During my years living in Barcelona, summer meant escaping to the Maresme Coast—a ribbon of sunlit towns stretched along the sea. It all began with Montgat Nord, where I found a cozy chiringuito that felt like a hidden gem. I’d ride my bike there, pedaling through the backstreets and neighborhoods, sometimes weaving past the La Rambla of Poble Sec, where everyday life spilled into the streets with color and rhythm.

One summer, I guided my sister Tess and her friends Sylvia and Victoria on a coastal bike tour. The route was flat and breezy, inviting us to slow down and stop at beach bars and seaside cafés. We made it all the way to Ocata, then returned to their hotel sun-kissed and happy by afternoon.

As time went on, I explored larger towns like Badalona, where the streets buzzed with shoppers and local life. El Masnou called to me too—especially its quiet town center. And when I felt adventurous, I’d hike up to Alella. The path winds through hills and vineyards, leading to panoramic views of the coast. Alella’s white wines are a treat, and tasting them on a sunny terrace made the climb worth every step. That region, once, was home.

Then there’s Sant Pol—a place I return to whenever I want to spend the whole day by the sea. It’s a town that seems to glow in its own light, with one of the most beautiful beaches along the Maresme. A perfect place to do nothing at all but be present, by the water, in the moment.

🌊 The Vibe

Sant Pol feels laid-back and timeless. Whitewashed houses line narrow, winding streets, many with balconies full of flowers. The Mediterranean is always just around the corner, with golden beaches and small coves accessible on foot. It’s got a kind of quiet elegance that attracts artists, writers, and people looking to escape the city rush.

🏖️ Beaches

The beaches are a major draw—clean, not overly crowded, and framed by the town’s classic architecture and rocky outcrops. The main beach (Platja de Sant Pol) has calm, clear waters and is great for swimming. There's also a nudist-friendly cove nearby for those who prefer a bit more seclusion.

Ah, the Maresme Coast—what a gem of Catalonia. It’s a place where the sea, mountains, and Mediterranean light all come together in harmony. Here's what makes Maresme so beautiful and special:

🌊 The Coastline Itself

Long sandy beaches that stretch for miles, backed by gentle hills and coastal villages.
The Mediterranean here has a brilliant blue hue, and on many days it’s calm, reflecting that almost dreamlike quality of light.
It's much less crowded than the Costa Brava, which means more space, more peace, and a sense of being tucked away from the world.

🏡 Charming Towns and Villages

Towns like Arenys de Mar, Caldes d’Estrac, Sant Pol de Mar, and Vilassar de Mar have this perfect balance: lively enough to be interesting, small enough to feel intimate.
Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and seaside promenades give them that quintessential Mediterranean charm.
Many of these places still feel authentic, where people live and work and fish and eat together, not just for show.

🌿 The Nature Between Mountains and Sea

The Serra de Marina and Corredor natural parks rise just inland, so you can go from beach to hiking trail in minutes.
This geography creates a kind of protected microclimate, making the area feel lush, sunny, and full of life nearly all year round.
You get stunning sunrises over the sea and sunsets behind the hills.

🍇 Food, Wine, and Slow Life

The region is known for its fresh seafood, local produce, and proximity to the Alella wine region—tiny but prestigious.
You can spend an afternoon at a local masia (country house) tasting wines, cheeses, and olives in the shade of fig trees.
The whole area has a feeling of slowness and elegance—it invites you to pause, breathe, and take in the moment.

🚆 Easy, Dreamy Access

There’s a train line that hugs the coast, running from Barcelona to Blanes, and it’s one of the most beautiful scenic rides you can take in Spain.
You’re just 30–45 minutes from the city, but it feels like a world away. This makes Maresme a kind of hidden retreat for locals in the know.

🎨 Art, History, and the Soul of Catalonia

Modernist architecture, museums (like the Palau Foundation in Caldes d’Estrac), and traces of Catalonia’s artistic soul are woven through these towns.
It’s a place where artists have lived quietly, inspired by the light and rhythm of coastal life.
And the festivals—small, local, deeply rooted—connect you to traditions that still matter.