Calella de Palafrugell: Port Bo, Coastal Path and Sea

Coastline and Townscape

Calella de Palafrugell preserves narrow streets, houses with sloping tiled roofs and some traditional two-storey fishermen’s houses in its townscape. The Sant Roc–Tres Pins coastal path, which forms part of the GR-92, runs along the waterfront of Calella de Palafrugell. Those who walk it can allow approximately 30 minutes of walking time.

The combination of the waterfront, coastal path and fishermen’s houses makes several characteristic elements of the town visible within a small area. The path bears the names Sant Roc and Tres Pins and is also part of the wider route of the GR-92.

Other places: Llafranc, Llofriu, Tamariu.

Port Bo and History

Port Bo was initially the natural harbour of Palafrugell and later developed into a centre of commercial and fishing activity. The Port Bo sector of Calella de Palafrugell was protected on 25 July 1995 as a cultural asset of national interest in the category of a historic ensemble.

Thus, Port Bo’s former harbour function and its later classification as a protected historic ensemble exist side by side. Commercial and fishing activity forms part of the development of the town, while the protection order records the sector’s stated historic status.

The Calella watchtower at Tres Pins was built in 1597 to monitor the pirate attacks of the time. On Port Bo beach, the Cantada d'Havaneres de Calella takes place on the first Saturday in July.

Maritime Heritage

Sa Perola is a former dye house for fishing nets belonging to the fishermen’s guild of Sant Pere in Calella. It houses the tourist information office and an interpretation centre on fishing in Calella and the municipality’s maritime heritage.

Sa Perola was probably built in the 18th century. Sa Perola can be visited free of charge during the opening hours of the tourist information office; the opening hours therefore define the time frame for this visit.

The building thus combines its former function of dyeing fishing nets with today’s facilities for providing information about and interpreting the maritime heritage. Visits remain subject to the opening hours of the tourist information office located there.

Sant Pere Church

Construction work on Sant Pere de Calella Church began in 1854. The foundation stone was laid in 1885, the roof was added in 1886, and the vault, presbytery and bell tower were built in 1887.

The dates given mark several stages in the building’s history: the start of the work was followed by the laying of the foundation stone, the addition of the roof and the completion of further structural elements in 1887.

The interior of Sant Pere de Calella Church is decorated with scenes from the life of Saint Peter. These scenes were created by the painter Raimon Roca Ricart, who lived from 1917 to 2013.

Sea and Cuisine

Calella de Palafrugell offers opportunities for snorkelling and diving, allowing visitors to observe a diverse marine world. The Cantada d'Havaneres links Port Bo beach with the first Saturday in July.

Culinary Traces

La Garoinada in Calella de Palafrugell included the restaurants El Balcó de Calella and El Càntir Hotel Alga.

To the main travel overview: Palafrugell.