There are many reasons to visit the dazzling region of Catalonia, from art to beaches, and from food to historic sights, the towns and cities here have it all. Among the many jewels of the area, Calella is certainly high up when it comes to having significant pull for tourists who might enjoy a more nuanced holiday. Of course, the seaside backdrop and stunning regional cuisine don’t hurt the cause, but what visitors that come here often find is that it’s the cultural delicacies that keep them sated.
Catalonia is one of the most historically significant areas anywhere on the Iberian Peninsula, so visitors to Calella will also be overjoyed at the interesting historic importance of many of the sites and the varied architecture. There is so much to see and do, but I’ve pulled together a short list of some of the absolute must-sees.
The Castle of Santa Florentina
For fans of historic architecture, the Castle of Santa Florentina is the first stop you’ll want to make on your itinerary. It is home to almost a millennium of history, and you’ll find much of this displayed in a fort that has multiple stylistic origins and influences. A guided tour of the castle reveals the many important historic events that have taken place here.
St Mary and St Nicholas Church
This church is a survivor, that’s for sure. It has stood here for centuries, through war and weather during that time, and still looks as imposing and impressive as ever. Its bell tower is a beacon that can be sighted from anywhere in Calella, making it very easy to find.
The Tourism Museum
For those seeking a meta experience, the tourism museum has just that on offer, as an exploration of how tourism has impacted the globe. It’s a real must-see when you’re in the town, and it provides a unique look at global travel – from the distant past all the way through to the present day.
The Archive Museum
Perhaps the main attraction for those looking to understand the town and region a bit more, this excellent museum is home to paintings as well as many examples of local textiles. This presents an artistic and material vision of Calella through the ages, as the town has always been a major textile producer. There are also exhibits on other important cultural facets of the town, as well.
Where to Stay
Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel is the place to go for stylish rooms and a boutique feel. The class of this place is in its design and finishes. The service here is also of a very high standard – they aim to give guests the ‘celebrity treatment’.
Hotel Bernat II is a top spot for those looking to be near the beach, with a great view from the balcony. It’s a straight forward option that delivers everything exactly as you’d hope it would. Guests can enjoy a spa and outdoor swimming pool to relax.
GHT Maritim offers comfortable, modern accommodation and is also home to an exceptional buffet restaurant, which is perfect for trying out a mix of local and international cuisine. There is a fantastic rooftop hot tub for guests to relax in, which will make your trip feel just that little bit more special.
How to Get There
To get to Calella you should fly into Barcelona Airport. Flights to Barcelona depart from all major UK airports and you have a good choice of airlines to fly with – including Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa and Iberian. With Barcelona Airport being such a popular destination, you can take advantage of a great selection of flights.
The journey takes around two hours from London, which is just enough time to enjoy an on-board glass of Spanish red while you prepare yourself to touch down in Catalonia! It’s my recommendation that you book a shuttle for an airport transfer, so that once you land you can quickly and enjoyably make your way from bustling Barcelona to the charming town of Calella. It certainly takes the hassle out of the onward journey if you don’t have to worry about public transport or queuing for cabs.
Types of Transfer
A Barcelona Airport transfer takes around 50 minutes for the 72 kilometre journey. How you make that transfer depends on what sort of budget you have and what is most important to you. There are a few different options to consider:
Taxi: If you’re looking for simplicity and convenience, a taxi is a good choice. The convenience of having pre-booked your transport and not having to wait for a cab in the queue at the airport is not to be underestimated.
Shuttle Bus: For those looking to save a bit of money, the shuttle bus transfer provides a good option to get from Barcelona Airport to Calella. It still does the journey nice and quickly, but there is a bit less of a luxury or relaxing feel to this type of service.
Private Transfer: To start your trip in the ultimate style, a private transfer from Barcelona to Calella offers the perfect combination of convenience and luxury. You’ll enjoy a luxurious ride courtesy of a knowledgeable and professional driver, who will ensure every need is met while you’re on the road.
Minibus Transfer: To make the most savings on your journey, or to maximise efficiency if travelling with a group, a minibus offers a great way of getting to your destination. Affordable and effective, it’s a fun way to travel, and you and your luggage will arrive without stress.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Whether you’re more focused on watching the budget, or ensuring that every aspect of your trip is as pleasant and luxurious as possible, the one thing that is for certain is that you need to get to your accommodation! With that in mind, choosing your airport transfer comes down, ultimately, to cost or convenience.
Cost: It goes without saying that the less luxurious options of the shuttle and minibus present very good value for money, and you can cover the 70 kilometres with efficiency and potentially with some new friends in tow.
Convenience: The most convenient options are undoubtedly the pre-booked taxi or private airport transfer. In each case, your waiting time will be minimal and your journey will be uninterrupted by other stops (unless you ask for them). This will also ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we are proud of our reputation as one of the leading providers of transfers across Europe and beyond. Our drivers are knowledgeable and professional and ensure that you make it to your destination with a smile on your face, ready to enjoy your holiday to its fullest. Our service is known for reliability and comfort, so why not check us out?
