The Costa del Maresme takes in the stretch of coast north of Barcelona city. The area attracts large numbers of people from Barcelona but there are some pleasant spots. Mataró, a major industrial centre 30km from Barcelona with a population of over 100,000, is at the centre of the Maresme region. It has a long seafaring tradition and an active marina. South of Mataró are the huge industrial centres of Badalona and the outskirts of Barcelona city. Cabrera de Mar, Vilassar de Mar, Premià de Mar, El Masnou and Montgat are largely dominated by holiday campsites taking advantage of the otherwise unwanted coastal location. North of Mataro the coastline and beaches are quieter and prettier. Caldes d’Estrac has thermal springs. Arenys De Mar is the biggest fishing port in the area, with an interesting harbour and, as with Canet de Mar a few kms north, a decent beach. The small town of Sant Pol is one of the best coastal spots in the area with rocky coves hiding restaurants and beautiful properties, all a short distance from the mass tourism of Calella, the modern package resort with 3km of immaculately clean sandy beaches only 45km from Girona’s airport and 60km north of Barcelona´s El Prat airport.
Continuing north up the coast , the resort towns of Pineda de Mar, Malgrat de Mar and Santa Susanna are also important centres for package tourism. North of Santa Susanna is the town of Palafolls with a marine zoo and water park.

Barcelona is an industrial harbour and the beaches tend to be polluted or backed by gas, chemical and mineral-oil complexes. The urban region of Baix Llobregat, Barcelona´s most densely populated area has plenty of attractions nonetheless: Gaudi´s World Heritage sites and golf courses: Can Cuyas Golf Club and Manresa Golf Club at Sant Feliu, and Real Club de Golf near El Prat de llobregat airport.