Calella is an ideal destination for running thanks to its versatility and convenience. Everything is within easy reach: a largely flat coastline that is perfect for easy runs and controlled interval sessions, and, just a few kilometres inland, trails and climbs that allow you to work on strength and elevation gain. In addition, the Mediterranean climate and the natural surroundings make it easy to train for much of the year, whether you are preparing for road races or looking to combine road running with trail running in the nearby Montnegre and Corredor Natural Park.
This is not merely theoretical. Calella hosts sporting events throughout the year and offers a genuinely sport-friendly atmosphere, including the IRONMAN Calella-Barcelona, during which the promenade and beach are particularly lively over race weekend.
The Calella seafront promenade (Passeig de Mar / Manuel Puigvert) is an excellent running route: continuous, almost entirely flat, running parallel to the sea and very pleasant. Within Calella itself, this stretch measures approximately 2.5 km.
One of its greatest advantages is that it does not end in Calella. The coastal path continues towards Pineda de Mar, Santa Susanna and Malgrat de Mar, following a mostly flat and safe route. To give you an idea, the section from Calella to Malgrat is around 9–10 km one way, making it very easy to plan 15 km out-and-back runs — and even longer distances — with virtually no elevation gain.
In fact, several races have been held here using completely flat promenade circuits, precisely because of these characteristics.
Rutas de Running en Calella, Barcelona
All routes start in front of Hotel Bernat II. From there, head towards the Bahari Club to access the seafront promenade. Once on the promenade, turn left (north) towards Pineda de Mar for the outbound section. When your GPS shows the indicated distance, turn around and return to the hotel along the same route.
Route 1 (Easy) – 5 km Flat (Seafront Promenade)
- Distance: 5 km (out and back)
- Elevation gain: virtually none
- How to run it: run until your GPS shows 2.5 km, then turn back. Ideal for an easy run or a steady, relaxed pace.
Route 2 (Intermediate) – 12 km Flat (Towards Pineda and back)
Distance: 12 km (out and back)
Elevation gain: virtually none
How to run it: run towards Pineda until km 6, then turn back. Perfect for a controlled medium-long run or a progressive session.
Route 3 (Long) – 20 km Flat (Towards Pineda and back)
Distance: 20 km (out and back)
Elevation gain: virtually none
How to run it: run towards Pineda until km 10, then turn back. Ideal for a controlled long run, especially early in the morning.
Trail Running in Calella, Barcelona
Calella is also an excellent base for trail running. Within just a few minutes, you can move from sea level to forest tracks and trails with elevation gain, all within the Montnegre and Corredor Natural Park. This makes it easy to combine relaxed trail runs with short, intense climbs to work on strength and technique — without the need to drive.
Below are two highly recommended trail routes (approximate data based on the GPS track):
1) Calella Loop (Las Torretas + Dalmau Park) – Circular Route
- Distance: 8.9 km
- Desnivel positivo: +189 m (aprox.)
- Elevation gain: approx. +189 m
- Type: circular loop
- Estimated time: approx. 55 minutes
- Best for: introduction to trail running / mixed training with short climbs and runnable sections
- Recommendation: an excellent option if you want to experience trail running without committing to a long distance.
2) Torres de Fuego Half - Official 21km Route
Distance: 22.12 km
Elevation gain: +1,008 m
Technical difficulty: moderate
Type: point-to-point (official race track)
Estimated time: approx. 3 hours
Best for: demanding mountain long runs, endurance training and significant elevation gain
Recommendation: trail shoes with good grip are essential; best avoided after rainfall, as some sections may be slippery.
