Stretching for around 50 kilometres north-east of Barcelona, the Costa del Maresme lies between the Catalan Coastal Range and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s dotted with blissful beaches, fishing villages and tourist towns that have been popular with Barcelona-based holidaymakers since the mid-19th century.
Ride the train that hugs the Costa del Maresme for a day at the beach, most of which are family-friendly with soft sands and play areas. You can explore the hidden bays of Sant Pol de Mar, play beach volleyball at Ocata or join the nudists at the clothing-optional beach of La Musclera.
The Costa del Maresme is renowned for its Modernista buildings, with a highlight being the former residence of the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. In the town of Caldes d’Estrac is the Fundacio Palau, which celebrates the friendship between Josep Palau i Fabre and Pablo Picasso through notes, drawings and paintings.
Getting there
The Costa del Maresme is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Barcelona and 40 minutes from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect to towns along the coastline, with most easily explored on foot.