Calella Lighthouse and its surroundings: history and a must-see walk
The Calella Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Calella and on the Maresme Coast, not only for its historical significance but also for the walk and the views it offers. Before the current lighthouse was built, there was already a watchtower to guard against Algerian pirates, which is why this spot in Calella has always been considered a strategic location.
The construction of the current lighthouse was overseen by Marià Parellada and began in 1856, as part of a major government plan to illuminate the Spanish coastline. It was inaugurated on 15 December 1859 with a lens manufactured in Paris.
The Calella Lighthouse is situated on Capaspre, a promontory some 50 metres above sea level, which initially operated using oil, then paraffin and petroleum, and was electrified in 1927. During the Civil War (1936), it was switched off and an anti-aircraft battery was installed; it was bombed and temporarily taken out of service. The lighthouse’s light reaches a distance of around 35 miles and is identified on nautical charts by its flashes, 3 and 2, every 30 seconds. It is the oldest working lighthouse in Catalonia and is classified as a third-order lighthouse.
Since 2011, Calella Lighthouse has been home to the Calella Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, which explains the history of optical telegraphy, maritime communications and the lighthouse’s relationship with the sea, the land and the town. It is open all year round.
- Opening hours: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00-14:00.
- Prices: standard admission €2, concessions €1. On the first Sunday of the month, admission is free.
It also offers one of the best viewpoints in the Maresme area
How to get to Calella Lighthouse?
Getting to Calella Lighthouse by bus
Sagalés is the transport company that operates the bus routes stopping near Calella Lighthouse. If you’re already in Calella, we recommend route 691, which stops at “Apartaments Codina”, and from there you can continue on foot.
From Barcelona, there are several routes that go to Calella; even from Barcelona Airport, you can get there easily on routes 603 – 618 – N82 and N83.
From Girona, the Sagales line 605 (Canet – Calella – Blanes – Girona Airport) usually only operates during the summer, running from late June to early September. Check the timetables.
From Barcelona, leave the city via the C-31 and join the C-32 towards Girona. Take Exit 117 for Sant Pol de Mar and continue along the BV-5128 towards Calella. At the roundabout at the entrance to Calella, make a U-turn; you will find the exit for Calella Lighthouse, which leads up to the lighthouse car park via Calle Torrent dels Frares.
From Girona, take the A-2 / N-II at Fornells de la Selva towards Barcelona. At Tordera, take the C-32 and take exit 122. Enter Calella and continue along Calle Sant Jaume. After passing through Calella, you will find the exit for the Calella Lighthouse, which leads up to the lighthouse car park via Calle Torrent dels Frares.
Getting to Calella Lighthouse on Foot
From Garbí Beach, there is an underpass beneath the railway line to cross the N-II towards Barcelona, followed by a climb up to the lighthouse. Along this route, you will also find the path leading to the watchtowers, which are very close to the lighthouse.
The walk to the lighthouse is one of the area’s classic routes, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the entire Maresme coastline, ideal for both tourists and locals. The path is easy, with both tarmac sections and footpaths (approximate duration: 20–40 minutes).
The Calella Lighthouse combines three things that are hard to find together: history, scenery and a pleasant walk.
From our hotel in Calella, you’ll be just a short walk away from a beautiful viewpoint.
