Just 50 kilometres from Barcelona, the Catalonian coastal town of Calella feels like it’s an absolute world away. Even though it’s very popular with tourists, and there’s always a lot going on in terms of entertainment and cultural events in this vibrant Maresme coastal town, it somehow remains relaxed, laidback, and perennially authentic.
Discover Calella’s Culture
Whether you’ve chosen Calella for a two-week standalone holiday, or as a two-day break from a base in Barcelona, it’s got you covered in terms of cultural attractions. Here are some ideas that will help you satisfy the need to scratch below the surface and learn a little more about this fascinating region.
Day One: Explore the History of the Old Town
While it may be overused advice, the way to a destination’s soul is generally through its Old Town. The reason it’s such a cliche is that it’s true: so much history and heritage can be read on the ancient streets and buildings that make up the heart of where a city or town was first established – and Calella is no exception.
The centrepiece of the Old Town is the Church of Santa Maria and Sant Nicolau, which dates back to 1747 (although it was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and rebuilt in 1940-51). Located in the Plaça de l’Església, its simple Neoclassical lines, and charming, light interiors make for a serene haven of spirituality, and a delightful place for some quiet contemplation.
As you wander around the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town, you’ll encounter numerous other buildings built in the Renaissance style of architecture. In fact, the area is so beautifully well-preserved, it’s regularly used in film, television, and advertising productions. Take your time to savour the history of the streets, and when it’s time for lunch or dinner, duck into one of the tiny tapas bars or restaurants, grab a table and watch the world go by. The perfect day…
Day Two: The Lighthouse and the Torretes de Calella
The Lighthouse: The subject of countless photographs and picture postcards, the Calella Lighthouse is a true symbol of the town. Although it’s part of the town’s more recent history (it was completed in 1859), it is no less important to the heritage of the region. Originally the famous light was powered by oil, but in later years it graduated to paraffin, petrol and, finally, electricity (in 1927). The light illuminates five beams every thirty seconds and can be seen from sea up to a distance of 35 miles. Along with its important history, another reason to visit the lighthouse is to take in the stunning views over the beach and out to the horizon from its tranquil, elevated vantage.
Torretes de Calella: Located close to the lighthouse at the top of the mountain known locally as Capaspre, these impressive stone towers dating back to 1848 and 1857 were used for a form of communication known as “optical telegraphy”. The earlier one was a military installation, while the second was built side-by-side for civilian use. There is some interesting information on boards, which gives you an insight into their past life. Again, the magnificent views from these historical turrets are well worth the effort expended to get there.
Both these highlights are located about 25 minutes’ along the boardwalk from town. If you grab your camera and head out there for sunset over the ocean, you definitely won’t regret it…
Where to Stay
Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel: Just 100m from the beach and delivering everything on the doorstep, this stylish hotel offers world-class service and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TVs, and high-quality appointments. One of the highlights of Sant Jordi is the large Thalasso Spa, where guests receive two hours a day free to access its amenities, which include pools, baths, showers and jets.
Hotel Dwo Les Palmeres: Located a two-minute walk from the beach, this welcoming hotel features bright, comfortable rooms with balconies and free Wi-Fi. Onsite facilities include a large swimming pool, a sauna, a roof terrace with views, and a Mediterranean restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area and Calella’s restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Vistas al Mar Gran Terraza: Superbly located right on the beachfront, this sophisticated apartment is spacious, light-filled and appointed with everything you need for a comfortable, hassle-free holiday. With two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a lovely terrace with sea views, it’s a home-from-home only better! Guests have access to the lovely garden, and the building has a solarium and a lift.
How to Get There
Getting to your short break in Calella is as easy as booking a ticket and getting ready to relax! The most convenient way of arriving is to fly into Barcelona Airport. The flight time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes, with operators including British Airways, easyJet, Tui, and Jet2 offering various flight times to suit your needs. Prices start from £26 one way at the cheapest time of the year.
Once you land at the airport, the best way to ensure a quick and pain free journey to your final destination is by pre-booking a transfer with Shuttle Direct. Getting from Barcelona Airport to Calella is easy on one of our shared or private services. A friendly local driver will be waiting at the airport to whisk you to Calella to begin your holiday.
Overview
UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours, 20 mins approx.
BCN to Calella Distance: 73 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 49 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, we understand the need to provide different services to suit a range of budgets and requirements. Getting from Barcelona Airport to Calella is a simple matter of choosing which of our airport transfers is best for you.
If you like the idea of a door-to-door service, but don’t like standing around wasting time in a taxi queue, one of our convenient, pre-booked taxis is a great option to get you from Barcelona to Calella. Your driver will be waiting as soon as your flight has landed, and you’ll be on the road to your accommodation without any delays.
If saving money is a priority, and you don’t mind if you travel with other passengers, our Calella transfers on a convenient shuttle bus might be the best option for you. From a designated meeting point at the airport, you’ll board the shuttle bus along with other passengers, and you’ll be taken to a central point at your destination. While it lacks the door-to-door convenience of a private service, the cost savings are significant.
For the ultimate luxury, when money isn’t an object and you just want the most stylish and hassle free way of starting your holiday, a private Barcelona transfer with Shuttle Direct will give you everything you’re looking for. When you land at the airport, a professional driver will meet you inside the terminal, then you’ll travel in a comfortable, high-end vehicle right to the door of your accommodation.
If you’re travelling with a large group of family or friends, getting from Barcelona to Calella on a minibus transfer will make the logistics much easier. The larger capacity vehicle means that everyone can travel together, and there’s plenty of room for the associated luggage. Because it’s exclusive to you and your group, this is a door-to-door service – making things even easier.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Which is the right airport transfer to suit your individual needs is a choice only you can make, because everyone has different priorities. In our many years servicing the industry, here at Shuttle Direct we understand that the choice invariably comes down to cost and convenience.
Cost: If saving money is of interest to you, and you’d rather spend your holiday cash on something more interesting than your airport transfer, one of our shared shuttle bus services will be perfect for you. As long as you don’t mind travelling with other passengers, there’s no compromise on safety or comfort, and you might even make some new friends!
Convenience: But if your non-negotiables are travelling alone and the ultimate door-to-door convenience, you’d be well advised to book one of our luxury private services or a pre-booked taxi to get you from the airport at Barcelona to Calella.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we offer outstanding onward ground transport to and from a huge range of airports all over Europe and the rest of the world. From budget-beating shared shuttle buses to the ultimate in private luxury airport transfers, we’ve got you covered no matter who you are and how you like to travel.
