The Beaches
Calonge comprises two parts, a medieval hill village and modern seaside resort, with the main urban centre about 4km inland from the Bay of Sant Antoni. The coastal area, Sant Antoni de Calonge, offers the municipality's beaches and waterfront.
Sant Antoni beach is 1.5 kilometres long with fine sand, located in the urban environment and very popular with families with children, as it has shallow waters and is very spacious. The beach features T-shaped breakwaters along its length, built to prevent sand erosion. Beyond the main beach, Torre Valentina beach extends southward, named after its 16th-century watchtower and offering views across the bay towards Palamós.
Further along, small coves such as Cala de Cristus continue towards Cap Roig, a distinctive red rock formation. The rocky cove of Roques Planes is one of the most beautiful and peculiar of Sant Antoni de Calonge. A coastal path runs from Sant Antoni to Platja d'Aro with numerous small bays along the route, offering scenic walks between swimming spots. The waters here are clear and calm, suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling.
Restaurants
Sant Antoni de Calonge provides varied dining across its seafront promenade and surrounding streets. The modern promenade is where you find most of the life during summer months, and where you will find most of the nightlife and dining options. The restaurant scene includes traditional Catalan establishments alongside international options.
Many establishments feature terraces facing the sea, serving dishes with Catalan roots and international touches. The inland medieval village of Calonge also hosts restaurants, with some positioned near the 12th-century castle, offering traditional Empordà cooking in historic stone buildings. The dining atmosphere tends towards relaxed family meals rather than formal experiences, with many restaurants welcoming guests throughout the day.
Evenings
The nightlife in the neighbouring resorts of Palamós and Platja d'Aro starts at midnight and goes through until dawn, with lots of nightclubs to cater for all tastes. Sant Antoni de Calonge itself maintains a quieter evening atmosphere, with activity centring on the promenade where restaurants extend their service late into the evening.
Palamós features an old town filled with trendy wine bars, restaurants and cocktail bars, positioned about a 30-minute walk along the coast from Sant Antoni. The medieval village of Calonge occasionally hosts cultural events and outdoor concerts at its castle during summer months, though these are seasonal rather than nightly occurrences.
Shopping and markets
Every Wednesday morning the town has a street market on the promenade from 8am, where stalls sell fresh produce, clothing, and local goods. The quaint streets are lined with charming boutiques offering a variety of fashion styles and home decor, with local designers and unique pieces that capture Spanish elegance.
Sant Antoni de Calonge provides adequate shopping options for day-to-day needs, though for a wider variety of products and larger supermarkets, visiting nearby towns like Palamós or Platja d'Aro might be beneficial. Within Sant Antoni, you'll find supermarkets including Consum and Carrefour Market, along with smaller shops for beachwear, gifts, and essentials positioned near the seafront.
The medieval village of Calonge, 4km inland, maintains a more traditional shopping character with local artisan shops in its historic streets. Summer markets featuring crafts are located in the main square in Sant Antoni. For a comprehensive shopping experience including speciality stores, fishmongers, butchers, and broader selections of local produce and regional products, the nearby towns offer more extensive options whilst maintaining their Catalan character.
