CALELLA DE LA COSTA
This page is intended to recount the fantastic holiday I experienced staying in Calella on the beautiful Costa del Maresme, Spain. Unfortunately we only stayed there a week, and I'm missing it like crazy!!
We stayed in the Hotel Santa Monica and had a truly excellent time. The employees of the hotel were always friendly and ready to help you, the food was good, the prices were extrememly reasonable at the bar and poolside snack bar and the entertainment was unmissable. A lot of the time, we found it difficult to drag ourselves away from the hotel!! As for the resort of Calella, it is ideal. Not too loud and not too remote, coastal and scenic, yet with a plethora of nightclubs and pubs to suit everyone's tastes. Our hotel was literally metres away rom a nightclub, and not once did we notice any rowdy behaviour. There are plentiful supermarkets in the vicinity, as well as the inevitable tourist shops. Which, it has to be said, are actually quite cheap and full of interesting oddities to take home as gifts. Naturally you will find yourself buying the ubiquitous sombrero and castanets that become pointless once you get them back to England. One thing worth stocking up on, however, is the alcohol. It is *extrememly* cheap in comparison with our prices.
Calella is an ideal location for a holiday. You are so close to Barcelona that you absolutely must pay it a visit. Admire the architecture and cultural delights of this beautiful city - and don't forget to watch the magical musical fountains by night. I guarantee you will be enchanted.
The local train runs along the sea front, providing you witht he opportunity to travel further afield for very reasonable prices. I certainly do not advise driving in Spain. No offence, but the driving there is scary. As a pedestrian, it's scary! Remember - the cars won't stop for you!
The infamous hotel where we stayed. Not a very flattering photo, admittedly, but a truly peaceful yet lively hotel, welcoming of both adults and children of all ages!
Me, propping up the hotel bar. Prices for beverages are very reasonable, but when ordering spirits, beware!! Measures are about six times those in England and two barcardi and cokes is practically half a bottle of bacardi!!. You have been warned!!
This is Javi (right) and another member of staff at the Santa Monica Hotel. Javi is one half of the entertainment team. He and Raquel organise varied activities during the day and also arrange evening entertainment.
Me and my "Spanish lover"!! Well, not really, but it has to be said, Javi is adorable! One night when my bloke was feeling a little worse for wear (too many spirits and coke, you understand!), Javi put up with me tagging along to the local nightclub, Avenue. He was an absolute gentleman and is a great dancer!! Bless!! Nightclubs in Calella are numerous, and simply by walking down the street you will find nightclub touts forcing their leaflets onto you. In a nice way, of course! Personally, I only visited Avenue (twice), but I would certainly recommend it. 1000 pts to get in and two free drinks. Not bad, eh? The music ranges from techno to R and B to house - don't expect Spice Girls and Steps!
The Avenue's logo - cute, eh?! :)
Remember to visit Barcelona! It is beautiful
Email: toriauk@aol.com
