Calafell, once a small fishing village in the north of the Costa Dorada, is a lively and very popular resort just sixty kilometres from Barcelona airport. Calafell’s popularity is mainly due to its long expanse of golden sand and clear shallow waters. With its vast range of accommodation, numerous restaurants and good shopping facilities Calafell appeals to a wide variety of people.
There are many reasons why Calafell, on Spain’s golden coast, is an ideal holiday destination and five kilometres of golden sand is only one of them. Safe tepid seas and water sports, together with nearby golf courses and a guarantee of summer sun all combine to make Calafell a holiday to remember.
Calafell attracts very many visitors from Britain every year. Families with small children can enjoy the beach life where the sand is perfect for building castles and the shallow sea is safe. Those with an interest in water sports will be pleased with the variety of activities offered from the beach. Calafell also has an excellent golf course.
The most popular time to holiday in Calafell is from April to October when the temperature ranges from a very pleasant twenty degrees rising to thirty degrees in the height of summer.
Calafell, at the northern end of the Costa Dorada, has had a long history, evidence of which is found in the remains, recently excavated, of a fortress dating from 500 BC, as well as the ruins of a Roman Villa and a medieval castle which stands guard above the town. Calafell has always been a fishing port and now boasts a modern marina filled with yachts and pleasure boats of all sizes.
Calafell’s main asset is its beach. Here you will find five kilometres of soft golden sand washed by the clear waters of the Mediterranean. The sea is shallow offering safe bathing for children and less confident swimmers. It has to be said that the view inland from the beach is somewhat spoiled by the large hotels and apartment blocks but if you cast your eyes along the sand and out to sea, the vista is splendid. There is a range of water sports available from the beach to satisfy the more energetic holidaymaker. The promenade along the beach has a large number of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. As well as a plethora of shops, Calafell has markets twice a week where you can practise your bartering skills in search of holiday bargains.
Golfers will not be disappointed by the Golf la Graiera Club which is an interesting course for both professionals and amateurs. It lies in a beautiful setting surrounded by woodland and lakes and has some challenging holes.
Calafell holiday accommodation caters for all budgets and includes all-inclusive hotels, villas, self-catering apartments and studios. Restaurants provide diverse menus accommodating most palates and there are retailers to satisfy most shoppers. Those who wish for a wider range of goods can take a trip to Barcelona.
Calafell is only a short distance from the Aventura Theme Park, one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It offers an exciting day for adults as well as children with some awe-inspiring rides that are not for the faint-hearted.
Although Calafell is a fairly lively resort with pubs and music bars, it is not a resort that parties until dawn. Evenings are spent strolling along the promenade enjoying a meal or a drink under the stars.
There are plenty of opportunities for shopping in Calafell. Traditional souvenirs and gifts such as leather goods and ceramics can be found in the street markets on Tuesdays and Fridays. Serious shoppers can visit Barcelona which is only a short bus ride away.
Calafell has a wide variety of bars and restaurants catering for most tastes. There are a number of English style pubs as well as fast food outlets where those with a less adventurous palate can eat familiar food. Menus include traditional local dishes such as paella, tortillas, tapas and chorizo and an extensive choice of international cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home. Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive. Children are always made welcome and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
