If you’re staying at our hotel in Calella for a few days, we’d like to suggest some lovely villages to visit.
In this blog, you’ll find charming villages with a Mediterranean feel and others inland with vineyards in the Maresme region
Charming villages near Calella
Sant Pol de Mar
Sant Pol is an old fishing village with whitewashed houses and a rich architectural heritage, featuring Modernist buildings such as the former school and Indian-style houses like Ca l'Adroher. It is also renowned for its cuisine, ranging from traditional dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced produce to haute cuisine, thanks to the influence of Carme Ruscalleda and her restaurant Sant Pau.
Canet de Mar
Perfect for lovers of Catalan Modernism. There is a rich Modernist heritage thanks to architects such as Luís Domènech i Montaner. You’ll find various walking routes to explore the village at the Tourist Office.
You can visit the Domènech i Montaner House Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the Modernist architect.
In September, the Fira Mercat Modernista is held, featuring guided tours, workshops and craft stalls.
Arenys de Mar
A town home to one of the most important fishing ports on the Catalan coast, where the fish auction takes place from Monday to Friday at around 4 pm at the fish market. On the Rambla, you will find the church of Santa María, which houses a Baroque altarpiece. In October–November, the Calamarenys festival takes place, a series of gastronomic events dedicated to squid.
Caldes d’Estrac (Caldetes)
This is a town dating back to the 13th century, built around an old hospital and a church. Its thermal springs have shaped the history of this town; they were already used by the Romans and the Arabs. In 1820, the public baths became more widely known, and many members of the bourgeoisie of the time turned the town into a summer resort and a destination for spa treatments.
You will find the Palau i Fabré Foundation, which houses a permanent exhibition of works by Picasso and other artists such as Miró, Tàpies and Miquel Barceló.
Mataró
La ciudad más importante del Maresme. The first railway line on the Iberian Peninsula was built, running between Mataró and Barcelona. It combines the vibrancy of an industrial town with a university, history, heritage and culture… You’ll find the Nau Gaudí, the modernist architect’s first work and home to the Museum of Contemporary Art. In Mataró you can enjoy shopping, leisure and fine dining. In the last week of July, the town’s annual festival, known as ‘Les Santes’, is held.
Cabrera de Mar
Cabrera de Mar is a municipality that combines the sea, with its beaches, and the mountains, boasting a wealth of history and stunning scenery.
At the foot of Burriac Castle lie the remains of an Iberian settlement, whilst the village itself features ruins from the Roman period. There are numerous routes and footpaths for exploring the castle and its surroundings. The easiest ones, suitable for all levels, start right in the centre of Cabrera.
During the second weekend in October, Cabrera de Mar will be transformed into the ancient city of Ilturo, recreating its rich Iberian-Roman era.
Alella
One of the best-kept secrets near Barcelona. It boasts Roman ruins, the Iberian settlement of La Cadira del Bisbe, and a significant Modernist heritage.
You’ll also find beautiful stately homes, as Alella was a summer resort for the bourgeoisie in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Alella is a walk through vineyards by the sea and is known for its wines from the Alella Designation of Origin, the smallest on the peninsula and one of the oldest.
Argentona
Argentona is home to a significant body of work by one of the greats of Catalan Modernism, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, who chose Argentona as his summer retreat.
It also boasts over 200 springs, some of which contain carbon dioxide. Until the 1970s, the water was bottled for sale. The best known are the ‘Font Picant’ and the ‘Font de Ferro’.
You can visit the Cantir (Water Jug) Museum. In August, the Cantir Festival is held, which always takes place on St Dominic’s Day, 4 August.
The Maresme is much more than just beaches: it is a unique combination of fishing villages, Modernist culture, vineyards and nature.
From our hotel in Calella, Bernat II, you’ll have a great starting point.
Are you coming to discover the Maresme?
Photo: Turisme Maresme
