Do you dream of an unforgettable holiday where tranquility, friendliness, culture and nature go hand in hand? Then book your next holiday to the beautiful yet little-known Calonge, originally a medieval village on the azure-blue sea of the Costa Brava. It is the ideal destination for families with children, but because of its central location on the Costa Brava, the town is also a perfect base for exploring the beautiful surroundings. With a whole range of sporting activities, sports-loving holidaymakers will find plenty to enjoy here. Do you want to know more about what there is to see and do in Calonge? Then read on!

Overview of Calonge

Calonge is situated on the bay of Palamós on the Costa Brava. This little-known place consists of a modern part and an old part that dates back to the 12th century. The old medieval village lies about 4 kilometres inland. Here you will discover the narrow, winding streets and squares with the old buildings that still have an authentic atmosphere. In the 18th century, when fishing became more important to the inhabitants of the region, a new part of Calonge, called Sant Antoni de Calonge was created right on the coast. Over the years, the fishing village grew into a pleasant seaside resort where you can enjoy the sun, sea and sand without being overrun by crowds of tourists.

The most beautiful beaches and coves in Calonge

When holidaying on the Costa Brava, you will no doubt visit the fine beaches and coves that line its 200 kilometres of coastline. Calonge is blessed with a number of pearls that you should not miss. Most beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, a guarantee of quality, safety and environmental protection.

Platja de San Antoni and Platja Es Monestri

The main beach, Platja de San Antoni, and neighbouring beach, Es Monestri, are beautiful golden sandy beaches loved by families with children. Directly behind the beach is the promenade, Passeig Maritim de Palamós, where you can stroll and people watch throughout the day and evening.

Cala Cap Roig

One of the most beautiful bays near Calonge is Cala Cap Roig. The striking rock at the beginning of the bay provides beautiful and idyllic pictures. The coarse sand and rocky bottom make Cala Cap Roig an excellent location for snorkelling or diving to admire the underwater world of the Mediterranean.

Platja Torre Valentina

At the end of the bay, a few hundred metres south of El Monestri is Torre Valentina Beach. The beach takes its name from the old watchtower that stands on a cliff there. Its fine, golden sand, facilities and location on a rocky point that marks the end of the bay make it the perfect place for a day of sun, sea and sand.

Cala Cristus and Platja de Ses Torretes

These two rocky beaches are relatively quiet, situated in a small bay south of Torre Valentina. The sand is coarser here than on the other sandy beaches, but that will not stop you from enjoying the azure water of the Mediterranean Sea.

Back to the Middle Ages in the old village

Narrow winding streets, pleasant squares and centuries-old buildings. The historic village of Calonge will take you back to the Middle Ages. The heart of the village is Castell de Calonge, which is the largest castle in the region. Unfortunately, the interior spaces are not open to the public, but a visit to the gardens and courtyard is possible and certainly worthwhile. Next to the castle is the Plaça Major, an attractive square lined with old buildings, where you can enjoy sitting on a terrace and taking in all the beauty around you.

A smaller, but equally nice castle to visit is Torre Lloreta. It was built in the 13th century and became a farm after it lost its original defensive function. Also visit Pere Caner, a former hospital with an unusual architectural style, which now houses the library. The old church and its cloister Santa Maria del Collet should also not be missed on your list of places to visit. On the coast, you can visit the old city walls and the defensive tower Torre Valentina, while a little inland is Villa Romana del Collet, the excavations of an old Roman villa.

Exceptional nature in Les Gavarres National Park

The Costa Brava is known for its exceptional nature and in the immediate vicinity of Calonge, you will find the most beautiful places, some of which are truly unique. One of the places you should not miss is Gavarres, a mountain range 18 kilometres from Calonge. Here you can drive, hike, cycle and even horseback ride. At 532 metres, Puig d’Arques is the highest point of the range. The area covers no less than 29,000 hectares and is criss-crossed by small rivers, ponds and lakes. Besides natural beauty, you will also find many monuments and several medieval villages. This variety makes a trip to Gavarnas one of the highlights of any holiday.

Sports and activities in Calonge

Are you sporty or do you like a day at the beach alternated with action? In that case, you definitely will not be bored in Calonge. There are plenty of activities you can do on your own or with a guide.

Hiking and cycling

Given the beautiful surroundings, it goes without saying that there are many hiking opportunities. You can explore on your own, but there are also marked trails that take you past the most beautiful spots. For example, walk a part of the famous Caminos de Ronda route or go with a guide to the nearby nature reserve Las Gavarres. Left your walking shoes at home? Explore the surroundings by bike. There are several places to rent a mountain bike or even a tandem. In the Officina de Turismo (tourist office), the staff will be happy to provide you with information about the available options.

Explore the region on horseback

A very special way to explore the surroundings is by horse. In the nature reserve Las Gavarres, this is particularly something you will not easily forget. Accompanied by a guide you will discover all the beautiful spots. While your horse runs over the paths in the forest and takes you past dolmens, rivers and villages, you will have plenty of time to look around and take in all the sights. If you want to make things easier for yourself, book a covered wagon tour, a real adventure for small children!

Water sports

When holidaying at the Costa Brava, the sea will be the focal point of your stay. Besides paddling or a refreshing dive in the water, there are many more activities on and in the water. The many bays in the area are ideal for discovering the underwater world with your snorkelling set. Whether you want to learn to dive or are an experienced diver, you can go further out to sea by boat with a guide. This way, you can admire the unique underwater flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea at the Medes Islands near l’Estartit.

Would you prefer to enjoy the azure-blue sea without going underwater? A popular water sport in this region is Patí de Vela, a typical Catalan sailing sport that is practiced in a special sailboat, without a boom or rudder. If you like speed, get on a jet ski and get splashed as you glide across the water. Or rent a sea kayak and paddle along the most beautiful hidden coves and beaches of Calonge and surroundings.

Estiu actiu: the activity programme for the whole family

Calonge is a true family destination. Therefore, every year in summer estiu actiu is organised, an activity programme for the whole family that is partly free. Young and old can participate in sports and games, cultural events and workshops. For children, there is the Kiddies Beach Club with activities such as crafts, building sandcastles and movie afternoons. You can leave them in peace while you enjoy a drink on the promenade or a good book on the beach. With an extensive programme of more than 100 activities, there’s always something fun to do and everyone can enjoy a great holiday in Calonge.

The finest villas and holiday homes in Calonge

Perhaps the most important aspect of your entire holiday is comfortable accommodation for you and your travelling companions. If you choose a holiday home or villa, you are guaranteed a nice place to stay. The children can play in the garden or pool, while you relax with a good book or enjoy a glass of wine during the sultry evenings. Book your holiday villa in Calonge at Club Villamar, where you are guaranteed of luxury, freedom and privacy. Which is exactly what you want on holiday, right? Discover here the best holiday homes and villas in Calonge for your dream holiday.

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If you want to learn more about holidays to Spain, read Holiday Spain – Find out all you need to know about the sunny destination Spain and get into the holiday mood.

Want to know more about the Costa Brava? Then read: Discover the beauty of the Costa Brava in Spain!