Catalunya Beach Special: El Maresme Coast

The Maresme coast stretches north from Barcelona to the beginning of the Costa Brava and is known for its long, sandy beaches. A train line that runs right next to the beach makes this a very accessible day trip to the seaside, as well as a historic ride, as the stretch between Barcelona and Mataró was Spain’s first railway, built in 1848.

Montgat

Jump on a train on the R1 line in the direction of Maçanet and in just over 20 minutes you’ll reach Montgat where the water is clearer and the sand finer than any Barcelona city beach. While not quite like the picture-perfect beaches of the Costa Brava, but certainly not as crowded as Barceloneta, Montgat’s beach is a perfect location for a lazy summer’s day, with two kilometers of life-guarded beach to enjoy. Soak up the Mediterranean Sea breeze and wander around the cobbled streets of the whitewashed town, set just back from the sea, or enjoy a cool beverage in one of the beachfront xiringuitos with sand between your toes.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Montgat (Zone 1), Line R1, approximately 22 minutes.

El Masnou

One of the best features of the beach at El Masnou is the view of Barcelona’s jagged skyline in the distance. The W Hotel, Torre Glòries, the Mapfre Towers and other landmarks of the city can all be identified clearly from the shoreline. Sunset makes for a magical time here, when the views can be enjoyed alongside live music, monologues or performances at La Rotonda beach bar. The beach’s proximity to Barcelona makes it a great last-minute escape for families, young people and groups of friends in search of somewhere new.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Montgat (Zone 2), Line R1, approximately 27 minutes.

Ocata

Just a 10-minute walk up the coast from El Masnou, Ocata beach stretches for one-and-a-half kilometers and at some points is up to 170 meters wide, so there’s always somewhere to put your towel. The fine sand is kept immaculately clean and the water is refreshingly clear. Admire the Barcelona skyline in the distance and enjoy the peace and space around you that just half an hour of travel gets you. There’s also a path that runs alongside the train track with regular water fountains and shady picnic spots. If you need to stretch your legs, walk up towards Premià de Mar or back towards El Masnou.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Ocata (Zone 2), Line R1, approximately 27 minutes plus a 10 minute walk up the beach.

Caldes d’Estrac

The beaches at Caldes d’Estrac are an excellent example of the flat, broad, man-made beaches of the Maresme. Caldetes, as it is affectionately known, is actually two wide beaches—Platja dels Tres Micos and Platja de la Riera—measuring 800 meters from one relaxing end to the other. Its massive surface area allows people to find their own patch without stepping on anyone. As a bonus, Caldetes itself is a charming little town with some beautiful 19th-century architecture, a fun municipal spa, shady cafés and places to grab a bite. In short, a great place to unwind with family and friends.

How to Get There

Catalunya to Caldes d’Estrac (Zone 4), Line R1, approximately 50 minutes.

La Musclera

A 10 minute walk up the coast from Caldes d’Estrac will bring you to La Musclera—a natural beach in every way. Primarily known as a nudist beach, the area is also regarded for its native vegetation and protected spaces. Backed by rocks and sand dunes, this 750-meter beach offers privacy for anyone fancying a spot of skinny dipping. With clean, fine-grained sand, La Musclera is a peaceful paradise where you can work on that all-over tan.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Caldes d’Estrac (Zone 4), Line R1, approximately 50 minutes plus a 10 minute walk up the beach.

Arenys de Mar

Arenys de Mar falls between Caldes d‘Estrac and Sant Pol de Mar on the R1 line, and offers another ideal destination for enjoying a day in the sun. At the southernmost end of the beach, a small shelf of sand backs up to a steep rock face. This discrete section is used by nudists while the larger public beach is filled with families on the weekends. It has a laid-back feeling and it’s easy to imagine that most of those stretched out on the sand are locals who’ve wandered down from the town to spend the morning at the beach before heading back home to a midday paella and siesta.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Caldes d’Estrac (Zone 4), Line R1, approximately 55 minutes.

Sant Pol de Mar

This small fishing town an hour north of Barcelona is about as charming as it gets on the Maresme coast. White fishermen’s cottages cluster in the center of the town around the old church of Sant Pau. The main beach curves around directly in front of the town and the rocky backdrop gives it an intimate feel. There are also secluded rocky areas to be explored by walking north or south from the main beach. The rocks and clean, clear water make these great spots for snorkeling. It’s worth taking some time out from the beach and enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the excellent seafood restaurants. 

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Sant Pol de Mar (Zone 5), Line R1, approximately one hour.

Calella

Holiday with the locals at the lively cosmopolitan beach of Platja de Garbí in Calella. The town of Calella has been accommodating Catalan families for more than 50 years, and the beach is well-equipped with leisure and recreational services as a result. It has dedicated space for beach football, beach volleyball and paddle, as well as yachts for hire. If you have a need for speed, you can also take a ride on a banana boat, go water skiing or parasailing. Garbí Beach has continually received Blue Flag status since 2004 because of its golden sand, which is cleaned daily, and glittering blue waves. Admire the views while lying in one of Blue Bar Beach Club’s hammocks, or stay for dinner and feast on its celebrated gourmet burgers.  

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Calella (Zone 5), Line R1, approximately one hour 10 minutes.

Malgrat de Mar

Malgrat de Mar is a no-nonsense getaway, in the best possible sense. A quirky seaside resort with more than four kilometers of soft golden sand, it feels far removed from urban life, with no organized activities or obnoxious nightclubs. Instead, children of all ages can enjoy playgrounds on land and inflatable jungles floating on the water, and handy picnic tables and refreshment stalls make it more comfortable to spend the whole day there. Tourism really began in the area in the 1960s, and today Malgrat de Mar is officially recognized by the Generalitat as a Family Holiday Destination.

How to Get There

Plaça Catalunya to Malgrat de Mar (Zone 5), Line R1, approximately one hour 20 minutes.

Published June 2, 2015, updated July 7, 2024.