Mataró
A major industrial centre with a population of over 100,000, Mataró is at the centre of the Maresme region. The city dates back to Roman times and there are archaeological sites in the town. The first railway in Spain was constructed between Barcelona and Mataró, reflecting the town’s importance in industrial history. The old town centre is walled and has some interesting features including the 15th century basilica of Santa María, the ornate town hall built in the 17th century and many architectural works in the Art Nouveau tradition. Mataró was the home town of the famous architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch conserves many examples of his work.
Located next to the sea, Mataro has a long seafaring tradition and an active marina. Running parallel to the beach is a wide promenade. The beach is often empty in the week and can be less crowded than the tourist centres further north at weekends in the summer. It is popular with surfers.
Mataró is 30km from Barcelona and the town is easily reached by motorway or by the coastal road. There is a national RENFE train station in the town.
The Llavaneras Golf Course is just outside of Mataró

South of Mataró
This stretch coastline is largely dominated by campsites taking advantage of the otherwise unwanted coastal location, locked in between the huge industrial centres of Badalona to the south and Mataró to the north. Moving south from Mataró, the first town is Cabrera De Mar (3,500 people) with its prominent landmark of the 15th century Sant Feliu church and 2km of beachfront. Next is Vilassar De Mar. This town of 15,000 inhabitants is a few kilometres south of Mataró, characterised by its typical beach front promenade lined with palm trees and parks. There is a naval defence tower constructed in the 15th century in the town as well as a naval museum. Further south are Premià De Mar (25,000 inhabitants) where the remains of a Roman villa that once stood in the town can be viewed at the museum, then El Masnou (20,000 inhabitants) and Montgat (8000 inhabitants) at the edge of the Maresme region.

North of Mataró
The beaches of Maresme tend to improve as you move further north, away from the industrial centre of Mataró. In the small town of Caldes d’Estrac, just north of Mataró, there are some thermal springs that were first used by the Romans who built baths there. Arenys De Mar is the biggest fishing port in the area, with an interesting harbour and a decent beach. With a population of 12,000, Arenys is an hour from Barcelona. A few kilometres north of Arenys, Canet de Mar is a town with a population of 10,000 and a good beach.

Sant Pol De Mar
The small town of Sant Pol is one of the best coastal spots in the area. The rocky coves tend to be less crowded than at other beaches. It’s a fairly small town with a few restaurants and about 3000 inhabitants.
Santa Pol is 45km from Barcelona.

Calella
A modern package resort with stacks of concrete heaped up behind the seafront, Calella is easily accessible with 3km of sandy beaches. This has made the town a well established tourist centre that attracts crowds of international tourists, mostly from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. Big tour operators take advantage of Calella’s excellent transport links to bring tourists here by the busload in the summer. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars, night life here is thriving in the summer months. The beaches are kept in immaculate condition by the local council. Calella has managed to preserve her old town centre where you can find pleasant narrow streets and traditional Spanish restaurants.
Fiesta’s take place throughout the year including La Minerva in the middle of September with its street parades of giant papier-mache paper figures.
Calella is 45km south west of Girona’s airport and 60km north of El Prat airport in Barcelona.

Continuing up the coast, the resort towns of Pineda De Mar (20,000 inhabitants), Malgrat De Mar (12,000 inhabitants) and Santa Susanna (1500 inhabitants) have little to distinguish them from one another, all being important centres for package tourism. North of Santa Susanna is the town of Palafolls (5000 inhabitants) near to the coast. It has a marine zoo and water park with over 300 species of animals and a dolphin and seal show.

Inland

Tordera hosts the main street market of the area each Sunday when people come from the region surrounding the town to buy and sell goods and Tordera springs to life. With a population of 10,000, Tordera is located in the north of Maresme and is well connected by motorway.

Away from the motorway in the north of the region, Sant Cebria de Vallalta with 2000 inhabitants is located in the countryside, surrounded by pines, chestnuts and oaks. A tranquil town that attracts people wishing to escape from the development on the coast whilst still being near to it, Sant Cebria has a lovely 16th century church. There is an 18-hole golf course in Sant Cebria.
Of a similar character to Sant Cebria but further from the motorway, the town of Sant Iscle de Vallalta is located in the attractive countryside of inland Maresme with a population of 900 people. Southwest of Sant Iscle, Arenys de Munt is situated at the foot of a mountain and has a gothic church with an important altarpiece. Just outside Arenys de Munt is Lourdes park which is popular with weekend visitors.

Moving further south, Sant Vicenç De Montalt is a peaceful town of 4000 people, surrounded by pine trees. Its old houses and buildings were constructed around the 16th century church and the old town is particularly pleasant. The area around Sant Vincenç is dotted with country houses and medieval towers. The area is popular with people looking for second homes.
Sant Vincenç is 12km from Mataro.

Dosrius
Situated to the west of Sant Vincenç, further away from the motorway in beautiful surroundings, Dosrius has become popular as a residential vacation area. The town of 3000 people has a gothic church in the town with a square tower.
Dosrius is 8km from MataróSant Andreu De Llavaneres 8000
Just north of Mataró, Sant Andreu is a popular tourist town of over 8000 residents. The Llavaneras Golf Course is located here, reputed to be one of the best golf courses in Europe.

Around Mataró

Orrius
A small village of 400 people, Orrius is located in a small mountain valley with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It is popular with second homers in the summer.

Argentona
Near to Orrius, a few kilometres from Mataró, Argentona is an elegant town with a gothic church, Sant Julia, and famous for its fountains. Well connected by road, Argentona is a town of 10,000 people.

Vilassar De Dalt 7000
Just outside Mataró, Vilassar is a distinguished town with a medieval old town consisting of narrow, shaded streets. It has a 10th century castle with a circular tower that has been declared a historic-artistic monument.
There are 7000 residents in Vilassar.
The Isla Fantasia amusement and water park is located close to Vilassar.

Cabrils
Situated in a mountain valley and surrounded by hills and forests of pines and oaks, Cabrils is a town of 4000 people, close to Vilassar.

Premia De Dalt
A peaceful town in mountain valley, Premia de Dalt has a population of 9000 and a small industrial area.

Alella
Situated between mountains and the sea, Alella has an ancient history and some important pre-historic finds have been discovered in the area. It is an important wine-making town with a population of 9000, there is a museum of champagne and wines in Alella.

Tiana
Located in a valley, Tiana also produces wines. It has a gothic church of La Mare de Deu de la Alegria with its square church tower. 6000 people live in Tiana
In the south of the Maresme region, the town of Teia (5000 people) is a quiet town with a gothic church, located in the wine making area.