White sand beaches, crystal clear sea and radiant sun. Costa Maresme: a step away from Barcelona to discover Catalan traditions
a few kilometers from Barcelona One of the most beautiful coasts in Spain extends: Maresme Coast. Crystal clear sea, small towns populated mostly by locals and a splendid promenade. This is one of the favorite places of Spaniards who don't like urban beaches but prefer local coves. However, the area is well equipped for tourists. There is no shortage of places and accommodations of all kinds.
However, the entire Costa Maresme maintains a certain traditionalism typical of Spain. A place made of subtle and very fascinating contrasts. The small, traditional spas alternate with new tourist cities. Thus, the quiet life of Sant Pol and Arenys de Mar contrasts with the restless crowd of Santa Susanna.
The Costa Maresme is thus presented as the ideal place to welcome both families with children who want to relax and young tourists looking for fun. However, know that the life here is much calmer compared to the nearby towns of Costa Brava.
How to get to the coast
Plano: The closest airports are those of Barcelona and Gerona. From here it is possible to reach the different towns with one of the Renfe trains. From Barcelona airport you have to take the train to Barcellona-Sants station and from there take the train towards Massanet-Massanes. To travel from Girona airport to any of the towns in Maresme, there are specially dedicated buses. However, these only reach certain locations. The alternative is to take a bus and get to Barcelona. From there it is possible to travel easily with Renfe trains.
From the train window you can enjoy the spectacle that the coast offers.
Ship: The closest port is Barcelona. From Italy there are numerous connections. Once you arrive at the site you can travel by train.
The most famous cities on the Coast.
Calella
It is the tourist capital of the Costa Maresme. Its location, about 30 km from Barcelona, ​​makes it the ideal place for a short autumn getaway. Three kilometers of golden sand and crystal clear sea, numerous accommodations, nightclubs, shops and a characteristic village that gives the city a folkloric tone.
For a few years now, an ambitious process has begun: transforming the city into a reference place in the field of popular and traditional Catalan culture. In addition to the splendid sea, Calella offers numerous attractions, including the lighthouse, located on top of a promontory about 50 meters above sea level.
Pinar de mar
This location is also characterized by splendid white sand and a long coastline. It is located halfway between Barcelona and Girona, and is a place full of attractions and entertainment. Clubs, restaurants, discos, sports activities and much more for young people and families. A good cultural offer has turned Pineda de Mar into one of the most important centers on the coast. Worth seeing is the Castell de Montpalau, a favorite destination for tourists in the area.
Arenys de Mar
Here you can find the best gastronomy on the entire Costa Maresme. There are many fishing boats in the port that deliver fresh fish every day. His return from fishing is one of the events that mark the life of Arenys de Mar. All the life of this splendid town is concentrated on the Paseo MarĂtimo, the promenade that borders the sea. We also advise you to visit the port, in addition to the fishing boats you will see numerous yachts. There are 3 beaches: Platja de la Musclera, a nudist beach located about 3 km in the direction of Caldes d'Estrac; Then there are Picrdia beach and Cavai beach. The latter is the largest beach and is located north of the port.
Santa Susanna
Santa Susanna is one of the favorite destinations for young people, due to the high concentration of clubs and nightlife. The beaches are the best equipped in this entire stretch of the Costa Maresme. They are typical urban beaches, immediately close to the city center and the hotel zone.
San Polo
Compared to the rest of the towns on the Costa Maresme, Sant Pol is much quieter. A place suitable for nature lovers. This is the smallest and perhaps also the most picturesque town on the coast. Until a few decades ago it was a fishing village, so it still maintains strong elements of local traditionalism. Every year, during the weekend in mid-August, the town's inhabitants organize the Fira Alternativa, a typical town festival that the entire community enjoys.
Know
The official language of this area is not Spanish (Castilian), but Catalan. However, most residents are bilingual and many signs are in Catalan.
