Calella de Palafrugell - referred to locally as Calella - spreads along half a dozen picturesque coarse sand and pink rock coves. The centre, with fishing boats hauled up on the sand and cafes and restaurants under the arches of old buildings, is especially attractive.
Llafranc, a stroll away on a coastal path, is slightly more swish than Calella, but still low key. A tamarisk-shaded promenade runs behind its 250-yard arc of beach, ending up at a marina.
The resorts' only failing is that, being small, they get jam-packed in the peak summer months. So September, when they are far less busy and the weather is still good, is the perfect time to visit.