Free walking tours in Calafell and what to see

Must-sees

Calafell, on the Baix Penedès coast, has two sides: the old village, a little back from the sea, and the beach area. In the village are the castle of Santa Creu, with its Romanesque church, and a small centre with quiet streets. By the coast is the Iberian Citadel of Calafell, an Iberian settlement rebuilt on its original remains. It is an educational visit and very suitable for children.

Calafell beach is long, with fine sand and shallow water, and a lively promenade. On it is Casa Barral, the former summer house of the publisher and poet Carlos Barral, now a museum. To the east stretches Segur de Calafell. A few kilometres away are El Vendrell, with the Pau Casals house museum, as well as Tarragona and Sitges.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are rare in Calafell. The usual are guided visits to the Iberian Citadel, sometimes with historical re-enactments, and some walks around the old village. The most interesting trips go to Tarragona, with its Roman remains declared a World Heritage Site, and to the Penedès to visit cava cellars. It is also easy to take the train to Barcelona and join a free walking tour of the old town there.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to see the Iberian Citadel, the castle and the old village. You can spend the rest on the beach and the promenade. If you stay several days, split your time with trips: a day in Tarragona, another in Sitges or at a Penedès winery, and another in Barcelona. That way you combine sea, history and city without spending too long on the road.

Where to stay

For a beach holiday, the best area is the Calafell Platja seafront, near the promenade and the restaurants. If you want more calm, Segur de Calafell is more residential and quiet. If you want to take the train to Barcelona or Tarragona, choose somewhere near Calafell or Segur de Calafell station. The old village is quieter, but further from the sea.