The best itinerary to enjoy Calella de Palafrugell, Costa Brava

Calella de Palafrugell is a small village in the region of Bajo Ampurdián on the Costa Brava. At first glance it may seem like a typical, quaint Spanish village that are ten a penny, but look a bit further and you will discover an enchanting and captivating region. 

 

With its white houses, narrow streets, wooden boats on the beach and beautiful coves, Calella possess a magical atmosphere. Visit this fairy tale-like town and experience an unforgettable holiday!

 

If you are looking for some well-deserved relaxation, the beaches of Calella are your best bet. These beaches and coves are small oases where you can enjoy a sunny day and take a refreshing dive in the Mediterranean. 

 

The urban beaches Port Bo and En Calau are perfect for those who want to go to the beach with all amenities close by, but if you are willing to sacrifice some comfort you will discover some very charming beaches. The best ones are found along the Camino de Ronda, for example the wonderful El Golfet beach at the botanical gardens of Cap Roig.

 

Originally the Camino de Ronda was used to connect towns and protect their ports from pirate attacks, but nowadays it has been transformed into a magical route along the entire Costa Brava. Whether you choose to travel along the route on foot, by bike or on horseback, the breathtaking views and amazing scenery will leave you wanting more.

 

Port Bo is the harbour neighbourhood of Calella de Palafrugell. Its beautiful white houses and the winding streets make it a labyrinth you would love to get lost in. It has been declared a site of Cultural Heritage of National Importance.

 

A highlight of Port Bo are 'Las Vueltas', a series of vaulted arches that cover the beach promenade. Years ago, sailors used this area to work on repairs and other odd jobs, but now it is lined with the outdoor terraces of several restaurants where you can sample the gastronomy of the region while enjoying the beautiful sea views.

 

South of Calella de Palafrugell you can visit an impressive palace, constructed in 1927 by the Russian colonel Woevodsky and his wife Dorothy Webster. They wanted to escape the Russian revolution and bought land in Cap Roig. When they found ruins of a monastery, a church and a tower they decided to use those ruins as a base for the construction of a castle. When the construction work finished in 1974, the end result was a spectacular complex that even has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site of National Interest. 

 

 

The botanical garden of Cap Roig is considered one of the best botanical gardens of the Mediterranean. It is divided into several areas that each give you a beautiful view over the sea. The first three areas are all connected by the Escalera de los Cipreses (Cypress Stairs) while the others gradually descend towards the beach.

 

Walking through the botanical garden is a dreamy experience, especially because of the great variety of plants, trees and flowers from all over the world. Enjoy the sun and the panoramic views of the coast while you are transported to different countries and regions. In summer the botanical garden offers a little something extra: the famous Festival del Jardín Cap Roig (which will be explained further in this article) and art exhibitions of celebrated artists.

 

If you want a bit of variation from the sun, sand and sea routine, the archaeological site San Sebastián de Guarda is the best place to visit! This ancient Iberian village is over 7,000 years old. It is incredible that we can still walk along its streets!

 

The site is located about 156 metres above sea level, on the mountain that forms the Cape of San Sebastián. This excellent location gives you the best views to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and panoramic views of the Bajo Ampurdián region. The entire Costa Brava is teeming with this kind of architectural gems, waiting to be discovered. Book your stay in a holiday home at the Costa Brava and take your time exploring this beautiful region of Spain!

The mild climate of Calella makes it a perfect all-year-round destination. Its hot summers are perfect to enjoy the many beaches and amazing nature, but there's plenty to do during the entire year! Here are the best fiestas and events that you can attend in Calella de Palafrugell.

 

The Garoinada is a festival in honour of sea urchins, a local delicacy of not only Calella but of the entire region. It is celebrated in the months of January, February and March, when the sea urchins are of the best quality thanks to the calm sea. Several restaurants take part, designing menus that incorporate sea urchins in the starter and the main, while finishing the meal with traditional desserts of the region.

 

Another gastronomical event that you shouldn't miss are the Gastro Days of Es Niu in October and November. Es Nui is a typical dish of the Palafrugell region, a stew originally made with fish, egg and potato. As time has passed it became more elaborate, with sausages and game added to the mix. It takes about 5 hours to prepare Es Niu (the sauce alone takes 1 hour!), which is why you won't find it on any menu, and if you really want to try it you'll have to order in advance. But, thanks to this initiative, you can sample this traditional and unique stew without any trouble during the Gastro Days!

 

On the 15th of May, the people of Palafrugell celebrate spring with the Fiestas de Primavera! It is one if the happiest fiestas of the Costa Brava, full of colour, music and fun. Everybody dresses up, and there are parades throughout the day as well as performances by street artists. The Fiestas were first celebrated in 1963, as a counteraction to the prohibition of carnival celebrations, but when the carnival was reinstated, the festivities continued and became even more popular with time. They are now celebrated in various towns of Catalonia.

The Cantada de Habaneras began as a humble music festival, where on the first Saturday of June local singers would meet and sing habaneras, traditional sailor songs of Caribbean origin. Visit Calella now and you will find a music festival with several performances spread over three days.

 

And if you come for the music, you will stay for the atmosphere! During the festival, Calella becomes a different, more tropical and more energetic place: people are dancing through the night, singing on the terraces and in the bars with a cremat (coffee with rum and schnapps) long after the concerts have ended... they are not just enjoying music, they are celebrating life. When you are in the area in July, don't miss out on this amazing festival! 

 

In October, when the brunt of tourists have left, the Costa Brava becomes a bit quieter. It's the perfect time of year to explore the countryside, taking advantage of the milder weather, but it is also an important time of the year for jazz lovers: the Costa Brava Jazz Festival brings the best artists and groups to Palafrugell! The concerts combine traditional jazz with the most innovative developments of the genre. The result? A real treat for music lovers and a unique jazz experience, presented by some of the most talented musicians.

 

What could be better than a music festival in summer? A music festival in summer located in the most beautiful environment possible! From June 7th till August 22nd you can enjoy the best music and dance performances by international artists in the botanical gardens of Palafrugell. This years' 17th edition offers 28 concerts by artists such as Norah Jones, Anastacia, Jason Derulo, Andrea Bocelli and many more!

 

The Festival de Jardines Cap Roig (Garden Festival of Cap Roig) has been included in the Top 10 Summer Festivals by the Independent because of the high-level performances and the impressive surroundings of the concerts. Apart from the music, the festival also gives you an opportunity to try the local gastronomy thanks Via Veneto, a Michelin restaurant that never ceases to innovate and surprise.

 

 

As you have read in this itinerary, Calella de Palafrugell has everything you could possibly wish for: beaches with the finest sand, enchanting natural areas and a diverse cultural agenda throughout the year. Book your holiday home in Calella de Palafrugell and discover this gem of Girona's coast yourself! You will find yourself wishing that your holiday never ends!