The Maresme Coast is one of those places best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Located north of Barcelona, this paradise has it all: Mediterranean beaches, fishing villages, local markets, nature, easy hiking trails, great food, and convenient transportation options for getting around the area. So, if you’re wondering what to do on the Maresme Coast, we’re sure you’ll soon find plenty of answers. From Camping El Toro Azul, we encourage you to discover a wealth of small experiences that are a perfect fit for you and your travel style.
What to Know About the Maresme
The Maresme Coast is a stretch of coastline located north of Barcelona, just before the Costa Brava. It beautifully combines a seaside atmosphere, cultural heritage, traces of Modernism, and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, which stretches from the Serralada Litoral. According to Turisme de Barcelona, the Maresme is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline between Montgat and Malgrat de Mar, featuring beaches, pine forests, and historic fishing villages with strong ties to the Catalan capital.
It is also a region with a significant tourism industry. According to data on tourism occupancy in the Maresme region in 2025 published by Turisme Maresme, the region recorded more than 2.1 million tourists and nearly 8 million overnight stays. In addition, camping accommodations exceeded 2.2 million overnight stays and grew by 3.2% compared to the previous year. Although the Maresme is a highly popular destination for summer vacations, it can also be enjoyed during other seasons, especially if you’re looking to travel at a more leisurely pace and take advantage of the benefits of choosing a campground that’s open year-round.
Beaches and things to do along the Mediterranean
One of the main attractions of the Maresme Coast is its beaches. The region boasts 52 km of coastline and 50 beaches, with options ranging from family-friendly sandy beaches with amenities to quieter spots where you can unwind by the sea.
In addition, many beaches are well connected by the coastal train line, making it easy to travel between towns without always having to rely on a car. For those traveling by trailer, motorhome, or campervan, this allows you to set up a good base, such as Camping El Toro Azul, and plan simple outings during your stay.
The Sea, Strolling, and Active Tourism
The Maresme isn’t just a place to relax by the Mediterranean. It also offers water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving at specialized clubs and centers. This region has five marinas where you can rent boats or take boat tours to explore the coast from a different perspective. One of the most important ones is located right here in Arenys de Mar.
From Camping El Toro Azul, you have direct access to the beach. Enjoy a beautiful walk at sunrise, a quiet afternoon by the sea, or some active fun if you feel like getting a little more exercise.
Coastal towns with a seaside atmosphere
Another of the best things to do on the Maresme Coast is to explore its towns. Each town has its own unique charm: some are known for their harbors, others for their Modernist heritage, quiet streets, markets, or seaside promenades. Some interesting stops during a getaway include:
- Arenys de Mar. It’s a great base for exploring the area. It features a fishing and marina, beaches, restaurants, local shops, and a strong seafaring tradition. It’s also a great place to take a stroll along the Riera, visit the town center, or sample local fish and seafood. You’ll find us here too— your favorite campground in the Maresme.
- Sant Pol de Mar. It retains the charm of an old fishing village, with narrow streets, white houses, and small coves that invite you to unwind. It’s an ideal stop if you’re looking for a peaceful, Mediterranean atmosphere.
- Canet de Mar. A must-see for anyone interested in architecture and cultural heritage. It is renowned for its Modernist heritage, featuring landmarks such as the Lluís Domènech i Montaner House-Museum and buildings rich in period details.
- Caldes d’Estrac, also known as Caldetes, has an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its hot springs and its historic summer homes, especially along the Passeig dels Anglesos.
Local cuisine: the best of land and sea
Maresme cuisine beautifully combines fresh produce from the region’s gardens with the catch of the day. During your getaway, be sure to try seasonal specialties such as Maresme peas—known as the region’s “green gold” —pink tomatoes, and local strawberries. You’ll also find Mediterranean dishes featuring cuttlefish, squid, and fresh fish, as well as traditional recipes like mongetes del ganxet with clams. It’s a simple and delicious way to discover the Maresme Coast through its cuisine.
On a tour of the area, we encourage you to combine seaside restaurants, quiet outdoor cafes, local markets, and small shops. For those traveling in a camper, trailer, or motorhome, this kind of itinerary is both convenient and appealing: you can buy local products, discover the local cuisine, and plan your day with complete freedom.
Easy trails and nature near the sea
Although the Maresme is often associated with the beach, it also has a natural side that is well worth exploring. The region lies between the sea and the mountains, making it possible to combine coastal walks with short hikes inland. We highlight three natural areas linked to the region: the Montnegre i el Corredor Park, the Serralada Litoral Park, and the Serralada de Marina Park. All of them are truly interesting for those seeking trails, Mediterranean forests, lookouts, and outdoor activities without straying too far from the coast.
So if you’re not sure what to do in the Maresme, start by spending a morning walking along the coast, visiting a nearby village in the afternoon, and setting aside another day for a nature hike. Afterward, you can always return to relax at your campsite at El Toro Azul and end the day with the best views of the Mediterranean.
Barcelona, an easy day trip from the Maresme
One of the advantages of the Maresme Coast is its proximity to Barcelona. You can stay by the sea, in a quieter setting, and spend a day visiting the city without having to drive your RV or campervan into the city.
From Arenys de Mar, the Rodalies train service to Barcelona makes it easy to get around by public transportation. You can check the Rodalies schedules and routes before planning your visit, allowing you to leave your motorhome or camper parked during your stay.
Quick tips for planning your getaway
Before planning your itinerary along the Maresme Coast, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Choose a good base. Arenys de Mar is a convenient location for exploring the coast and staying close to Barcelona.
- Combine the beach with small towns. Don't base your entire trip on just one plan. The best part of the Maresme is mixing the beach, walks, local cuisine, and short excursions.
- Check public transportation schedules. If you plan to visit Barcelona, check the schedules before you leave and avoid moving your motorhome or camper unnecessarily.
- Consider traveling during the off-season as well. The coast is much more peaceful in the spring, fall, or during weekend getaways.
- Leave room for improvisation. A good route through the Maresme doesn't have to be planned down to the minute. Sometimes the best plans come up along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do on the Maresme Coast
What to see on the Maresme Coast?
You can visit coastal towns, beaches, harbors, local markets, boardwalks, and nearby natural areas. Arenys de Mar, Canet de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar, Calella, Mataró, and Pineda de Mar are some of the most popular stops.
Is the Maresme Coast a good place for a campervan getaway?
Yes. It’s a great area for traveling by camper, trailer, or motorhome because it offers a mix of coastline, nearby towns, amenities, good access to Barcelona, and easy-to-plan activities all year round.
Is it possible to visit Barcelona from the Maresme Coast?
Yes. From towns like Arenys de Mar, you can travel to Barcelona by public transportation, particularly via the Rodalies. It’s a convenient option for avoiding driving into the city.
What to do in Arenys de Mar?
In Arenys de Mar, you can stroll along the harbor, enjoy the beach, explore the town center, sample the local cuisine, and use the town as a base for exploring other parts of the Maresme Coast.
When is the best time to visit the Maresme Coast?
Summer is the perfect time for the beach, but spring, fall, and even some winter weekends offer a chance to enjoy the coast in a more peaceful setting, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.