Calella de Palafrugell, an ancient fishing village

Calella de Palafrugell is a stunning, ancient fishing village in the province of Girona with 1000 inhabitants living there the whole year, but whose number multiplies during summer months. It stands out as one of the few places on the Costa Brava, which still preserves the charm of the area's villages before the arrival of mass tourism, with narrow streets, some traditional two-floor fishermen's dwellings, and incredible coves.

Located on a privileged, rocky coast spot surrounded by small coves with crystal clear water, this old fishing village has managed to preserve all its charm thanks to maintaining the old part in perfect condition. For sure, you will fall in love with the old town of Calella de la Palafrugell as soon as you arrive, as it is characterised by narrow streets and fishermen's houses with white façades that have not been altered for a long, long time.

Besides being a holiday destination for sun and beach chosen by many Catalonian people, Calella de Palafrugell is also perfect for hiking routes along the Camins de Ronda and tasting the delicious gastronomy, which mostly includes rice dishes, fish and seafood. In this story, I will share some of my favourite places to visit in this coastal town. 

Playa de Port Bo

Taking a refreshing dip at Port Bo beach, also known as the beach of the boats and one of the best beaches of the Costa Brava is a must in Calella de Palafrugell. On the coarse sand of the beach rest the small, colourful fishermen's boats, while in front of the sea, you can find the fishermen's houses, whose beautiful vaulted arches, known as "les voltes", will get your attention. This area is also perfect for eating a rice dish in one of the many restaurants in Calella de Palafrugell with sea views. 

Keep in mind that if you travel at the beginning of July, this beach is the site of the popular "cantada de habaneras", which brings together tourists from all over the world to listen to songs that address the sailors and emigrants on their voyages to Cuba.

Old Quarter

Behind Port, Bo Beach is a small network of streets forming the most beautiful part of the old town and one of the must-see places in Calella de Palafrugell. These narrow streets, such as Les Voltes and La Gravina, surrounded by two-storey white houses with sloping tiled roofs and decorated with flowers, have become my favourite places in the town, as I really love these types of picturesque views. Therefore, do not miss going for a walk around this part of the town and taking some beautiful photos for future memories. 

Punta dels Burricaires

This spot is between Port Pelegrí Beach and La Platgeta Cove and is undoubtedly the best viewpoint to fully get the best views of Calella de Palafrugell. From this tongue of rock that juts out several metres into the sea and culminates in a circular seat on which the Catalan flag stands, you will have the best location for taking authentic postcard photos of Port Bo Beach and the entire group of white houses that make up this charming town and which has also become one of the main images that best represent Calella de Palafrugell.

I really think we should all highly value these kinds of towns as it is not so common to see places that have not changed very much over the last years due to mass tourism. So do not miss a visit to Calella de Palafrugell, an ancient fishing village in the province of Girona that still preserves its charm and is best known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Port Bo, its stunning old town, and its popular viewpoint Punta dels Burricaires.