Dofi Jet Boats — Coastal Cruise

Hop-on hop-off catamaran along the coast to Tossa de Mar

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Barcelona Day Trip

World-class city just 30–75 minutes away by train

💡 Barcelona Day Trip Tips

  • Start early: Catch an 8-9am train to maximise your day
  • Book attractions online: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló all require advance tickets
  • Watch for pickpockets: La Rambla and the metro are hotspots — keep valuables close
  • Eat off La Rambla: Side streets have better food at lower prices
  • Last train home: Usually around 22:30 — don't miss it or you'll need a pricey taxi
  • Google Maps: Excellent for real-time Barcelona public transport
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Costa Brava

Medieval towns, turquoise coves & dramatic coastline just north of Maresme

Lloret de Mar

The liveliest resort on the Costa Brava. Big beaches, water parks, shopping, and buzzing nightlife. Reachable by Dofi Jet or bus.

Getting There

Dofi Jet Boat: Stop on the coastal route
Bus: From Blanes (~20 min)

Good For

  • Water World water park
  • Santa Clotilde Gardens
  • Shopping and nightlife
  • Family beaches

Blanes

The gateway to the Costa Brava and the last stop on the R1 train line. A genuine Catalan town with a world-class botanical garden and the iconic Sa Palomera rock.

Getting There

R1 Train: Direct from any Maresme station
~5–20 min from Malgrat/Calella

Highlights

  • Jardí Botànic Marimurtra — stunning clifftop gardens
  • Sa Palomera rock — marks the start of the Costa Brava
  • Daily fish auction at the port
  • July fireworks competition (world-famous)

Cadaqués & Cap de Creus

The whitewashed village that inspired Salvador Dalí. Further afield (2–2.5 hours by car), but one of the most beautiful spots in all of Catalunya. Best as a full-day or overnight trip.

Getting There

Car rental recommended (~2–2.5 hrs)
Or Sarfa bus from Barcelona

Highlights

  • Dalí's house-museum at Portlligat
  • Cap de Creus Natural Park — Spain's easternmost point
  • Whitewashed village with artist galleries
  • Crystal-clear swimming coves
Note: Cadaqués is remote — no train access. A car rental makes this trip much easier. Book Dalí's house in advance as visitor numbers are limited.

Montserrat

Sacred mountain, monastery & spectacular hiking

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Culture & Wine

Girona, Dalí Museum & Penedès wine country

Figueres — Dalí Theatre-Museum

The largest surrealist object in the world. Designed by Salvador Dalí himself, this museum is the artist's greatest work — a building that is itself a piece of art. Mind-bending, weird, and utterly unforgettable.

Getting There

High-speed AVE: Barcelona → Figueres-Vilafant in ~58 min
Regional train: ~2 hours
10-minute walk from Figueres station to museum

Practical Info

  • Entry: ~14€ (book online)
  • Allow 2–3 hours to explore
  • Dalí is buried in the crypt below
  • Combine with Girona for a full day

Penedès Wine Country

Catalonia's premier wine region, famous for cava (sparkling wine). Rolling vineyards, underground cellars, and tastings at world-renowned bodegas. About 1 hour southwest of Barcelona.

Getting There

Best with a car (designated driver needed!)
Or organised wine tours from Barcelona

Top Bodegas

  • Codorníu — Underground cathedral cellars, 450+ years of history
  • Freixenet — The black bottle cava, tours and tastings
  • Torres — One of Spain's most famous wine families
Tip: Most bodegas require advance booking for tours. Codorníu's underground cellars (UNESCO-listed) are especially impressive.
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Local Maresme Excursions

Hidden gems right on your doorstep

Parc Natural del Montnegre — Hiking

15,000 hectares of Mediterranean forest right behind the coast. Cork oaks, ancient dolmens, medieval hermitages, and views that stretch to the sea. Most tourists never discover it.

Access

Trailheads accessible from Calella, Sant Pol, and surrounding towns. 500km of marked trails.

Best Routes

  • La Vall d'Olzinelles (9.3km, moderate)
  • Corredor Plain (2km, easy/family)
  • Calella to Tordera (23.5km, challenging)

Arenys de Mar — Fish Market & Port

A charming fishing port with one of the best fish auctions on the Catalan coast. Watch the daily catch come in, browse the market, and eat some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.

Getting There

R1 Train: Direct from all Maresme towns
~25 min from Calella

Don't Miss

  • Daily fish auction at the port (late afternoon)
  • Fresh seafood restaurants by the harbour
  • Museu de la Punta (lace museum)
  • Cementiri d'Arenys — famous seaside cemetery

Calella Lighthouse Coastal Walk

A beautiful coastal walk from Calella beach up to the Far de Calella (lighthouse). Rocky headland, hidden coves, pine trees, and stunning Mediterranean views. Perfect for sunset.

Details

~30 min walk from Calella beach
Easy path, suitable for families
Best at sunset for golden light

What You'll See

  • Far de Calella (working lighthouse)
  • Rocky coves for swimming
  • Les Roques viewpoint
  • Pine-shaded paths along the cliffs

Sant Pol de Mar

A picture-perfect fishing village with narrow whitewashed streets, sandy beaches, and serious foodie credentials. Home to Michelin-starred dining and one of the prettiest stretches of the Maresme coast.

Getting There

R1 Train: Direct from all Maresme towns
~10 min from Calella

Highlights

  • Beach with traditional fishing boats
  • Former Michelin-starred restaurant scene
  • Charming old town streets
  • Beautiful seafront promenade

Need Transport Info?

Trains, buses, boats and taxis — everything you need to plan your day trip.

Transport Guide