Costa Barcelona

Maresme is one of the richest regions in Catalonia as far as agricultural production is concerned, as attested to by the 50-odd food festivals organised in the district over the year. Some of the products have gained wide recognition for their quality, such as “floreta” and “garrofal” peas from Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Caldes d’Estrac y Mataró; strawberries from La Vallalta, “del ganxet” beans from Malgrat de Mar and “d’en Roca” cherries from Arenys de Munt. Seafood including squid, prawns and crayfish from Arenys de Mar is also widely acclaimed.

The typical cuisine of the region, predominantly “suquet” seafood casseroles and stews made from locally grown vegetables, is complemented by the denomination of origin Alella, famous, above all, for the quality of its white wines. To discover the secrets of this excellent wine visit one of the existing wineries or attend the harvest festival in the month of September and the Alella grape and wine festivals in the month of November, held by several municipalities in the Maresme region.

The cultural attractions of the Costa del Maresme are both extensive and diverse. Numerous organised routes exist to bring visitors closer to the region´s rich historic and architectural heritage. Itineraries geared to the modernist architecture of Canet de Mar, the scenarios immortalised by the work of poet Salvador Espriu in Arenys de Mar and the diverse castles and watchtowers to be found along the coastline, to name but a few examples.

And not forgetting the numerous artistic and cultural events held in the region over the year, especially in summer. events dedicated to the performing arts such as the Ple de riure humour festival (Masnou, July); the concert cycles such as those dedicated to classical music in the Santa Florentina castle in Canet de Mar, the Festival d’Estiu in Alella, and the Acords d’Estiu cycle in Pineda de Mar.

The Barcelona-Maresme coastline from Montgat to Malgrat de Mar sports around forty beaches of different geological characteristics, ranging from small coves to long stretches of sand bordering urban areas, and for all tastes: geared to children and families, such as Els Pescadors in Pineda de Mar and Les Dunes in Santa Susanna; nudist beaches including Musclera de Arenys de Mar and Las Rocas in Calella, or those with a special charm such as Passeig dels Anglesos de Caldes d’Estrac and the main beach in Sant Pol.

Most of these beaches are easy to get to and provide beachgoers with services including showers, bars and free parking. Some of these beaches have been awarded quality status such as the “Q” mark of the Spanish Institution for Quality Tourism (ICTE) and the blue flag of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe.