On the coast of Maresme there is a point where the sea and the horizon merge and the breeze seems to bring us stories of sailors who have been crossing these waters for centuries. From here, the entire Catalan coastline is dominated, as if we were lookouts waiting for medieval pirates, from the Maresme and the beaches of Barcelona to the rocks of the Costa Brava.
That place is the Far de Calella, the oldest functioning lighthouse in Catalonia. Inaugurated in 1859, when Calella was barely a fishing port, it has been guiding sailors and captivating those who come to this cliff for more than 160 years. Located 50 meters above sea level, its light not only continues to mark the maritime route: it also marks one of the best natural viewpoints of the Barcelona coast.
The climb up to it is part of the plan. A short walk from the center of Calella, among pine trees and viewpoints, that prepares you for the final view of the Mediterranean, with the Costa Brava to the north and, on clear days, the silhouette of Montjuïc to the south.
How to get there from Barcelona
The lighthouse is less than an hour by train from Barcelona-Sants or Barcelona-Passeig de Gràcia station (line R1 direction Maçanet-Massanes). Get off at Calella and, from there, just walk for about 10 minutes following the signs to “Far de Calella”. The path is easy, with a slight climb, and offers postcard views even before you get there.
If you visit in summer , go down to the cove of Les Roques, right at the foot of the cliff, to close the excursion with a swim.