Holidays on the Costa del Maresme. Beaches of Costa del Maresme, Catalonia
- This is part of the Catalan coast with a length of about 50 km north of Barcelona. The coastal zone has a well-developed entertainment and recreation infrastructure; a network of highways and railways connect all resort towns and villages, and also allow you to quickly and comfortably get to Barcelona and Gerona. Housing is represented predominantly by low-rise buildings. Beautiful, well-kept urbanizations from the middle class to the luxury class replace each other in a colorful kaleidoscope throughout.
Sandy beaches, clean and clear water of resort towns or silence and fresh, pine-scented air of mountain villages - this is what attracts both Catalans and foreigners. Every year thousands of people choose this area as their permanent residence, or purchase property for vacation.
Back in the middle of the last century, this part of the coast began to be built up with villas of wealthy Catalans. They were later joined by wealthy Europeans, and today is a thriving international tourist destination in Catalonia. First of all, the attractiveness of the region is ensured by the mild Mediterranean climate and rich nature. The Pyrenees protect the coastal strip from the winds; the sun shines about 300 days a year. The average temperature in summer is +25-28 °C, in winter – +8-10 °C. Thanks to this, the beach season does not last from May to October.
Along the coastline of one of Spain's most beautiful coastlines, it is not easy to find vacant plots for construction. Therefore, the secondary housing market is not developed, and new properties are often sold out at the design stage and initial construction work. If you decide to get your own home on the coast, pay attention to real estate on the Costa Maresme from the company Costa Real.
The most convenient way to get to is through Barcelona. Barcelona International Airport "El Prat" receives regular and charter flights from Russian cities every day. Suburban trains run along the coast, making stops in all resort towns, including Barcelona. Having settled in one place, it will not be difficult to explore almost the entire coast. During the peak tourist season, tourist boats ply along the coast.
Let's take a short trip around and look into resort towns and villages that are well known to Russian tourists.
The first city we will meet on the way from Barcelona to the north, there will be
El Masnou
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 22 km
- Population: about 22,500 inhabitants
El Masnou is the closest large settlement north of Barcelona, in the vicinity of which a large number of industrial enterprises are concentrated. Without claiming to be an ecologically clean area, El Masnou and its suburbs are attractive due to their advantageous strategic location. Proximity to Barcelona, convenient connections by rail or highway, relatively low real estate prices (compared to the Catalan capital) ensure stable demand for housing. Besides, El Masnou- this is the closest to Barcelona yacht port.
Premià de Mar and Premià de Dalt
two cities near Barcelona (approximately 25 km from the center of the capital) with populations of about 28,000 and 10,000 inhabitants respectively.
Premia de Mar- second largest city after Mataro. Currently, work continues to expand the Olympic sports port located on its territory and to expand the sandy beaches. The city is home to the famous Center for the Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, primarily turtles. Until recently in Premia de Mar there were large enterprises in the food and chemical industries. However, in recent years, the withdrawal of industrial enterprises from the coastal zone has been actively carried out. At the end of the campaign Premia de Mar promises to become an attractive resort town. Premia de Dalt- twin brother Premia de Mar, located in a mountain valley with panoramic views of the sea and coast.
The history of the coastal towns of the Costa Maresme dates back to past centuries, when regular pirate raids forced the construction of settlements in the mountains, away from the sea. At the same time, fishing villages were forced to be on the shore itself and take the brunt of the blow. With the advent of the era of industrialization, both began to develop at a rapid pace, turning into large independent settlements. The former connection of the cities is now evidenced only by paired names, in which the ending indicates the geographical location: “de Mar” - on the coast, “de Dalt” and “de Munt” - in the mountains.
Vilassar de Mar and Vilassar de Dalt
located 30 km from Barcelona. The population of the first town is about 20,000 inhabitants, the second – about 9,000.
Vilassar de Mar in the recent past it was a traditional fishing village. Today it is a small cozy resort town, famous for its market of flowers and ornamental plants, as well as rose plantations. Vilassar de Dalt was first mentioned in historical documents in the 10th century. The small mountain village has a rich history; some architectural monuments have been preserved. Today, both settlements represent a zone of private residential complexes. Beautiful villas and cottages are comfortably located on the slopes of the mountains. Almost every window offers views of picturesque valleys, mountains and the sea.
Mataro
one of the fastest growing cities in the province of Barcelona.
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 35 km
- Population: about 125,000 inhabitants
Mataro felt the full force of the construction boom of recent years. Large tracts of vacant land are being developed in record time. Hardly Mataro Can be called an attractive place for a holiday, but as a permanent place of residence it is perfect. Freed from the frantic rhythm Barcelona and characterized by moderate housing prices, Mataro However, it has all the advantages of a large city: developed infrastructure, convenient transport communications, new areas under construction, active industry, etc.
Sant Andreu de Llavaneres
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 42 km
- Population: about 10,500 inhabitants
Sant Andreu de Llavaneras located in a privileged area between the sea and a natural park. Most of the territory of the municipality is occupied by luxury residential complexes and private mansions and villas. Sant Andreu de Llavaneras famous for its sports port "Port Balis", tennis club and golf club.
Sant Vicente de Montalt
- Population: about 6,000 inhabitants
Sant Vicente de Montalt– a very beautiful village 2 km from the sea. As in Sant Andreu de Llavaneras, in this village there are privileged urbanizations. Spaniards and foreigners live here, placing high demands on the quality of life. Tourism is the main economic activity of the municipality. Golf clubs, restaurants, shops, sports centers - in Sant Vicente de Montalt There is everything you need for a comfortable stay and stay.
Urbanization of Supermaresme
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 45 km
Supermaresme is a luxury residential urbanization located half an hour from Barcelona and a few minutes from the sea. 24-hour security ensures complete safety of residents. Developed infrastructure, sports clubs, restaurants and hotels are a guarantee of maximum comfort and interesting pastime. The urbanization has its own staff of specialists - electricians, plumbers, gardeners, who help maintain the territory in perfect condition.
Around Sant Andreu de Llavaneras, Sant Vicente de Montalta And Supermaresme There are five sports clubs:
- Club de Golf Llavaneres (18 courses)
- Pitch & Putt Handicap 1 (18 holes)
- Club de Golf Sant Vicenç de Montalt (18 holes)
- Club Náutico El Balís (sports port with private beach)
- Club Hípico Centro Ecuestre de Llavaneres (riding school)
The entire southern part is of particular interest to yacht owners. Numerous small ports are located here several kilometers apart. The cost of service differs favorably from ports Barcelona. At the same time, some distance from the capital does not create any inconvenience, because... You can get to it by road in just half an hour. In addition, in this area there are tennis courts and paddle courts. The convenient location of the villages allows you to practice almost any kind of sport: swimming, scuba diving, sailing, kitesurfing, horse riding, hiking and cycling, etc.
Arenys de Mar and Arenys de Munt
are located 48 km from the center Barcelona. Their populations are 15,000 and 8,500 inhabitants respectively.
IN Arenys de Mar is the main fishing port of the province Barcelona, as well as a yacht port. These are wealthy municipalities whose economy does not depend on tourism. Cities are actively developing and improving. High-quality housing, mainly villas and cottages, are traditionally in high demand.
Canet de Mar
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 50 km
- Population: about 15,000 inhabitants
The boom of recent years in the Spanish real estate market has given a significant impetus to the development of this Catalan village. Tourism and the related construction sector, as well as agriculture (growing flowers and strawberries) are the main economic activities of the municipality. IN Canet de Mare is the only university school in Spain that trains textile engineers. There are two beaches within the city limits, and construction of a seaside promenade and parks is underway at a rapid pace.
Sant Pol de Mar
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 54 km
- Population: about 5,000 inhabitants
IN Sant Polde Mare The most comfortable family hotels are located. This city is famous for its gastronomy and confectionery. On the main street is the Sant Pau restaurant, owned by Carma Ruscalleda, a world famous chef.
Calella
the largest resort in the province and one of the largest tourist centers.
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 57 km
- Population: about 20,000 inhabitants
A 3-kilometer sandy beach, picturesque bays and cliffs, and clear sea are the basis of the city’s tourist attractiveness. Calella ideal for active holidays. There is a diving club here and you can practice all kinds of beach and water sports. The city has many modern hotels, bars, restaurants and shops to suit every taste and budget.
Pineda de Mar
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 60 km
- Population: about 26,000 inhabitants
The sea and pine trees, numerous green parks and squares, a beautiful embankment, sandy beaches, cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces - this is what makes the city Pineda de Mar so attractive for tourists. In winter, life here comes to a standstill, which is by no means a drawback. Most resort towns live in this rhythm: fast, fun and active in the summer, and leisurely, quiet and calm in the winter.
Santa Susanna
an ancient resort town surrounded by pine forests.
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 62 km
- Population: about 3,500 inhabitants
From almost anywhere in the city you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, coast and mountains. Santa Susanna- a center for family tourism. There are wide sandy beaches, the sea has a gentle slope, numerous children's playgrounds are equipped, and there is a diving school. The city is filled with great bars, restaurants, and shops. The Alfata Valley, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by rocky cliffs, provides a particularly mild Mediterranean climate.
Malgrat de Mar
last settlement.
- Distance from Barcelona city center: 70 km
- Population: about 18,000 inhabitants
Malgrat de Mar– a developed tourist center in the very north of the province Barcelona. Beaches Malgrat de Mar- one of the most visited on the entire coast. Near the city there is the famous Marineland water park with many water attractions for adults and teenagers. The park also has a special children's area with three swimming pools and attractions for young children. The park regularly hosts performances and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and parrots. You can watch the life of seals and penguins living in spacious enclosures. Dozens of buses with tourists from all over the coast come to the park every day.
Costa del Maresme- a 38 km long part of the coast between the Costa Bravo and Barcelona in the north-eastern part of Catalonia. This part of the coast is surrounded on different sides by the Tordera River, the Montnegre and Corredor Nature Reserve, and the Sierra Marina and Sierra Litoral mountain ranges.
The color of this area harmoniously combines the incessant bustle of the famous tourist center with the absolute tranquility of the mountain landscapes. This area is apparently intended by God himself for fans of mountain hiking. Huge beaches with golden sand, interspersed with small coves, and emerald vegetation next to the blue surface of the Mediterranean Sea form a landscape of mesmerizing beauty. The climate on the coast is moderate, with mild winters and dry, cool summers.
Traditionally, the coast offers ideal conditions for a varied holiday, from modern comfortable hotels to the opportunity to fill your time with horseback riding, golf, water sports, not to mention the constant enjoyment of the sun and sea. In addition, you will be able to get acquainted with the cultural and architectural traditions of this area, feel its unique flavor, appreciate the excellent cuisine and high quality of agricultural products - and you will understand that this is a wonderful holiday destination, one of those on Earth where you will definitely want to return.
Stories from tourists about the Costa del Maresme.
My family and I decided to opt for a holiday on the Costa Del Maresme in the small quiet town of Santa Susanna in June and, looking ahead, I will say that we were not mistaken! This coast and the city itself are not far from the beautiful Barcelona; there is a silent train running along the coast, which delivers you straight to the heart of the Catalan capital in less than an hour. This is very good, because when you get a little tired of a beach holiday, it’s very easy and simple to get there. But first things first. Beach holidays in Santa Susanna are simply excellent. This is a municipal, well-maintained beach with small pebbles and a rather steep entrance to the water. When we were on vacation, the water temperature was always about 23-25 degrees, the air about 30. But the temperature is very easy to bear, since a wonderful breeze blows from the sea. True, from time to time there are waves on this crystal-clear sea, where fish scurry about and can easily be seen, look for yourself...
I vacationed in the town of Kaleia (in Russian pronunciation Kalella) twice. I will talk about the latter as a more recent impression. Calella refers to the Costa del Maresme (translated as “sea shore”). This is a part of the coast that stretches northeast of Barcelona. Of the tourist towns on this coast, Calella is the closest to Barcelona; trains constantly go there, and therefore it is an ideal point to combine a sea holiday and sightseeing trips.
I heard a lot about Spain and a great holiday on the Mediterranean coast at resorts near Barcelona from friends and acquaintances. All reviews were extremely positive. Having vacationed in Greece for three years in a row, I decided to change direction and decided to vacation in Spain. I chose from a travel agency one of the many tourist areas under the sonorous name of Costa del Maresme, which is an hour’s drive from Barcelona.
Popular hotels.
Spain \ Costa del Maresme| Photo | Name | Location | Information |
| Olympic 3* | |||
| Caprici 3* | |||
| Alhambra 3* | Spain, Costa del Maresme, Santa Susanna | ||
| Maritim Susanna 4* | Spain, Costa del Maresme, Santa Susanna | ||
| Serhs Vila Hotel 3* | Spain, Costa del Maresme, Calella |
Latest hotel reviews on Costa del Maresme.
My husband and I vacationed in Catalonia in June of this year. They settled us quickly and without any problems in a room located on the eighth floor and overlooking the city. Of course, there was a lot of noise from the road and we had to sleep with the windows closed at night. And the air conditioner was also quite noisy, so we turned it off periodically.
We were generally cleaned every day, but I can’t call this cleaning ideal because the box of pizza we ate lay on the balcony for two whole days. The bed was changed once only. The rooms themselves are very small and old, but we didn’t come here to lie in the room. Therefore, we were not particularly upset about this.
There was a hairdryer in the room, but it turned out to not be working, we went to the reception and they told us about it, so we quickly got another one in return. And there was also a serious lack of a refrigerator; there was nowhere to put water to cool, nor fruits, nor the products that we bought. There was nowhere to put the same jamon that we love very much.
For meals, we paid for breakfast and dinner. Of course, there were no special delights, but in general there was enough of everything, and besides, the abundance of fruit was very pleasing. There was both meat and fish available.
Several times during our vacation, my husband and I had a glass of wine, and I must say that the prices here are quite affordable. However, there were always lines in the dining room whenever we tried to go there. We tried walking at different times, but the effect was the same. The hall itself is simply not designed for such a number of guests.
And we really regretted that we didn’t take full board right away, we only changed dinner for lunch once because we were going to an evening performance. The shops are all close to the hotel, very convenient. The sea is excellent and the beach is very clean. And the town itself is incredibly quiet.
We took one excursion from a hotel guide and one in the city and were amazed that the prices were generally the same. We were very, very pleased with our vacation.
If we talk about the overall impression, overall we liked the hotel. And for the service here, I immediately give it a solid five. When we first arrived at the hotel, we were immediately greeted by a surprisingly friendly and charming girl named Alexandra. She explained everything to us in detail, gave us the keys and we moved in right away. Many people at the reception here speak Russian, so no problems arise in this matter.
For the entire period, the hotel can immediately order the so-called “tea set” for ten euros. This includes the electric kettle itself with cups, then coffee and tea, as well as cream and sugar. The room has a paid safe; you have to pay 20 euros for a week of use.
In general, the refrigerator is also paid for, but we did not specify the cost because we did not use it at all. The TV is modern plasma, but we never even turned it on. There is a large balcony, but there is no place to dry clothes there, so you need to take a rope with you. Everything in the room takes a very long time to dry. There is a hostel opposite and many reviews wrote that it made too much noise. But during our rest time everything was quiet and calm there, maybe we were just lucky in this.
The room was cleaned daily and bed linen and towels were changed regularly. They are generally snow-white and clean here. The bathroom had a bathtub itself, then a bidet, and a large mirror. There is a hairdryer and, surprisingly, the tiles everywhere are absolutely intact without chips.
I also give an A+ for the food. There was a lot of everything - fish, meat, a lot of fruit, and even champagne was provided in the morning. They greet you at the restaurant like family, everyone smiles, very nice and pleasant. Many thanks to them for such a constant warm welcome. We always went to the restaurant with great pleasure.
Since we lived in an economy room, there was no Wi-Fi at all; in principle, it was possible to connect, but only for a fee. And downstairs in the hall and also on the terrace he catches well. On Mondays at half past nine in the evening, flamenco performers come to the hotel and give colorful performances. We went and really enjoyed it. There is no children's animation as such in the hotel, but children dance in the lobby in the evenings if anyone wants.
The sea is simply wonderful, but until June 25 the water was very cold. Well, then it got warmer and everything became wonderful. Sometimes the waves were pleasant and a couple of times there was a strong wind. The beach has very coarse sand, but I think it's a wonderful foot massage.
The village where we vacationed is called Kalella, it’s an absolutely wonderful place, there’s a sea nearby and plenty of shops nearby. And along the sea in the evenings it’s very cool to stroll along the plane tree alley. We even went to an interesting festival there once. In general, we are absolutely delighted with our holiday and with Spain too! The hotel is wonderful!
Original text
This year my friend and I decided to expand the circle of our holidays, otherwise we are all traveling around Turkey, Egypt, we have been to Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus. Well, this year in June we took our children and headed to Spain - to the Costa del Maresme. Of course, we were on vacation for the first time in this country, so we inevitably kept comparing how it was there and how it was here. The four of us lived in an apartment, that is, it was a living room, then a bedroom, a small kitchen and a bathroom. There were two very small balconies, but I immediately warn you that you need to take a rope with clothespins with you because there is nowhere to dry your clothes except on the railing. All rooms have completely new and, of course, serviceable furniture. In general, the room itself is beautifully decorated in soft blue and white colors. In the bedroom there was a large double bed and in the living room there was a huge sofa, which we immediately dismantled and then did not put back during the entire vacation. Because of this, there was essentially no space left in the room; we even went to the reception to have the table temporarily taken away from our room. Of course, our request was written down, but it was never fulfilled. So we just took the table and moved it into a corner and therefore, well, at least there was a little more space. And of course it was a bit cramped. There was only one very small locker for clothes and it was certainly too small for four people. There was one more shelf and still nothing, no chest of drawers, no dressing table. There was absolutely nowhere to put things. The kitchen had a full set of dishes - plates, cups, glasses, toaster, juicer, microwave, refrigerator, all sorts of appliances and the like. For those who are vacationing without food, it is very convenient, there is everything you need to prepare food for yourself. It is very bad that the apartments here do not provide cleaning and garbage removal. All this is done here for a fee. If you don't want to pay, be prepared to wash the floors and take out the trash yourself. The bed linen was changed exactly a week later, but the towels could be changed as much as needed. Be sure to bring tees, extension cords, and everything else you have here with you because there are only two sockets for the entire room. The hotel essentially has no territory at all. There is an adult pool and a children's pool with a cute slide; they both close at seven in the evening and open only at nine in the morning. The adult pool is fenced off and the sun loungers are, of course, removed. And even if you want to occupy them at 6 am, you won’t succeed, because everything is closed. There is also a small courtyard in which there is a small paid cafe. We ate pizza and pasta there several times. In the evenings we heard music playing there. But this is still the very beginning of the season. Since June 20, animators have appeared at the hotel. But all the performances and activities were very weak. The restaurant is also quite small, but there were never any problems with empty seats. Everything is always clean and tidy and the tables are cleared. Everything was delicious for us and there was enough of everything - both fish and meat, there was, of course, jamon, mussels, for dinners they always cooked something on the grill, there were sweet watermelons, cherries, apricots, melons, peaches, bananas, and much more. For dinner there was always delicious ice cream. Personally, I was very pleased with the food, but my friend found the breakfasts very monotonous. Well, she was upset in vain because they are essentially the same everywhere. But fortunately, every day at least something new was added for variety, either pancakes or fried cheese. Well, everything was fine for me anyway. All drinks at dinner were paid, but my friend and I did not take wine for ten euros if in a store nearby we could buy the same for two euros. It's literally a couple of minutes walk to the sea. The sea is very clean but the water in June is still cool and the main thing is to go in and then you get used to it. The beach is very clean and there were very few people at the beginning of June. The most important difference from our previous vacation trips is in the organization of the collection and pick-up of tourists. Since the streets in Spain are very narrow and it is impossible for buses to get there, all tourists are dropped off at public transport stops, and there they have to get to the hotel themselves. And maybe it’s useful for someone - in the center of Calella there is a long shopping street, there are shops with souvenirs, clothes and cafes. There are stores there where everything is actually sold very cheaply. So we enjoyed our holiday, the hotel is perfect for a relaxing holiday, and Calella itself is also a very calm and quiet city. Young people here will certainly be bored. Well, of course we fell in love with Spain! We really hope to meet again!
The Costa Brava already begins.
The Costa del Maresme has long sandy beaches with colorful fishing villages. In the mid-20th century, the coast began to be actively built up with villas for wealthy Catalans and hotels for visiting Europeans. The ridges of the Pyrenees protect the Costa del Maresme from strong winds, which makes this area the most popular for beach holidays. Thanks to this mild Mediterranean climate and ideal geographical position, the Maresme coast has become an important residential and tourist area, where in recent years Barcelona residents have been willing to move and tourists from different countries have come to spend their holidays.
The Maresme economy consists of traditional agricultural activities (mainly grape growing, horticulture and floriculture), textile and knitting industries, fishing and tourism. The fishing industry is concentrated in Arenys de Mar, the first fishing port of the Costa del Maresme. The coast is also famous for its sports facilities, such as the port in El Masnou or the Port of Balis in the municipality of San Andres de Llevaneras.
The development of tourism on the Maresme coast began with cities such as Caldetas, Calella, Pineda de Mar, Malgrat de Mar, Santa Susanna, San Pol de Mar ( Sant Pol de Mar).
The coastline on the Costa del Maresme is superior to the pebble coast of Barcelona: the beaches here are wide, with beautiful golden sand. Many Barcelona residents prefer to come here on holiday with their families, since the Costa del Maresme also has a large number of beach activities and playgrounds. Many railway stations along the route of the coastal train allow you to choose any place for a comfortable stay.
In the southern part of the Costa del Maresme there are numerous ports and marinas for yachts, popular among yachtsmen due to the more favorable cost of service than in the ports of Barcelona. There are also excellent tennis courts, paddle courts, diving, sailing, kitesurfing centers; All conditions have been created for horse riding, cycling and walking.
50 kilometers
Length of sandy beaches
11 cities
Number of popular places on Maresme
15 kilometers
Distance to Barcelona
How to get there
The Costa del Maresme is connected to Barcelona and other coastal cities by a network of highways and railways, which make it easy to reach any locality by car, bus or train. During the season, you can take advantage of a tourist boat that makes regular sea tours along the coast, calling at almost all cities.
From the center of Barcelona towards the Costa del Maresme A commuter train departs every half hour and stops in every coastal town. The price of a one-way ticket ranges from 3 to 5 euros depending on the distance.
The mild Mediterranean sunny climate of the Costa del Maresme invariably attracts a large number of holidaymakers. The average annual temperature on the coast is 16 degrees. The average maximum in July-August is 26-29 degrees, and the average winter temperature ranges from 8-11 degrees. The sea water warms up to 24 degrees in the summer months.
Beaches of the Costa del Maresme
The clean, wide sandy beaches of the Costa del Maresme are rightfully considered one of the best in Catalonia. Their popularity is enhanced by picturesque landscapes, good accessibility and well-developed tourist infrastructure.
The most famous and popular beaches of the coast are located in Malgrat de Mar, Santa Susanna, Pineda de Mar, Calella, Canet de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar.
The beaches in Malgrat de Mar are sandy and long, their total length is 4.5 km. The central 900-meter beach (Platja del Centre) has Blue Flag status and has all the necessary infrastructure. In addition to renting umbrellas and sun loungers, there is the opportunity to rent a boat, take training in sailing, windsurfing, and play volleyball on the beach courts. Among other popular beaches in the city, it is worth noting Platja de l'Astillero, with a large number of bars and picnic areas, as well as the longest beach in the city (2.6 km) - La Conca.
Calella boasts a magnificent 3-kilometer wide beach, along which there are numerous hotels and restaurants. The beach itself is sandy, but there are small stones and pebbles in the water near the shore. The descent into the water is steep, but quite comfortable, except for very small children; A lot of positive emotions are caused by the waves and the clearest azure water. The beach itself is cleaned daily and the sand is leveled using special equipment; along the entire beach there are wooden decks, foot showers, special slopes for the disabled, and numerous bars and cafes. Here tourists are offered a wide variety of entertainment - a boat trip along the coast, scuba diving, and various types of water sports. In the central part of the beach there is a wonderful plane tree alley where you can walk or relax, hiding from the heat in the shade of these beautiful trees.
If you walk along the coast of Calella towards Barcelona, you can admire the stunning rocky landscapes of the coast with very picturesque bays. One of these bays was chosen by nudists. And the rocky bay of Roca Grossa, on the border with the neighboring town of Sant Pol de Mar, is popular with lovers of scuba diving and surfing.
Beach in Calella
The long and wide beach of the neighboring town of Pineda de Mar regularly receives the Blue Flag award. There are no cliffs or rocky cliffs, it is completely open and sandy. The beach infrastructure in Pineda de Mar is equipped at the highest level - there are all the amenities for vacationers, including a large number of fresh water showers.
In Santa Susanna, the beaches are ideal for swimming with small children - the slope into the sea is gentle, and there are numerous children's playgrounds on the beach.
Golden sandy beaches surrounded by picturesque coastal vegetation are the hallmark of the Canet de Mar beach coast. These calm and clean beaches are easily accessible on foot or by bike; There are canals on the beach coast for easy access of boats to the sea.
In the small town of Sant Pol de Mar you can count as many as ten beaches, of which it is worth noting the most central Pescadors (Platja dels Pescadors), as well as the interesting beaches of La Murtra and Les Roques Blanques. La Murtra beach stretches for 1.2 km; Located between Sant Pol and the neighboring town of Canet de Mar, it is quite isolated and notable for its natural rainwater pools. Les Roques Blanques beach is named so because of the white stones on the coast. La Platjola beach offers stunning views of the rocks of Rocca Grossa Bay.
The beaches of Mataro and Montgata attract, first of all, Barcelona residents themselves, so on weekends they are quite crowded. However, on weekdays it is very comfortable and free here. Interestingly, initially there were no beaches in Mataro, but when the government decided to rely on tourism, sand was brought here and excellent beaches were made with a total length of more than 2 kilometers. For a pleasant family holiday, you can consider the following beaches: kilometer-long Virador (Playa del Varador), neighboring Callao (Platja del Callao), Ponent (Platja de Ponent) - a small beach with calm waters near the port. Virador has excellent entertainment infrastructure: volleyball nets, football stands, sports center nearby. The beach is wide and clean, here you can relax with comfort and pleasure with small children. Next to it is the San Simo beach with many chiringuitos and a variety of water attractions.
The beach coast of the town of Montgat, closest to Barcelona, stretches for more than 2 km and includes several excellent beaches with golden sand: 150-meter Cala Taps beach, 220-meter Moreres beach, 580-meter San Joan beach. Sant Joan) and the kilometer-long Montgat beach. Montgat's beaches are suitable for both family holidays and active recreation, such as windsurfing or kitesurfing. The specialized centers located here will help you master these sports.
Coastal cities
The closest city to Barcelona in the El Maresme region is Montgat (Montgat) . It is located in the southernmost district of El Maresme, between Badalona and the town of El Masnou. In ancient times, Montgat was a small Iberian town. Archaeological excavations have uncovered traces of Neolithic settlements in the area, dating back to approximately 3500 BC.
The oldest part of the city, located near the beach, is interesting for its remains of ancient structures and historical buildings, while Montgat is being actively developed and renovated due to the popularity of the city due to its proximity to Barcelona. In addition to quality beaches of golden sand and cozy green parks, Montgat is famous for the tunnel (Túnel de Montgat), through which the oldest railway in Spain, opened in 1848, passes. Design parameters of the tunnel: length 134.9 m, height 6.69 m, width 7.25 m. Currently, a commuter train on the line Barcelona - Mataro - Massanet - Massanas runs on this railway.
Montgat is adjacent to the city El Masnou, which houses many industrial enterprises, as well as a large yacht port. The city is located 22 km from the capital of Catalonia, 23 thousand people live in it. The architecture of the center of El Masnou belongs to a variety of styles: neoclassical, modernist, novecentist and simple eclecticism. The city's municipal museum houses archaeological finds and examples of Catalan ceramics. A Roman village called Cal Ros de les Cabres was one of the first settlements located on the site of the current city. Recently, agriculture in El Masnou has given way to developing industry - now it is represented only by floriculture, mainly the cultivation and export of cloves. Industrial sectors include textile and light industry, construction, production of glass, ceramics, and pharmaceutical products. The latter industry is dedicated to a separate private museum of pharmacy and medicine.
Mataro- the largest city on the Maresme coast, its population is 125 thousand inhabitants. This dynamically developing city differs from Barcelona in much more reasonable prices and a relaxed pace of life, and together with all this, its well-developed urban and transport infrastructure makes it an excellent place to live.
The main attractions of Mataro are its proximity to Barcelona and its beautiful, quiet beaches. Mataro appeared on the site of a Roman village called Illuro. Not long ago, the remains of Roman baths from the 1st century BC were excavated in the city; anyone can see them. You can continue your exploration of the Roman heritage by visiting other monuments, such as the Roman villas of Can Cruzate, Villa del Nord, Can Palauet, and the Torre de Can Tria de Mata.
Fragments of the fortress wall date back to the 16th century, the period of greatest activity of sea pirates. The main attraction of Mataro is the Basilica of Santa María, dating back to the 17th century. This magnificent temple was built by enlarging the space of an old 15th century church on the east side. The church's rich interior is considered one of the best preserved of the Catalan Baroque style.
Antonio Gaudi, while still a student, became the author of the project for the Mataro Cooperative building. Now it houses the Museum of Modern Art. Several architectural masterpieces in Mataro were created by the famous Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, including the luxurious Casa Coll i Regàs and the equally elegant Casa Parera. Among other architecturally significant buildings in Mataro, it is worth noting the Residence Sant Josep, designed by Eduardo Ferres in the Nouveau centism style with Art Nouveau elements.
City Caldes d'Estrac (Caldes d'Estrac), also known as Caldetasas), is often called the pearl of the Maresme coast. This small resort town (its area is less than 1 sq. km, and the population is only about 3 thousand people) is located between Sant Vicenç de Montalt and Arenys de Mar. The town's history dates back to the 13th century, when residential development began around the old hospital and church.
From 1870 to 1920, Caldetas experienced its "golden age", becoming a fashionable resort for the Catalan bourgeoisie thanks to its special beach atmosphere and thermal springs. Famous Catalan poets and writers lived here, such as Apelles Mestres, Joan Maragall, Jacinto Verdaguer, Josep Palau i Fabre. In the 60s, a large highway was built past Caldetas, and in the 90s there was a massive construction of suburban residences.
During the Spanish Civil War, Caldetas was considered an open city because it housed several embassies, meaning it could not be bombed. The city's economy is based on hot springs and seasonal tourism.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Caldetas is interesting for its preserved historical sites. The Temple of Santa Maria, located in the old town, was built from 1805 to 1829 on the foundations of an old 13th-century church, from which only the baptismal font, the capitals of the façade arches and a tombstone with Gothic characters remain. The original altar of the church burned down in a fire during the Civil War.
The old defensive cylindrical towers of the 16th century Torre Verda, translated as “Green Tower”, and Torre Busquets, as well as Vila Vieja located between them, are worthy of attention.
The stately 16th-century mansion Can Gili, also known as Casa Bellavista, was almost completely rebuilt by Francesco Nebot in the early 20th century in the Novecentist style. Particularly striking is the two-story gallery with colorful glazed ceramic designs. The facades of the house are decorated with engravings. It was once a parish school and is now a nursing home.
A walk along the city's two beautiful promenades - Paseo de Mar and Paseo de los Inglés - will give you the opportunity to admire pretty summer houses, many of which were built in the Art Nouveau and Nouveau Centrist styles.
Caldetas is home to the Palau Foundation (Fundació Palau), opened in 2003, which houses the personal art collection of the Catalan writer Josep Palau i Fabre, as well as archives and a library, of which the evidence of 25 years of correspondence of the writer is of particular importance with Pablo Picasso. The collection includes about 50 drawings, sketches and paintings by the great artist, which he gave to Josep Palau i Fabre.
City Arenys de Mar (Arenys de Mar) located near the Montseny mountain range and the Montnegre i el Corredor natural park. The city is home to the main fishing port of the province of Barcelona, which is the basis of the area's economy. For many years, Arenys Harbor was the only port on the northern coast of Barcelona. Arenys de Mar is one of the main municipalities of the Maresme region; it is located on the coast between the cities of Caldes d'Estrac and Canet de Mar, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona. The journey from the Catalan capital to Arenys by train takes 50 minutes.
The picturesque hills of the Arenys de Mar coastline offer beautiful views of the neighboring Costa Brava and the area's spacious coarse sand beaches.
Arenys de Mar traces its history back to the 14th century, when it was an ordinary fishing village. By the end of the 16th century, the city already had its own Town Hall. Among the city's attractions, one can highlight the parish church of Santa Maria with a Baroque retablo, built in the 17th century. On Calle Esglesia there is the Marès Lace Museum and the Mollfulleda Mineralogy Museum, which are part of the Arenys de Mar Museum. Several defensive towers, built in the Middle Ages to protect residents from pirate raids, have also been preserved in the city.
The basis of the economy of Arenys de Mar is the fishing industry. Agriculture is represented by the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Every day, as fishing boats return with their fresh catch, fish auctions are held in the port, and local restaurants serve freshly prepared fish and seafood. The port also has a yacht marina; yachtsmen traveling around the Mediterranean often stop here. Every morning (and on Friday afternoons) a market opens in Arenys, located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
Canet de Mar de Mar) located on the coast between Arenys de Mar and Sant Paul de Mar, 43 km from Barcelona. It is an important tourist center of the Costa del Maresme, whose population has increased significantly in recent years due to the city's popularity among property seekers near Barcelona. The agricultural sector of the municipality is represented by floriculture and strawberry growing; The textile industry is developed - in Canet de Mar there is the only university school in Spain that teaches technical engineering of knitwear production.
Walking along Canet de Mar, you can see firsthand how much the wealthy Barcelona bourgeoisie of the 19th century fell in love with the Maresme coast, making it their second home. Canet de Mar has a whole complex of modernist buildings, including the summer residence of Luis Domenech i Montaner, the Catalan architect and politician, author of the famous Palace of Catalan Music in Barcelona (Palau de la Música Catalana). It now houses a museum that organizes guided walks through the historical heritage of Canet de Mar. An hour's walk to the top of the Pedracastell hill overlooking the city not only offers stunning views, but also allows you to admire the fantastic Castillo de Santa Florentina. The castle was built on the site of the Roman Villa Domus, and at the end of the 19th century it was redesigned and expanded by the same Luis Domenech i Montaner, using features and elements of different styles: from neo-Gothic to Art Nouveau. In general, the Catalan architect, who is often called the “father of modernism,” built many buildings in Canete, most of which are still in very good condition. Among them, in addition to those already mentioned, it is worth noting Ateneu de Canet, located at Carrer Ample, 2 (now a public library), and Casa Roura (now a restaurant).
Malgrat de Mar (Malgrat de Mar) – one of the most actively developing resorts in Catalonia. It is located on the border between the Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme, near the city of Blanes. On the other hand, the town of Santa Susanna is closely adjacent to it, and drawing a border between them is becoming increasingly difficult. Together they form an attractive resort area with shops and shopping centers, restaurants and bars, and comfortable places to relax.
The history of the city goes back hundreds of years. Malgrat de Mar can be divided into the old, historical part of the city, and the new, with modern hotels, shopping and entertainment centers. The main coastal promenade - Passeig Maritim - connects these areas, passing through the coast of neighboring Santa Susanna. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and discos are concentrated on this embankment.
The historical sights of Malgrat de Mar are traditionally old towers, churches and villas: the Church of St. Nicholas (Iglesia de San Nicolás) from the 16th-18th centuries in the city center, the Torre d'en Riera tower and the modernist villas of the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The most notable buildings built in the Art Nouveau style in Malgrate are the City Hall and the music school "Ca l" Arnau. Near the central square there is a funicular that takes everyone to the upper part of the city, where there is a beautiful park named after the former Catalan President Francesc Masya.
In general, Malgrat de Mar is famous for its large natural parks - Castel (Parque del Castillo) and Francesc Macià. The Castel Park is located on a hill in the city center, offering beautiful views. Francesca Masia Park is the largest, covering an area of about 40 thousand square meters. m. There are many areas for active sports, roller skating and skateboarding; surrounded by lush vegetation, among which you can see interesting sculptures, it is pleasant to stroll on a hot day. There is an observation deck with a lighthouse on it. Every year in October, an international music festival takes place in this park.
Near the city there is an open-air water park “Marineland” - on an area of 40 thousand square meters. m there is a wide variety of water attractions for adults and children, and for the little ones there is a special area with appropriate attractions and pools. The park also has a mini-zoo where penguins, seals, sea lions, dolphins, parrots and birds of prey live. Performances featuring dolphins, parrots and seals are regularly given. When purchasing a ticket on the water park website, you can save a lot.
Neighboring resort town Santa Susanna located in a very picturesque area - on the hills, surrounded by pine trees. Starting from the Middle Ages, the fishing village of Santa Susanna began to be built up and grow: a watchtower, a Catholic monastery, castle-palaces, and churches were built. Of the city's surviving attractions, the most interesting are the 13th-century Castell de Can Rates, the Parish Church of Santa Susanna with an altar covered in gold, and several chapels.
Santa Susanna has its own parks, the most famous of which is called Parque Natural de la Font del Boter. Amazing trees coexist here with beautiful tropical flowers; The park is also famous for its healing thermal and mineral springs.
Between the cities of Santa Susanna and Pineda de Mar is the monastery Mare de Deu de Gracia, built in the 18th century and especially revered by the population of both cities.
Fans of active recreation will always find something to do in Santa Susanna - there are water sports and diving centers here, and it is in this city that beginners can also practice scuba diving, for whom diving schools are open.
Next door to Santa Susanna is another resort town on the Maresme coast - Pineda de Mar (Pineda de Mar) . Picturesque nature with healing pine air, beautiful beaches, a beautiful embankment, a large number of green squares, modern hotels and wonderful restaurants with outdoor terraces allow tourists to enjoy every minute spent in this city. Pineda de Mar is equidistant from Barcelona and Girona, so it is convenient to get here from any airport. Archaeological excavations confirm that on the territory of modern Pineda de Mar back in the 4th century BC. Iberian tribes lived here, and several centuries later the Romans settled here.
Of the ancient monuments in the city, the famous Roman aqueduct Cal Cua (Cal Cua), of which only four arches, watchtowers, and the 14th century Gothic stone cross Cal Quintana with the image of the crucified Christ (Calle Mayor, 62).
The parish church of Santa Maria was founded in the 11th century, but its current appearance dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries - its luxurious Baroque façade delights with its exquisite beauty. Not far from the church is the Can Jalpi Palace, a state-protected monument, a former masia house from the 14th century. Of particular value is part of the 12th century Montpalau Castle, located on the top of the hill of the same name, on the pine slopes of the Montnegre mountains. The castle was more of a fortress than a residential structure. In the historical part of the city, the Sports Pavilion, built in modern style, is worthy of attention.
Pineda's architectural heritage also includes the chapels of Mare de Deu de Gràcia, Sant Antoni, Sant Rafael and Sant Jaume.
Not far from the city there is the Montenegre nature reserve, which will be highly appreciated by lovers of hiking in the mountains, with magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Pineda de Mar is a fairly large tourist center on the coast, its population is 26 thousand people. The main component of the city's economy is tourism, so the resort part of Pineda is a paradise for tourists. There are a large number of hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here. Placa de les Melies and Paseo Maritimo are the busiest tourist spots at any time of the day.
Among other interesting objects of Calella are the chapel of San Quirze and Santa Julita from the 16th century, the municipal Museum of the Archives of Calella (Museu-Arxiu de Calella), located in a 17th century mansion, and in addition to the historical archive containing archaeological finds. The permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history of Calella and the Maresme coast. A large number of historical heritage objects are exhibited here: archaeological artifacts, minerals, fossils, looms from the 2nd century BC, ceramics, textile machines, knitwear, traditional craft tools, clothing from different times, embroidery and much more.
From Calella beach you can clearly see the two old square towers of Las Torretas, which are protected cultural sites. They are located on a hillside by the sea, south of the urban center of Calella. It’s easy to climb up to them on foot and admire the views from the hill. Nearby is the beautiful lighthouse of Calella, also clearly visible from the beach.
Located between Calella and Canet de Mar San Pol de Mar (Sant Pol de Mar). Once upon a time, in the 10th century, a small fishing village was formed around the monastery of Sant Pau (Monestir de Sant Pau), and only in the 20th century, thanks to the interest of the Catalan bourgeoisie, it turned into a pretty resort town. The residences of those wealthy families from Barcelona who chose the city, as well as elegant modernist houses, are still preserved here. Sant Pol de Mar is an ideal place for a relaxing family holiday, designed for representatives of the European middle class. Until the beginning of the 21st century, automobile brakes were produced in Sant Pol de Mar (Sauleda Brakes company); Currently, production has been moved outside the city. The economy is based on tourism, and the city is also known for its confectionery industry.
Sant Pol de Mar is a small and very picturesque town with white houses on the hills and winding streets, with a calm, peaceful atmosphere. There are many cozy, truly family hotels, ten magnificent beaches and many excellent restaurants, including the famous Sant Pau restaurant, which attracts a large number of visitors. Its owner, Carme Ruscalleda, is a chef awarded seven Michelin stars.
The symbol of the city of Sant Pol de Mar is the Church of Sant Pau (Iglesia de Sant Pau) of the 6th-7th centuries, part of the complex of the ancient monastery of the same name - one of the oldest churches in Catalonia. Of particular value is the 6th-century Roman-Byzantine room in the form of a crypt, located in the basement of the temple. The interior of the temple complex contains an image of St. Paul by Joaquim Renart and an 18th-century Baroque altar dedicated to this apostle.
Another valuable landmark of Sant Pol de Mar dates back to the 16th century - the Church of St. Jaime (Iglesia de Sant Jaume), made in the late Gothic style on the site of the old chapel of St. Jaime, which, in turn, was attached to a watchtower of the 16th century. Inside the temple there are real works of art - a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary (Mare del Deu del Roser) from the 17th century and a sculptural group “Pieta” (La Pietat) from the 16th-17th centuries by the Seville master Juan Martinez Montañez.
The small observation tower of Torre Martina also dates back to the 16th century. Its main function was to monitor the coast to prevent pirate attacks.
The city of Sant Pol de Mar has many beautiful modernist houses from the early 20th century, most of which are the work of Barcelona architect Ignasi Mas Morella. These include the Les Escoles building on Santa Clara Street, the house of Dr Roura, Can Planiol and Can Tió. All of them are located on different streets in the city center, and thanks to the beauty and elegance of wrought iron, combined with Catalan tiles and mosaics on the facades, these buildings give a special charm and unique architectural identity to the city of Sant Pol de Mar. Among all these masterpieces, the Can Planiol House of the early 20th century stands out, whose facade is luxuriously decorated with blue and white tiles and flowers, and the unusual and spectacular stepped cornice under the roof is amazing.
Along the coast of Sant Pol de Mar you can take a pleasant and exciting walk from Roca Grossa beach to the central beach of Pescadores. Along the way you can meet the ancient monastery Pujada de Sant Pau, where hermits still live, as well as the very monastery that gave the place and name to the city.
