Calella de Palafrugell, in Girona’s Baix Empordà, is one of the Costa Brava towns that has drawn celebrity attention in recent summers. Local reports have linked visits to the area with Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Lionel Messi.
The town sits on a stretch of coast known for clear water, small coves and a mix of beaches. That combination has helped make it a regular choice for visitors looking for a quieter seaside break in Catalonia.
Calella’s coastline covers more than 500 metres and includes nine official beaches and coves. Some are small and more secluded, while others are easier to reach and better suited to families. Among the named spots are Port de Malaespina, Port Pelegrí, Cala de Sant Roc and Els Canyissos.
Port de Malaespina is in the town centre and has coarse sand and stones. Port Pelegrí is more central and tends to be busier. Cala de Sant Roc is a small cove in a residential area, framed by rocks, cliffs and old fishermen’s houses. Els Canyissos is also set among former fishermen’s homes and is nearly 100 metres long.
Beyond the beaches, the town keeps a strong maritime character, with wooden boats on the sand, whitewashed houses and arched porches. Port Bo and Les Voltes are among the best-known parts of the old centre, and the Church of Sant Pere, built in the late 19th century, is another local landmark.
The municipality also includes the Castell-Cap Roig Protected Natural Area and the Cap Roig Gardens, which look out over the Girona coastline. For more Catalonia coverage, see our news page.