of coast offers a perfect balance between calm coastal living and cultural city breaks.

Make sure you visit:

• Calella, one of the liveliest resorts in the area, with a long promenade and great atmosphere.
• Santa Su****sanna, popular for its wide beaches and modern seafront.
• Mataró, the capital of the region, combining shopping areas with a historic old town.
• Arenys de Mar, a traditional fishing town with plenty of local character.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Calella Beach: long, well-equipped and perfect for families.
• Santa Susanna Beach: spacious and clean, ideal for relaxing walks.
• Ocata Beach: close to Barcelona, known for its fine sand and clear waters.
• Arenys de Mar Beach: smaller and more traditional, with a local feel.

Family-friendly activities:

• Enjoy relaxed beach days with calm waters and easy access.
• Walk or cycle along the coastal promenade connecting several towns.
• Explore nature trails in the nearby Parque Natural del Montnegre i el Corredor.
• Take a short train ride to Barcelona for museums, parks and iconic landmarks.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Fresh seafood and grilled fish straight from the Mediterranean.
• Traditional rice dishes, especially seafood paellas.
• Local strawberries, one of the region’s best-known products.
• Wines from the nearby Alella wine region, perfect with any meal.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Barcelona (30–40 minutes): culture, architecture and endless things to see and do.
• Girona (1 hour): a beautiful old town with medieval streets and city walls.
• Parque Natural del Montseny (1 hour): perfect for nature lovers and scenic walks.