We’ve covered many aspects of Calella in the past: its rich and vibrant culture, its welcoming locals, and lively nightlife – but its charms don’t end there. This destination is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the lush green hills of the Montnegre Natural Park, Calella offers a variety of open-air activities perfect for travellers who want more than just sun and sangria. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or someone who simply enjoys being outside, Calella’s outdoors invites you to explore. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best ways to enjoy the natural side of Calella, from scenic hikes and bike rides to beach sports that keep you moving while you soak up the sun.
- Hiking: Discover Calella’s Natural Backdrop
- Biking: Coastal Rides and Mountain Challenge
- Beach Sports: Fitness with a Sea Breeze
- Outdoor Fitness & Wellness
- Events for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Final Tips
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Hiking: Discover Calella’s Natural Backdrop
Just beyond the beaches and promenades lies the stunning Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, a sprawling, forested area that feels a world away from the bustle of the town centre. Calella serves as a fantastic base for accessing this natural haven.
One of the most popular trails is the Calella to Canet de Mar coastal path, offering incredible views of the Mediterranean along rugged cliffs and pine-covered hillsides. This moderately challenging trail measuring 8.75km takes around two to three hours round trip, and offers plenty of Instagram-worthy viewpoints.
If you’re looking for something with a goal at the end, head inland toward Sant Andreu de l’Arboceda, a hidden 11th-century hermitage in the hills. It’s a longer hike, and you’ll face some elevation, but the silence and sense of history when you arrive make it well worth the effort.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water – many trails are exposed to the sun, especially in summer.
Biking: Coastal Rides and Mountain Challenges
Calella is a cyclist’s dream. In fact, it’s a training hub for professional cycling teams during the off-season thanks to its varied terrain and excellent road quality.
If you’re new to cycling, or want a gentle ride, start with the Passeig de Manuel Puigvert, a palm-lined promenade that hugs the beach for several kilometres. It’s flat, scenic, and ideal for families or casual riders.
For more serious cyclists, the Calella–Sant Pol de Mar–Arenys de Munt loop provides a rewarding 40–60 km round trip through coastal towns and hilly backroads. The climbs are moderate but steady, with plenty of places to stop for coffee or a sea view.
Need a bike? Several local shops offer bike rentals and guided tours, so you don’t need to bring your own gear to enjoy the experience.
Beach Sports: Fitness with a Sea Breeze
Calella’s three main beaches – Platja Gran, Platja de Garbí, and Platja de les Roques – aren’t just for sunbathing. They also host a wide range of beach activities, from group sports to solo water-based fun.
Beach Volleyball & Football
Platja de Garbí often sets up volleyball and football courts during the high season. Join a local match or organise your own game with friends or fellow travellers. It’s a great way to stay active and meet people.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Explore Calella’s rugged coastline and sea caves by renting a kayak or paddleboard. Paddle along the shore toward the quieter coves, or take a guided tour if you want local insight (and a safety net). Conditions are usually calm in the morning, making it ideal for beginners.
Jet Skiing & Parasailing
For those craving speed, jet ski rentals are available near the main beach area. Or if you’d rather go up than out, try parasailing – the views over Calella and the surrounding coastline from above are breathtaking.
Outdoor Fitness & Wellness
Not every outdoor adventure has to be adrenaline-fuelled. If you’re looking for a slower pace, Calella offers plenty of opportunities for open-air yoga, beachside stretching, or jogging along the promenade.
Local hotels and wellness groups often host morning yoga sessions on the sand or in shaded park areas. There’s also an outdoor gym zone near Platja de Garbí where locals and tourists do bodyweight workouts with a sea view.
Events for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Time your trip right and you might catch one of the town’s sporting events that celebrate outdoor fitness. The Ironman 70.3 Barcelona, for example, starts and ends in Calella and attracts competitors from across Europe. Even if you’re not participating, it’s an exciting event to witness.
Other local events include triathlons, cycling competitions, and group hikes organised by regional walking associations.
Final Tips
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and lightweight clothing suitable for quick changes in weather or activity. If you’re planning to go hiking, you should make sure that your shoes are sturdy with ankle supports. Some of the moderate trails will take you across rough and rocky ground.
- When to go: Spring and early autumn offer the best weather for outdoor activities – warm but not too hot, and less crowded.
- Where to stay: Look for accommodations close to the beach or the natural park entrance if you want easy access to hiking or water sports.
Calella is far more than a beach destination. Its outdoor scene offers something for every level of fitness and interest – from relaxed paddleboarding to challenging mountain biking routes. So next time you visit, step off the beach towel and out into the hills, the sea, and the trails. You’ll discover a side of Calella that’s just as exciting as its nightlife – and possibly even more rewarding.
Where to Stay
Hotel Mediterrani Express: Located just a few hundred yards from the beaches, Platja de Garbi and Platja Gran, this hotel is an ideal base for an action-packed holiday. You can rent bicycles and windsurfing gear from the hotel, and they’ll even arrange for you to access the nearby golf course. Guests can choose from a selection of modern rooms or apartments. All accommodation options boast a private balcony, air-con, WiFi and a safe. The studios also have a kitchenette and living room where you can unwind after a fun-filled day.
Hotel President: Ideally situated within walking distance of the beach and town centre, Hotel President offers state-of-the-art accommodation. Unwind in air-conditioned, well appointed rooms and sip a glass of wine on your private balcony as you watch the sun go down. If you want a break from the local activities, you can happily spend a day wandering the property’s 2,000 m²-landscaped gardens, and dipping into one of the three swimming pools. Hotel President also runs a Kids’ Club, a perfect solution if you’re hoping to try out an activity that the children might not be ready for.
GHT Maritim: If you spend your days hiking, windsurfing or biking you might well appreciate the access to the luxurious TLC that you’ll enjoy at GHT Maritim. With massage treatments, a sauna and an indoor pool, you can ease away those muscle pains. The roof-top terrace features a hot tub, and there’s an on-site restaurant and outdoor bar. If you have the energy, the town centre is only 5 minutes’ walk away, where you can pick from a wide range of cuisines. In the summer season the hotel offers organised beach activities for families – boredom will never be a problem for guests here!
How to Get There
Calella is equally accessible from Barcelona and Girona Airports. However, there are more frequent flights from the UK to Barcelona so it is the cheaper and more convenient option. Shuttle Direct provides a range of airport transfer services from Barcelona BCN to Calella, all of which can be booked in advance to make your journeys to and from the airport simple and stress-free. The usual suspects, Iberia, British Airways, Vueling Airlines, easyJet, and Ryanair, operate multiple daily direct flights from all the London airports, and from Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Edinburgh.
Overview
UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours, 20 mins approx.
BCN to Calella Distance: 73 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 50 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
To guarantee a prompt and reliable airport transfer from Barcelona Airport to Calella, you can choose from a range of options with us.
Taxi: When you pre-book one of our airport taxis from BCN to Calella, you can expect a vehicle to be waiting when you land because our professional drivers will track your flight. We are renowned for our great communication, so you can relax in the knowledge that no matter what challenges the airline throws your way, a car will be available and ready when you need it for your onward transportation.
Private Transfer: For a step up in terms of luxury and convenience, booking a Shuttle Direct private transfer from Barcelona to Calella means you’ll get one of our clean and modern, luxury vehicles with a helpful driver. They will meet you in person as you exit the Arrivals Hall, accompany you to the vehicle, and help you into your hotel. This is regarded as one of our most comfortable and recommended services for Calella transfers.
Shuttle Bus: Travellers who have a more relaxed schedule and want the most reasonably priced option for their transfer from BCN to Calella can book a seat on one of our reliable and punctual shuttle buses. These depart from a stop outside the terminal at regular intervals, and serve several stops conveniently located for the many accommodation options in Calella. You can expect a friendly service as well as on time departures and pickups.
Minibus Transfer: Calella is a great destination for watersports, so if you’re bringing your kit you should consider booking a minibus service for your airport transfer. With sufficient room for your gear and passengers, this option is recommended for both larger parties and for those travelling with additional luggage.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Customers frequently ask us which transfer from BCN to Calella would suit them best. As a market leader in airport transfers, you can be sure that whatever you choose will be reliable and good value for money.
Cost: For a Calella transfer that works for your budget, the best option is to reserve a seat on the shuttle bus. You aren’t going to get the same door-to-door service that an airport taxi or private vehicle transfer provides, but we have carefully selected a range of stops in Calella to ensure that you won’t need to walk far to reach your accommodation.
Convenience: If you’re looking to minimise the time and effort of your onward journey, or if you’re constrained by tight deadlines, our private transfers or airport taxis from BCN to Calella are the best options.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct transfers countless travellers from Barcelona to Calella every day, all year round. Our experienced and friendly drivers are dedicated to ensuring that you start and end your trip in comfort and with minimal stress. All you need to do is to arrange your airport transfer with us before you leave, and we’ll take care of the rest.
