What to do in Maresme: a complete guide to activities and iconic places
Everything you need to know to make the most of Maresme
Published: 2024
Maresme is a hidden gem on the Catalan coast, famous for its unique combination of beautiful and serene beaches, charming towns, great restaurants, and a wide range of family activities. It is an ideal destination for all types of visitors, from those planning a weekend getaway to those looking for a place to enjoy with family. Maresme always has something special to offer.
In this article, created after long conversations with guests at our hotel in Caldes de Estrac, we will show you the best places to visit in the area, review the most interesting plans to enjoy in Maresme on a typical weekend, and explore the best options for enjoying with children near the sea. Keep reading and discover the spots that will make your next visit an unforgettable experience.
A journey through the soul of art at the Fundació Palau
Imagine immersing yourself in an atmosphere full of history, creativity, and artistic passion. The Fundació Palau, located next to our hotel in Caldes d’Estrac, is the perfect place to feel the pulse of 20th-century art.
Its rooms invite you to walk among the brushstrokes of Mompou, the forms of Miró, and the strokes of Barceló. But the most exciting is its tribute to Pablo Picasso, an intimate journey through the work of a genius, guided by the deep admiration of his friend, José Palau.
Come and connect with art in a unique way in this space that invites you to dream and create.
Experience Paddle Surf
If you’re looking for a challenge that combines adventure, sport, and nature, paddle surfing in Maresme is for you. Imagine gliding over the water, surrounded by stunning landscapes, while feeling the energy of the sea beneath your feet.
The beaches of El Masnou, Montgat, Vilassar de Mar, or Caldes de Estrac offer ideal waves for trying this exciting activity. From the little ones to adults, everyone can join in classes or guided outings, regardless of skill level.
Run the Maresme Trails
Looking for a different way to enjoy the Maresme? Go for a run along its impressive trails that combine sea, mountains, and an unparalleled natural landscape.
From the trails of Arenys de Mar to the more challenging paths of Montnegre, each route offers a unique experience. The best part? No matter your experience level, there will always be a perfect trail for you.
So lace up your shoes, breathe in the fresh air, and explore the best routes we’ve gathered for you in our article Run the Maresme: 5 Must-Run Routes for Runners.
A day of pure relaxation at the Maresme spas
If you need to escape from daily stress, the Maresme spas are the ideal place to disconnect and recharge your energy. With an offer of thermal waters that combine the power of nature with the serenity of the surroundings, these wellness centers are designed to give you moments of absolute peace.
From the historic Balneari Titus to the modern Silence Spa in Calella, each spa offers a unique experience. Relax in thermal pools, enjoy revitalizing saunas, and immerse yourself in personalized treatments that take care of your body and mind. A day in Maresme is the perfect formula to reconnect with yourself.
The magic of Paella in Maresme
Paella is more than just a recipe in Maresme, it is a symbol of its rich culinary heritage. The many restaurants in the region elevate this traditional delicacy to a sublime experience, using fresh, locally-sourced products and centuries-old techniques that honor tradition. Each grain of rice and seafood cooked to perfection makes enjoying a paella in Maresme a delight for the senses.
Whether enjoyed in a cozy restaurant or with views of the Mediterranean, paella is a reflection of the culinary art that this beautiful corner of Catalonia offers to visitors.
Santa Florentina Castle: a medieval legacy
Maresme boasts more than 50 fortifications, but the Santa Florentina Castle, in Canet de Mar, stands out among them all. With its imposing battlemented towers, Gothic galleries, and noble halls, this medieval castle has witnessed centuries of history. Although documented since the 11th century, it was renovated in the 20th century by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who transformed it into a modernist gem.
Today, you can tour its rooms in guided visits, or participate in events and weddings held inside. It has even been the setting for famous film productions, such as the legendary HBO series “Game of Thrones”.
The Marina Route of the Camino de Santiago
Walking the Marina Route of the Camino de Santiago in Maresme is an experience that combines the pleasure of hiking with the discovery of local history and culture. This route, which connects the Maresme coast with Barcelonès, will allow you to explore from the natural beauty of the Blanes coast to the Roman remains in Mataró.
The stages, well signposted and full of places to stamp your credential, offer a unique journey through the region. If you’re looking for a different way to discover Maresme, this route will leave unforgettable memories.
The Maresme Pea and the Pesolada
Every spring, Maresme comes alive with the arrival of the pea, a green gem that awakens the senses. This small delicacy, known for its sweetness and tenderness, is the heart of the famous Pesolada. An event where tables are filled with traditional dishes, and families and friends gather to celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage of the region.
Enjoying some “peas with cuttlefish” or “peas with sausage”, savored outdoors with views of the Mediterranean, is an experience that connects with the most authentic essence of this beautiful Mediterranean region.
A magical world for children at Francesc Macià Park
Francesc Macià Park, in Malgrat de Mar, is a place where imagination and play merge in an ideal space for children. Upon crossing the castle-shaped entrance, you enter a fantastic world of giant sculptures. Cakes, pencils, and oversized animals decorate this colorful park.
The youngest children can play safely in the adapted areas, while older kids enjoy zip lines and sports fields. With picnic areas, fountains, and restrooms, this park offers everything needed for a perfect day of family fun.
Explore the Wine Heritage of DO Alella
The DO Alella, in the Maresme, hides a wine treasure that few know about. With barely 230 hectares, its urban vineyards have proudly stood since Roman times. This small but rich designation offers perfect wine tourism experiences for those who want to explore more than just a simple tasting.
With numerous wineries to visit, each with its own character and tradition, you can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and routes that will connect you with centuries of history and viticulture. The sea views and the region’s unique soil give their wines a distinctive flavor. It is an ideal plan for lovers of culture and history seeking to enjoy a different experience close to the big city.
A relaxing walk along the Tordera Delta
The mouth of the Tordera offers a circular route of 3 to 4 hours, ideal for those who enjoy easy walks. It starts at Punta de la Tordera beach, where you can birdwatch from a tower and enjoy the view of the dunes. The route also takes you through the Plan de Grau, an agricultural area where bean and endive crops are the protagonists.
Finally, you will reach the delta, a place where the landscape constantly changes due to river and sea currents. It is an accessible and easy route, perfect to enjoy with friends or family.
Fly through the trees at Bosc Vertical!
The Parc Forestal de Mataró hosts the exciting Bosc Vertical, an adventure park perfect for families and nature lovers. With 4 routes designed for different difficulty levels, everyone will find their perfect challenge among the more than 80 available activities.
Zip lines reaching up to 110 meters, 22-meter vines, and countless bridges, tunnels, and nets await you to experience the forest from above. Safety is always a priority, so you can enjoy the experience worry-free while the park’s natural surroundings offer a breath of fresh air and outdoor fun.
Marineland in Palafolls: spectacle and learning for children
For those looking for an entertaining and educational outing with children, Marineland in Palafolls offers the best of both worlds. This marine park features fascinating daily dolphin and sea lion shows, where children can get up close and see how these wonderful animals interact.
In addition to the shows, Marineland also has educational areas dedicated to marine life conservation and outreach, allowing kids to learn about these creatures in a fun way.
And to end the day, don’t forget to enjoy the park’s pools and water attractions.
El Espinaler: a must-stop in Vilassar de Mar
If you visit the Maresme region, you can’t miss stopping by Vilassar de Mar and visiting El Espinaler. This bar, famous for its Espinaler Sauce since 1952, has turned the vermouth tradition into a unique experience. Located in the heart of the town, just steps from the charming seafront or the historic streets with modernist houses, it’s the ideal place to enjoy gourmet preserves and a vermouth that has become famous worldwide.
Relaxing in the sun, with a drink in hand, is one of those simple pleasures that this iconic spot offers, inviting you to savor the history and essence of Maresme.
A day of golf in the Maresme, a privilege year-round
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and mild temperatures, the Maresme region is an exceptional destination for golf practice, regardless of the season. Among the main attractions are the golf courses in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres and Sant Vicenç de Montalt, known for their excellent location and sea views.
With easy access from Barcelona and Girona, the Maresme region combines sports, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes, making it a reference for sports tourism in Catalonia.
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