Spain Spain is a stunning country, known for popular destinations like Costa Brava and Barcelona. However, have you heard about the lesser-known Calella?
Discussed on TikTok as ‘heaven,’ the holiday destination in Costa del Maresme competes with its more famous neighbors Lloret de Mar and Barcelona for a peaceful getaway with stunning beaches, Spanish eateries, and a rich history.
It’s also a cost-effective option for a holiday, with the average cost of a pint being just £1.94. According to Hikers Bay, you can have a three-course meal for two for less than £30. This is significantly doubles than in Barcelona, where it’s around £52.
If you do decide to visit the famous Barcelona for its cathedrals, beaches, and history, it’s only a little over an hour away by train and will cost you about £5.
However, be warned: Barcelona is much more crowded, with approximately 9 million tourists visiting each year.
In comparison, Calella attracts a more modest 250,000 visitors per year, so you probably won’t have to fight for sunbeds here.
Activities in Calella
If you enjoy the beach, you’re in luck: Playa de Calella runs from one end of the town to the other, with a promenade lined with numerous bars and cafes.
Meanwhile, Playa del Garbi has a basketball court, nine volleyball pitches, two beach football pitches, nine volleyball pitches, and even an offshore waterpark.
Dating back to 1856, the lighthouse is a symbol of the city and is open to the public six days a week.
Just below is the much quieter Playa de les Roques (beach of the rocks), where you can relax in peace, swim, or even snorkel.
For those interested in culture, there are many beautiful churches to explore, such as the Church of Santa María and San Nicolás, which dates back to the 16th century. It also houses a massive bell tower that can be seen from most of the city.
If you want to escape the heat, Dalmaupark is a great place to relax under shady trees. If you visit during the first weekend of June, you’ll have the chance to experience the Sardana celebration and Historic Catalan folk dances.
For those who love shopping, you can take advantage of the promenade, which has over 500 shops and stalls, all in a single line. Similarly, the municipal market is a local flea market that occurs every Saturday morning.
And, of course, you can expect incredible Mediterranean cuisine in any of the town’s numerous tapas bars, brasseries, and seafood restaurants.
How to reach Calella
The closest airport to Calella is Girona, but it’s easier to fly from Barcelona.
Flights on Skyscanner are as low as £64 from London.
When to visit Calella
Calella’s warmest months are July and August, with average temperatures at 23C rising to 29C at its peak.
If you prefer more moderate temperatures, the average temperature in May and October is 17, rising to 23C at its hottest.
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