Insider’s Guide to Cabrils
The village of Cabrils is a beautiful, tranquil town that offers a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community. Its picturesque setting, combined with its proximity to Barcelona, makes it an ideal place for families, retirees, young couples or anyone seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle. The town’s vibrant cultural scene and culinary reputation further enhance its appeal as a desirable place to live.
Located about 25 kilometres from Barcelona, it is a convenient location for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter residential environment. The town is well-connected by road, with easy access to the C-32 motorway. Public transport options include bus services, and nearby train stations (Vilassar de Mar and Cabrera de Mar) provide regular connections to Barcelona and other coastal towns.
According to Catalonia’s statistical resource Gencat, in 2023, Cabrils had a population of just over 7.800, of which approximately 1 out of 7 residents was from the international community, a proportion which seems to be growing every year. Sizewise, Cabrils is 6km² and is located in one of the smallest valleys in Maresme within the Serralada Litoral Natural Park.
Moving to Cabrils was always a better-quality-of-life type of decision, although life in Barcelona was pretty awesome already! More nature, forests, trees, a bigger living space, a veggie patch and a few adopted animals… this was a dream that we made a reality by moving just 23 kms north of the city.
However, there was one more gift to this move which has truly enriched our lives, and that is the community we are slowly but surely being a part of around these villages. Projects with like-minded people who want to take things a step further for a greater good and to live more connected with what really matters. Serendipity certainly inhabits these lands. This is home. – Silvia Sanchez
History & Economy of Cabrils
La Creu de Montcabrer is the summit of a popular hiking spot
Cabrils has an established agricultural origin. Surrounded by abundant pine trees and holm oak forests, it was once a village that had very few houses and numerous working fields. Cabrils used to belong to the municipality of Vilassar until the year 1821 when it obtained independence. Today it is still a small village but has transformed into a sought-after residential area with an exceptionally high quality of life.
The desirable neighbourhood of Montcabrer is one of the oldest in Spain boasting a significant archaeological and cultural heritage. As well as agriculture, Cabrils’ main economic sector is the restaurant industry and is cited as one of the main gastronomic hubs of Catalonia.
Property in Cabrils
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Cabrils has historically been one of the most desirable places to live on the Maresme coast. The market in Cabrils is characterised by high demand, high property prices, and a focus on luxury and quality of life. The town’s scenic setting, excellent amenities, and proximity to Barcelona make it a sought-after location for both permanent residents and investors.
Whether looking for a family home, a luxury villa, or an investment property, Cabrils offers a range of options in a beautiful and tranquil environment. Types of homes are varied and range from detached homes with pools on the hillside to charming terraced houses in the village centre.
Property prices are generally high compared to other towns in the Maresme region. As of October 2024, the average price per square metre is 2,126€ (indomnio) and reflects the town’s exclusivity and desirability. A growing number of foreigners are choosing to buy in Cabrils, lured in by its high quality of life, proximity to Barcelona, the mountains and the Mediterranean.
Eating out in Cabrils
There are numerous restaurants to choose from in Cabrils including Ca L’estany, housed in a modernised 15th century farmhouse since 1994. It offers seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and has been recognised by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant serves fresh, local produce from the Maresme region, including peas, potatoes, beans, and strawberries. They offer daily menus on weekdays and a special menu on weekends.
Hostal de la Plaça is another popular restaurant. The menu consists of traditional Catalan dishes, namely Esqueixada de bacallà amb mongetes de Santa Pau and Carxofes confitades amb pernil de gla. It’s a boutique hotel too.
Can Rin is another restaurant located in the centre of the village offering modern Catalan/Mediterranean cuisine. Every season they switch the menu to provide the freshest, natural and most locally sourced products possible. The restaurant has a beautiful ambient terrace, ideal for dining on summer evenings. The less stylish but equally popular La Concordia is the go-to cafe for weekend brunches or evening aperitifs. The menu is extensive, offering dishes such as homemade burgers and Ous Estrellats.
Close by, you’ll find the family run Sal i Pebre which has a well priced menu del dia, and a varied weekend menu including Paella and other rice dishes. A family favourite is Pizza del Hort, an Italian restaurant with oven stone cooked pizzas, fresh salads and a great selection of Italian pastas. The other popular pizza spot is the Una Pizza food truck which operates from Friday to Sunday at the main Cabrils roundabout entering the village.
The best lunch spots with terraces in Maresme
Shopping in Cabrils
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
There’s limited shopping in Cabrils but the village does offer everything you need from a baker’s, butcher’s, post office, two pharmacies, an estanco, a furniture store, three hairdressers, and two beauty salons. The supermarket Cada Dia on the high street and its fruit and veg shop opposite are open on fiestas and Sundays. For more comprehensive supermarket shopping there is a Sorli supermarket nearby and Mercadona and Lidl on the border of Cabrils and Vilassar de Mar.
Things to do in Cabrils
Burriac castle in the distance
The natural surroundings of Cabrils make it an excellent location for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature walks. There are numerous trails and parks where residents can enjoy the outdoors. The village provides various sports facilities, including football fields, tennis & padel courts and swimming pools, promoting an active lifestyle.
Hiking
Hike to to La Creu de Montcabrer and you won’t be disappointed. This lovely hike is perfect for some of the most beautiful views in Maresme. From La Creu de Moncabrer you can see as far as Barcelona as well as a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. You can also take a hike to the beautiful remains of Castell de Burriac, a small, 11th-century castle and chapel on a hill. The views from the top are beautiful and worth the hike. There’s a car park and a great cafe at Font Picant, ideal for a post hike coffee or beer.
La Mostra Gastronòmica de Cabrils
This is an annual festival celebrated every summer where some of Catalonia’s leading restaurants come together and showcase their gastronomy. Over the course of four days you can enjoy some of the best food and wine Maresme has to offer. With more than sixty stands and over 15,000 annual visitors, this festival is perfect for foodies. This is usually held towards the end of August.
Festa Major de Cabrils
The Festa Major de la Santa Creu is the main celebration in Cabrils, held annually around May 3rd. This event stands out for its varied programme of cultural, recreational, and traditional activities, organised in collaboration with various local associations. The streets and squares are filled with people and different activities on offer such as concerts, theatre, dances, games for children, fireworks and much more.
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