Is Sant Antoni de Calonge good for a beach holiday?
Yes, Sant Antoni de Calonge is considered a great destination for a beach holiday. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful, long sandy beaches and a variety of coves. The area is well-suited for those seeking a Mediterranean getaway with a mix of relaxation, activities, and cultural experiences. The main beaches, like Platja de Sant Antoni and Platja de Torre Valentina, are known for their golden sand, tranquil waters, and excellent facilities, making them ideal for families and sun-seekers.
What are the beaches like in Sant Antoni de Calonge?
The beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge are known for their golden sand and generally calm, clear waters. The main beach, Platja de Sant Antoni, is about 1.5 kilometers long and has a gentle slope, making it family-friendly. Platja de Torre Valentina, another popular beach, features a mix of sand and small pebbles. Both offer good facilities like sun lounger rentals, showers, and toilets. There are also smaller, more secluded coves accessible via coastal paths for those seeking a quieter experience.
Can you swim in the sea at Sant Antoni de Calonge?
Yes, you can swim in the sea at Sant Antoni de Calonge. The waters are generally tranquil and clear, especially at the main beaches like Platja de Sant Antoni, which has a gentle slope into the sea, making it safe and pleasant for swimming. During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty at the main beaches.
Is Sant Antoni de Calonge family-friendly for a beach holiday?
Yes, Sant Antoni de Calonge is very family-friendly. The main beaches, such as Platja de Sant Antoni, have fine sand, shallow waters, and a gentle slope, making them safe for children. Many beaches offer amenities like children's clubs (Espai Nadó), play areas, and lifeguard services during summer. The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families.
Are there any beachfront hotels in Sant Antoni de Calonge?
Yes, there are several hotels located directly on or very close to the beach in Sant Antoni de Calonge. Options like Hotel Rosamar and Hotel Reimar offer beachfront locations with sea views. Staying at a beachfront hotel provides convenient access to the sea and promenade.
When is the best time to visit Sant Antoni de Calonge for beaches?
The best time for a beach holiday in Sant Antoni de Calonge is typically from July to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water temperature is ideal for swimming. June and September can also be excellent choices, offering pleasant weather with fewer crowds compared to the peak months of July and August.
Are the beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge crowded?
During the peak summer months of July and August, the main beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge can be quite lively and attract a moderate number of visitors. However, they generally maintain a relaxed atmosphere and don't feel overwhelmingly crowded. Outside of these peak times, you can often enjoy the beaches in a more serene and peaceful setting. Smaller coves might offer a quieter experience even in high season.
What facilities are available at the beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge?
The main beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge, like Platja de Sant Antoni and Platja de Torre Valentina, are well-equipped with facilities. These typically include sun lounger and umbrella rentals, showers, toilets, lifeguard services (in summer), and beach bars or restaurants nearby. Some beaches also offer access ramps for people with reduced mobility and spaces for water sports.
Are there quiet or hidden beaches near Sant Antoni de Calonge?
Yes, besides the main beaches, Sant Antoni de Calonge and its surroundings offer several quieter coves (calas) that can be reached by following coastal paths like the Camí de Ronda. Examples include Cala del Paller, Cala Cap Roig, Cala del Pi, and Cala de Roques Planes. These coves often provide a more natural and tranquil setting.
How do you get to the beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge?
The main beaches like Platja de Sant Antoni are centrally located and easily accessible on foot if you are staying in town. They can also be reached by car, with parking available nearby (though it can be paid and fill up in peak season), or by local bus. Some of the smaller coves might require a walk along coastal paths.
What's the difference between Sant Antoni de Calonge beaches and Platja d'Aro beaches?
Sant Antoni de Calonge generally offers a more relaxed and family-oriented beach atmosphere with long, wide sandy stretches. Platja d'Aro, its neighbour, is known for being a livelier resort town with a large main beach (Platja Gran) that also has many amenities but can feel more bustling. Both have beautiful coves along the Camí de Ronda coastal path that connects them, offering varied experiences between the two towns.
Are there water sports available at Sant Antoni de Calonge beaches?
Yes, Sant Antoni de Calonge offers various water sports. You can find opportunities for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing. Rental shops along the beach provide equipment, and some areas, like Torre Valentina beach, host sailing clubs. The calm waters of the bay are well-suited for these activities.
Is there a promenade along the beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge?
Yes, Sant Antoni de Calonge features a long and pleasant promenade (Passeig Marítim) that stretches along its main beaches. It's ideal for walking, cycling, and accessing the various beach sections, restaurants, and shops. The promenade connects Sant Antoni de Calonge with Palamós to the north.
What is the sand like on Sant Antoni de Calonge beaches?
The main beaches in Sant Antoni de Calonge, such as Platja de Sant Antoni and Es Monestri, generally have fine golden sand. Some coves or parts of beaches like Torre Valentina might have a mix of sand and small pebbles or coarser sand.
Is Sant Antoni de Calonge just a beach resort, or is there more to see?
While Sant Antoni de Calonge is renowned for its beaches, it's the coastal part of the larger municipality of Calonge, which also includes a medieval hilltop village located about 4 km inland. This allows visitors to combine a beach holiday with cultural visits to Calonge Castle and the historic old town. The area also offers coastal paths (Camí de Ronda) for scenic walks and hiking opportunities in the nearby Gavarres hills.
