The Beaches
Calella de Palafrugell is a coastal town formed by several coves that still preserve their charm, positioned along a rocky coastline scattered with small beaches and clear waters. The beaches include Platja Canadell and Platja del Port Malaspina, where you'll find the old fishing sheds with brightly painted doors where mariners once kept their boats and tools. The sand is golden, and the waves are gentle, making them suitable for families.
Sea front restaurants
Calella de Palafrugell is frequented mainly by residents from Barcelona escaping city life for the weekend, giving it a distinctly Spanish character. You won't find all-day English breakfasts here; instead, cobbled streets are lined with tapas bars, seafood restaurants by the beach and tavernas selling catch of the day.
Evenings
Calella de Palafrugell is known for its traditional Habaneras music, a nostalgic nod to the region's maritime heritage. The annual Cantada d'Havaneres gathering draws thousands to the beach at Port Bo for this distinctive musical tradition. During summer months, the Cap Roig Gardens host an outdoor music festival where artists perform against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
The evening atmosphere here differs from the busier Costa Brava resorts. Rather than nightclubs and large-scale entertainment, you'll find a more relaxed pace with dinner extending late into the evening at beachfront restaurants. The town comes alive with locals and visitors strolling the cobbled streets, pausing at tapas bars and wine cellars. The Summer Concert Cycle, organised by the Joventuts Musicals de Palafrugell, brings additional cultural programming to the area.
The whitewashed houses glow softly after dark, and the Mediterranean setting encourages unhurried evenings rather than high-energy nightlife. Some establishments offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy drinks with sea views as the day fades.
Shopping and markets
Shopping in Calella de Palafrugell maintains an intimate, local character. Small stores cluster near the picturesque Port Bo, where visitors can find unique souvenirs, local handicrafts, and clothing, as well as local ingredients. Several boutiques specialise in beachwear, with swimsuits, cover-ups and accessories suited to the coastal setting.
