Calella de Palafrugell Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Calella, Cala Calella
Calella de Palafrugell is one of the best-preserved traditional fishing villages on the Costa Brava — a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of traditional 'habanera' song and whitewashed houses. The anchorage is less practical than neighbouring bays due to a rocky and Posidonia-mixed bottom, but the setting justifies the care needed. The July Cantada d'Havaneres (sea shanty festival) is one of Catalonia's most beloved cultural events, drawing boats from across the coast.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
41°52.5'N 003°09.4'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, rock, Posidonia
Holding
Fair HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE
Exposed To
S, SE, SW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m minimum given fair holding on mixed bottom. Snorkel to verify anchor placement before setting alarm.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreePosidonia Alert — Critical
Posidonia oceanica meadows are present in this anchorage. Before dropping anchor, use the free DONIA app to identify sandy patches. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Spanish Law 42/2007 — fines up to €200,000 in the Javea/Costa Brava region. Yellowish-green patches visible from the surface indicate Posidonia — do not anchor there.
The Anchorage
Anchor in 3–6m in the sandy patches between rocks and Posidonia in the central bay. Holding is fair — the mix of rock, sand, and Posidonia means careful placement is important. Snorkel to verify. Open to S/SW/SE. The bay is picturesque but the holding is less reliable than Llafranc or Sa Riera.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Calella de Palafrugell is primarily sand and rock and Posidonia with variable holding that requires extra care and verification.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
- Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold. Visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand or rock.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Calella de Palafrugell are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m minimum given fair holding on mixed bottom. Snorkel to verify anchor placement before setting alarm.
May–October. July festival brings extreme crowds.
Navigation Hazards
- Mixed rocky/Posidonia bottom — snorkel to verify holding
- Rocky outcrops throughout bay — approach carefully at low speed
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Rocky areas extend from headlands — chart carefully.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Calella de Palafrugell village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Excellent restaurants in the village, 100m from dinghy landing.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- If anchoring here for the Cantada d'Havaneres festival (first Saturday of July), book a buoy position well in advance via the local fishing association.
- Calella is worth a dinghy landing from Llafranc (2nm) when the anchorage itself is too rocky.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions can change. Always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and the DONIA app for Posidonia mapping before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Calella de Palafrugell
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