Calella de Palafrugell: Beaches, Map and What to Expect

By CostaMap · Published 22 June 2026 · last reviewed 11 August 2026
Researched and written by an AI editorial system, checked against primary sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.

Calella de Palafrugell is a whitewashed former fishing village turned low-key resort, and the heart of the Costa Brava’s summer Cantada d’Havaneres sea-shanty tradition.

Region: Baix Empordà Province: Girona Type: Fishing village Known for: Havaneres Coast: Coves & arches

Why visit Calella de Palafrugell

Calella de Palafrugell is one of the prettiest villages on the central Costa Brava, a former fishing settlement of low whitewashed houses set around small coves and rocky inlets. Distinctive white arches line the seafront, and fishing boats still pull up on the little beaches. Each summer the village hosts the Cantada d’Havaneres, a celebrated evening of havaneres sea shanties sung by the water. Low-key and scenic, it keeps a calmer feel than the bigger resorts.

Fishing village

Whitewashed

A former fishing village of low whitewashed houses around small coves.

Seafront arches

Distinctive

Distinctive white arches line the seafront above the little beaches.

Havaneres

Summer tradition

Each summer it hosts the Cantada d’Havaneres, an evening of sea shanties by the water.

Coves

Rocky inlets

Small coves and rocky inlets line the coast around the village.

Low-key

Calmer feel

It keeps a calmer, more traditional feel than the bigger resorts.

Practical information

Getting there: on the central Costa Brava in Girona province; about 45 minutes by car from Girona–Costa Brava airport (GRO).
What to do: wander the whitewashed seafront and coves, and walk the coastal path toward Llafranc.
Good to know: the Cantada d’Havaneres is held in summer and draws large crowds.
Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn; July for the havaneres.

Explore more of the Costa Brava

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