A railway on the beach
The Maresme is the stretch of coast between Barcelona and the start of the Costa Brava. It is less famous than its neighbours, but it has one big advantage: a commuter railway that runs right along the shore, often just metres from the sand. You can step off the train and be on the beach within a minute or two.
The line was one of the first railways in Spain, and it still serves the towns along the coast. Trains leave frequently from central Barcelona stations, making beach-hopping without a car easy.
Close to the city
Just beyond the city limits, Montgat and El Masnou have wide sandy beaches that are often less crowded than Barcelona's own. They are popular with local families and are only a short ride from the centre.
Further on, Premià de Mar and Vilassar de Mar have long beaches and a more residential feel. Mataró, the region's capital, has a modern seafront and an old town with modernist buildings.
These nearer beaches are also handy for a quick swim on the way to or from the city, and some have marinas with seafood restaurants and terraces facing the water.
Further north
The further you go, the more attractive the coast becomes. Caldes d'Estrac, often called Caldetes, is a small spa town with thermal springs, a pretty seafront and a sheltered beach. Arenys de Mar is a working fishing port with a lively fish auction and good seafood restaurants.
Sant Pol de Mar is perhaps the most charming of all, a village of whitewashed houses on a small headland with a hilltop chapel and coves either side. Calella, nearby, is a larger resort with a lighthouse and a long beach.
Many towns on this coast hold lively festivals in summer, and inland the Maresme is known for its flower nurseries and market gardens, including the strawberries of the area around Sant Pol and Arenys.
Practical tips
The beaches here are mostly coarse sand, and they slope fairly steeply into the water, so they suit confident swimmers. Because the railway runs between the towns and the beaches, access is via underpasses or footbridges, which are usually close to the stations.
Buy a return ticket or use a multi-journey card if you plan several trips. On hot summer weekends, trains can be full, so travel early. Sit on the right-hand side heading north for sea views all the way.
Good to know
- Sit on the right side heading north for sea views.
- Visit Sant Pol de Mar for the prettiest village on the line.
- Go on a weekday to avoid crowded trains and beaches.