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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The Costa del Maresme, just north of Barcelona, is made for holidays that balance beach time with easy-going discoveries. Its coastal towns bring together long stretches of golden sand, lively promenades and quieter corners with a strong fishing heritage, while the countryside rises inland towards wooded hills and Mediterranean views.
Come for a relaxed family break, a seaside escape for two or a change of pace from city sightseeing. You can spend the morning by the water, linger over a seafood lunch and still have plenty of time for an evening stroll along the shore.
Make sure you visit:
Start in Calella, where the seafront promenade sets the rhythm of a classic beach holiday. Follow it at an unhurried pace, stopping for a swim or a drink, then continue to Santa Susanna, known for its wide, well-kept beaches and relaxed feel. These coastal towns are especially appealing in the warmer months, when days naturally revolve around the sea.
For a different mood, head to Mataró, the comarca’s capital, where maritime traditions meet an interesting historic centre. Then make time for Arenys de Mar. Its old fishing-village character offers a glimpse of the coast beyond the resort atmosphere, and it’s particularly pleasant to explore in the cooler hours of the day.
Beaches we think you'll like:
The Costa del Maresme - Barcelonaline gives you room to find your own pace. Santa Susanna is a good choice for families looking for a spacious beach and a comfortable day by the sea, while Calella suits anyone who likes to pair a swim with a lively promenade and plenty of holiday atmosphere.
Around Mataró, the beach makes an easy addition to a day exploring the town, while Arenys de Mar offers a more traditional coastal setting. Wherever you settle, a late-afternoon walk beside the water is a lovely way to end the day, especially when the sun begins to soften.
Family-friendly activities:
A family day here can be wonderfully simple: start with a relaxed morning on the sand, take a gentle dip and enjoy an easy lunch nearby. Later, hire bicycles or walk along the seafront promenade, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a treat or watch the waves. Gentle water activities are another good option for children and first-time adventurers.
If you want a break from the beach, head inland to Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park. Its easier walking routes make a refreshing change from the coast, and the viewpoints open up memorable panoramas over the Mediterranean. Choose a cooler part of the day for a family walk, then return to the seaside for the evening.
Local delicacies you have to try:
Food is one of the pleasures of a Maresme holiday, with local produce and the catch of the day often taking centre stage. Look out for fresh fish and seafood rice dishes, best enjoyed over a leisurely lunch near the coast. For a taste of local tradition, order coca de recapte, a savoury baked speciality that makes a satisfying light meal.
When they’re in season, the Maresme strawberries are a treat worth seeking out for their distinctive flavour. A glass of wine from D.O. Alella pairs beautifully with a seafood meal. For a memorable meal focused on market cooking and local fish and seafood, consider El Mot.
Make the most of your visit:
One of the Maresme’s greatest advantages is how easily a beach holiday can turn into a cultural or nature-filled day out. Keep a day flexible, check local transport and travel conditions before setting off, and choose the outing that best suits the weather.
- Barcelona (less than 40 minutes): combine the coast with a day of urban and cultural discoveries.
- Girona: explore a historic old town full of character.
- Montseny Natural Park: trade the beach for a day among mountain scenery and nature.
