Calella de Palafrugell
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Calella de Palafrugell - by Zsanett Herczegh from Pixabay
Description
Calella de Palafrugell is a fishing village on the Costa Brava in north-eastern Catalonia. It is also popular as a holiday resort but doesn't sport the mass tourism of some of the regional alternatives. Besides its traditional charming narrow streets and white painted houses (the original area next to the sea at least), the village is blessed by picturesque surroundings made of small beaches and coves. Northward, there is a coastal path going to the next village of Llafranc and 2km south is Cap Roig headland with its botanical gardens.
Access & Transport
The village is 130km / 1h30' drive from Barcelona (AP-7 two-thirds of the way then C-35 and C-31). It is 45-50km / 45-55' from Girona (depending which road you take) and the closest train station is in Flaçà or Girona from where there are bus services. More info here: https://visitpalafrugell.cat/en/what-you-will-find/how-to-get-there/
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest staying overnight if you enjoy the seaside setting. As a day trip from Girona it can be combined with the ruins of Empuries.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Neutral from a social perspective as tourism provides economic activity to the community but there is a now clear case of over-commercialization, and the town is increasingly expensive for residents.
Conclusion
The village of Calella de Palafrugell is a great option for a day trip or one/two night(s) stay for somebody looking for a seaside break in a traditional Spanish village with access to excellent seafood. We would not recommend it if your primary criteria is the beach though, as the local ones are not the type to be enjoyed for a week of suntanning and kids running.
Key positive
Village has not been submerged by mass tourism (yet)
Charming village with scenic surroundings
Key negative
Prices getting increasingly expensive
Suitability
The village is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, but the beaches are not equipped for it and neither is the coastal path to Llafranc
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo