Things to do on the Catalan coast
The Costa Brava and the Barcelona Coast are a tourist area full of lively villages, especially in summer. Calella, Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, S'Agaró and Playa de Aro are full of activities to have a great time and discover the local heritage: major festivals, music festivals, sports events and children's activities.
Check here on the list of activities to see what you can do during your holidays in our hotels and make the most of your stay at GHT Hotels!
SANT JOAN FESTIVAL
Since ancient times, we welcome the summer solstice with celebrations of fire. We light bonfires the shortest night of the year in honour of the sun and to ward off evil spirits, and it is common to get rid of old furniture and unwanted items as a symbol of life renovation and purification. Saint John's Eve is a magical night where the city dresses in its best to celebrate the official beginning of summer, with fireworks, sparklers and dancing until sunrise.
"INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL “GRAND ALEGRIA” Calella Folk Festival
The International Folk Festival “Grand Alegria” is a non-competitive sample of traditional dances performed by folklore groups. At the festival may participate in children and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, choirs, as well as groups and performers from other art styles.
Dance and music go hand in hand to express the identity of a people. Their cultural legacy is transmitted over the years through popular dances and the accompanying melodies, which are the most vivid example of a country. From South Africa to Western Asia, passing through Europe and South America, all peoples show their identity through their traditional dances, and each year they have a meeting point in Calella with the International Festival of Folklore and Music Bands.
Performances in Church Square, Town Hall Square and parades in Riera de Capaspre and streets of the town.
54th BLANES FIREWORKS contest
53rd International Fireworks Competition of the Costa Brava in Villa de Blanes (Els Focs de Blanes). They take place within the festival in honor of Santa Ana and San Joaquin (July 26), celebrating the largest international fireworks competition in Europe. More than 500,000 people visit this great show to enjoy a few nights of fire.
The fireworks are launched from the rock of Sa Palomera (inside the sea, in the Bay of Blanes). The fires are triggered every day at 22:30 hours, but if you want to get a good place it is advisable to go a little earlier.
This spectacular contest began to be held in 1970. Today it is considered one of the most prestigious fireworks contests in the world. National and international pyrotechnic companies compete to win the Vila de Blanes Trophy and a cash prize.
Mar d'Estiu Santa Susanna - Maresme Festival
Don't miss this festival where you can enjoy the performances of great artists as well as a pre and post festival proposal that you will fall in love with, at the Mar d'Estiu Gastro Village.
And to make matters worse, book at one of our hotels in Calella and don't be in a hurry at the end of the night.
Artists already confirmed for 2026: Sergio Dalma, Joan Dausà, Sopa de Cabra, Els Amics de les Arts + Ginestà and many more!
AUGUST OPEN-AIR CELEBRATION
It is a night to share, where we have dinner in the streets at long tables with neighbours and guests. The usual nightlife is concentrated in the centre and you can hear music everywhere.
