Traveling through Catalonia in a campervan is a way to explore this region at a more leisurely pace, carefully choosing each stop and enjoying both the journey and the destination. The Catalan coast is full of charming places. But the Maresme has something that makes it especially appealing to those traveling by campervan: it’s close to Barcelona and offers a unique blend of beaches, fishing villages, cultural heritage, cuisine, and authentic Mediterranean charm.
So if you’re planning a campervan trip through Catalonia, the Maresme Coast is undoubtedly a great place to stop. You don’t need to go out of your way; you can easily travel between towns, and the sea is always nearby. Plus, it’s a very convenient area if you’re looking for a coastal and urban getaway without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. The Maresme region boasts 52 km of coastline and 50 beaches. This helps explain why exploring the Maresme by campervan is such a great idea. We’ll tell you all about it at Camping El Toro Azul, right on the shores of Arenys de Mar.
Why Choose the Maresme for a Camper Van Getaway
There’s plenty to see and do in the Maresme, making it the perfect area to explore at your own pace—which we know is what you enjoy most. It stretches north of Barcelona, just before the Costa Brava, and combines a Mediterranean atmosphere with an ideal location for exploring the Catalan coast. That’s why this area offers several advantages for a campervan getaway through Catalonia:
- It's close to Barcelona, but it has a more peaceful atmosphere.
- It has coastal towns, each with its own unique character.
- It lets you combine the beach, fine dining, walks, and short cultural excursions.
- It's a good stopover if you're traveling to France, heading south, or traveling along the Mediterranean coast.
- It has good public transportation connections in several municipalities.
It’s also important to keep in mind that traveling in a camper or RV doesn’t always mean moving to a new place every day. Sometimes, choosing a good base and exploring from there allows you to enjoy the destination more, get a better night’s sleep, and avoid unnecessary travel.
1. Sant Pol de Mar: Mediterranean tranquility and charming streets
Sant Pol de Mar is one of those towns that has preserved the authentic character of the coast. It has narrow streets, white houses, small coves, and an idyllic atmosphere that invites you to wander aimlessly.
It's a great place to take a break along the way. You can stroll through downtown, head down to the waterfront, walk along the boardwalk, or simply sit back and enjoy the sunset. It doesn't take much more than that to make the visit worthwhile.
Things to Do in Sant Pol de Mar
If you pass through Sant Pol on your route, you can plan a simple visit that still lets you experience all the charm of the Maresme.
- Stroll through its streets and discover its charming hidden corners.
- Head to the beach and enjoy its seaside charm.
- Have a drink on a quiet terrace.
- The route continues to other towns in the Maresme region, without any long drives.
Sant Pol is perfect for a relaxing getaway, especially if you travel outside of the busiest months. It’s a place to slow down and remember that traveling in a camper is also about enjoying the little stops along the way.
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2. Canet de Mar: Modernism by the Mediterranean
Without a doubt, this is a very interesting stop for lovers of art, heritage, and, of course, the sea. Canet de Mar is known for its Modernist heritage and for its buildings associated with Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the leading figures of Catalan Modernism.
On a road trip through the Maresme in your camper van, Canet offers a unique experience. More than just a stop along your Mediterranean route, it’s an opportunity to admire building facades, discover architectural details, and get to know another side of the Catalan coast.
A cultural itinerary without straying far from the Mediterranean
Canet de Mar is perfect for a quick, relaxing day trip. You can stroll through the town center, visit the impressive Castell de Santa Florentina, stop by the Lluís Domènech i Montaner House-Museum, or combine this cultural experience with some time at the beach.
For those traveling in an RV, this plan is a surefire hit. It doesn't take up a whole day, but it adds variety to the trip. After several days along the coast, including an experience like this helps make the itinerary more complete and balanced.
3. Arenys de Mar: a port, a beach, and a base for exploring the area
The third spot in the Maresme region worth stopping at along the way is Arenys de Mar, home to Camping El Toro Azul. If you’re traveling in a camper, trailer, or motorhome, Arenys has a clear advantage: it combines a seaside atmosphere, a harbor, a beach, local shops, great food, and easy access to Barcelona. That’s why it works so well as a starting point for exploring the Maresme without having to move your camper every day.
Arenys de Mar is a place you’ll want to stay in. Its fishing and marina, its Riera (main avenue), its restaurants, its beaches, and its local atmosphere steeped in tradition make it much more than just a place to spend the night. It’s a truly pleasant town to settle into, take a stroll, sample some fish or seafood, and use as a base for exploring the Maresme Coast.
El Toro Azul Campground: A Break by the Sea
If you're looking for a place to stop along your route, Camping El Toro Azul offers a very convenient location in Arenys de Mar, right on the Mediterranean and 40 km from Barcelona. From here, you can enjoy direct access to the beach, as well as our facilities and swimming pools, relax after several days on the road, and plan excursions in the surrounding area.
Plus, you’ll have great access to public transportation. This will give you the chance to visit Barcelona without dealing with traffic and to get around the area without always having to rely on your vehicle. For many RV travelers, this makes all the difference, since they can leave their vehicle at the campground while enjoying what the Maresme has to offer at their own pace.
Tips for Enjoying the Maresme in a Camper Van
Traveling through the Maresme in a campervan is easy if you plan your trip well. You don't need to have every minute of the trip mapped out, but it's a good idea to have a few clear ideas in mind.
- Choose a good base. Arenys de Mar is a convenient location for exploring the area while still being close to Barcelona.
- It combines small towns and the beach. The charm of the Maresme lies in alternating between seaside strolls, short visits, and great food.
- Travel during off-peak times. Spring, fall, and some winter weekends are a great time to enjoy the coast at a more leisurely pace.
- Check schedules and connections. If you want to visit Barcelona, public transportation can help you avoid having to drive the RV.
- Please respect the designated areas. When traveling through Catalonia in a camper, it’s a good idea to choose campgrounds or designated rest areas so you can use the facilities and travel with greater peace of mind.
So, if you're planning your trip, take a look at what we have to offer at our campground for trailers, motorhomes, and campervans in Arenys de Mar, and choose the option that best suits you.
