Park Dalmau

Park Dalmau is the largest municipal park in Calella, a resort town on Catalonia's Costa del Maresme, sitting right in the town centre just a short walk from the beach and the seafront promenade.

What is the history behind the park?

The land now occupied by the park used to be a private estate. In 1929, Calella's mayor, Jaume Dalmau i Llibre, bought the property with the goal of turning it into a public park open to every resident. He commissioned the town's municipal architect, Jeroni Martorell, to design the layout, and the park opened to the public in 1928, later taking the name of the man who made it possible. During the Spanish Civil War, an air-raid shelter was built on the grounds — its remains are still visible today, making the park one of the few spots in Calella where you can see a physical trace of that period of history.

How big is the park and what grows there?

Park Dalmau covers 18.4 hectares, ranking it among the largest urban parks anywhere along the Maresme coast. The setting is a genuine Mediterranean forest dominated by pine trees and holm oaks, with paths winding through more ornamental, at times almost tropical-looking garden sections. That contrast between dense natural woodland and carefully planted gardens is one of the park's defining traits, and it makes a walk here feel quite different from an ordinary city square.

What is there to see and do inside the park?

The heart of the park is a square known as Pati de l'Ós ("Bear's Courtyard"), home to children's playgrounds. In summer, this is also where open-air concerts take place, along with the Aplec de la Sardana, a traditional festival built around the sardana, one of the emblematic folk dances of Catalonia. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the grounds, and a network of shaded paths invites a relaxed stroll under the tree canopy — a welcome break from the sun on hot summer days. From the higher ground inside the park, visitors get sweeping views over Calella's rooftops and out to the sea.

How do you get to Park Dalmau?

Because the park sits in the middle of town, most hotels and the beach are within a short walking distance — usually just a few minutes on foot. Vehicle access into the park itself is limited, but the nearby La Minerva car park offers a place to leave a car before continuing on foot. Travellers arriving by train can also reach the park on foot from Calella's train station on the Barcelona line, which is within reasonable walking range.

When is the best time to visit?

The park stays open year-round, and its dense tree cover makes it a genuinely cool retreat in summer, ideal for the middle of the day when the beach sun is at its strongest. Spring and autumn are good choices for a quieter walk among the greenery, since the park sees fewer visitors outside peak holiday season. Anyone planning a summer trip should check the local events calendar, since the concerts and the Aplec de la Sardana held at Pati de l'Ós are seasonal highlights that don't happen year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to Park Dalmau free? Yes, it is a public municipal park and free to enter for all visitors.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, the Pati de l'Ós area has playgrounds, and the wide paths and picnic areas make it a comfortable spot for a family outing.

What is the air-raid shelter in the park? It is a leftover structure from the Spanish Civil War, built on the park grounds, and stands as a visible reminder of that chapter in the park's history.

Can you have a picnic in Park Dalmau? Yes, designated picnic spots with tables and benches are set up throughout the park, making it an easy stop for an outdoor meal during a walk.