En Calau, Golden sand beach in Palafrugell, Spain

En Calau is a 77-meter-long and 16-meter-wide beach with golden sand nestled along the Catalan coast. Natural rock formations frame its edges, creating a distinct section that sits between two larger neighboring beaches.

This beach emerged as Palafrugell transformed from a fishing village into a coastal destination during the early 1900s tourism expansion. The shift brought visitors to the area while fishermen continued their traditional work alongside growing tourism.

The name comes from Calau, a diminutive of Nicolau, after a Calella de Palafrugell family. One member, Nicolau Ferrer i Simón (died 1908), was given up for dead in a llevant storm; after his funeral was held, he reappeared two months later. This led to an annual feast on Sant Sebastià attended by local shipwreck survivors. Locals also call the beach la Vela, as it hosts Club Vela Calella.

The beach has showers, toilets, and waste bins for visitors. Nearby parking is available, and the rock formations along the edges provide natural shelter if you need a break from wind or strong sun.

Locals call this beach la Vela because the right-hand section holds the installations of Club Vela Calella, the sailing club that operates from the sand. The name Calau is a diminutive of Nicolau, after the Ferrer family of Calella de Palafrugell.