Calafell

Tucked down an hour below Barcelona on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Calafell (pronounced kah-lah-fay in Catalan) is a beautiful town with about 25,000 people, a population that swells for the summertime beach. Calafell is everything to hope for in a northern Spanish town. Winding narrow streets, clay tiled roofs, a small plaza next to a bell-topped church, surprising little bakeries and shops where they are least expected, flowers in the windows, and locals eating among the many little restaurants with outside tables. 

We chose Calafell because it had the right Airbnb- good price, available, needed size and amenities. We didn’t really know much about this town, but have grown to love it in the long week we’ve been here so far. The people are so helpful and kind- many of them do not know English, but try to help as much as possible. A jumble of Catalan, Spanish and English usually get across what we need. Noah and Natalie like to say “hola” to everyone they see and will usually get a smile and an “hola” in return. 

The streets are very clean here, most of them paved with bricks, and people are generally polite and respectful. And there are children everywhere! I have never seen a community with ever-present children like I’ve seen here. The teenagers usually stay with each other, but there are so many dads, moms and younger kids around that I have always felt very safe walking wherever I need to go. From what I have read, children rule in Spain, and what I’ve seen matches that well. It’s not a domineering rule, rather just that adults delight in children, so they are always welcome anywhere, and their antics are usually enjoyed rather than seen as annoying. 

Although we still get a little nervous to go out and do new tasks, it has become easier and more reassuring with each day. We are so glad to be in Calafell, and look forward to continuing to explore this beautiful town.