Insider’s Guide to Caldes d’Estrac
Nestled along the beautiful Maresme coastline, Caldes d’Estrac (also known as Caldetes) has a fascinating history shaped by its natural thermal springs and maritime traditions. Located between Sant Vicenç de Montalt and Arenys de Mar it is accessible via the N-II coastal road and a RENFE railway station.
History & Economy of Caldes d’Estrac
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
The town’s history is deeply connected to its thermal springs, which were a significant draw for the area. Known since Roman times for its healing waters, the town became a sought-after spa destination in the 19th century, attracting Barcelona’s bourgeoisie who built elegant summer residences along its scenic shores.
The arrival of the Maresme railway line, Spain’s first, further cemented Caldes d’Estrac’s reputation as a fashionable retreat. Its seaside charm and cultural appeal flourished, with writers, artists, and intellectuals frequenting the town, leaving a lasting legacy that is celebrated today through local art exhibitions and cultural events.
While tourism remains central to the local economy, Caldes d’Estrac has evolved into a tranquil residential haven. The town supports a blend of small businesses, hospitality services, and wellness tourism linked to its historic spa heritage. Its serene atmosphere, cultural vibrancy, and excellent transport links continue to draw visitors and residents alike, making it a gem along the Maresme coast.
The 19th century thermal baths in Caldes d’Estrac are the only publicly owned ones in Catalonia. The unique pure crystalline water flows continuously in the Balneari, maintaining its biological, physical, and chemical properties, and offering significant healing and therapeutic potential. They are recommended for treating rheumatic conditions, osteoarthritis, respiratory issues, locomotor system disorders, uric and oxalic calculosis, and chronic urinary tract inflammations.
Property in Caldes d’Estrac
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
The property market in Caldes d’Estrac is fairly robust given the ongoing popularity of this charming seaside town and its proximity to Barcelona via train or road. It offers a variety of property types, from modern apartments to historic homes, making it an attractive location for buyers and investors alike. Whether looking for a permanent residence, a holiday home, or an investment property, Caldes d’Estrac provides diverse options in a beautiful and tranquil setting. As of October 2024, the average price per square metre is 2,945€ (indomio) but can vary significantly depending on the specific location and type of property.
The market offers a range of properties, including new build apartments, modernista townhouses, and luxury villas. Properties with sea views or those that are close to the beach are particularly sought after. The rental market is also active, with many properties available for long-term rentals as well as short-term holiday rentals, attracting both locals and international visitors. Caldes d’Estrac is considered a good area for real estate investment due to its consistent demand, potential for property value appreciation, and overall attractiveness to both local and foreign buyers.
Eating out in Caldes d’Estrac
If you are a seafood lover, Sotavent is the place to go. Known for its high-quality cuisine and prime location just metres from the sea, the restaurant offers exceptional rice, fish, and seafood dishes, along with great desserts. This restaurant is also one of the most popular xiringuitos on the Maresme coats. La Tasqueta stands out for its fusion-style cuisine. Among its most popular dishes are its salmon tartare, tapas, and octopus. Their desserts include some of the tastiest in Maresme. They describe their style as ‘different, fresh and dynamic’.
For lovers of Italian food try Pizzeria Estrac. Their menu draws from traditional Italian cuisine, especially pizza and pasta. Another restaurant to note is Dynamic Restaurant, located on the seventh and eighth floors of Dynamic Hotels offering stunning Mediterranean views. It features a versatile dining space perfect for intimate dinners or group events. The El Cel Dynamic terrace provides a luxurious outdoor dining experience, while the Terra Dynamic bar offers a relaxed setting for snacks and drinks.
Shopping in Caldes d’Estrac
Since Caldes d’Estrac is a small municipality the shopping there is limited. However, you will be able to purchase the daily necessities and essentials: groceries from the local Condis and everything else from Casa Lady. In the Municipal Market, housed on the ground floor of an iconic modernist building, you’ll find a great selection of high-quality fresh produce, making it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Beaches of Caldes d’Estrac
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Caldes d’Estrac is a haven for beach lovers, with 800 metres of soft sand and clear blue waters. Platja dels Tres Micos stands out as one of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches near Barcelona, free from the disruption of the nearby train line. It has proudly held the Blue Flag award since 2009, meeting stringent health, environmental, and accessibility standards set by the European Foundation for Environmental Education. Visitors can enjoy sun beds and parasols without needing to be beach club members or hotel guests, adding to its inviting coastal charm.
The xiringuitos along this coastline are particularly sophisticated, offering prime views of mesmerising sunsets. The beach is framed by stunning 19th-century houses, influenced by Antoni Gaudí’s organic, nature-inspired modernista style. Platja de la Riera seamlessly merges with Platja dels Tres Micos, sharing the same pristine shore and crystal-clear waters.
If you’re seeking a place to live or work by the beach, Kalima is ideal. Just seven seconds from the shore, it has transformed a former hotel into a co-living, co-working, and café space. Kalima champions the benefits of living and working near the ocean, offering a setting designed to enhance mental health, boost creativity and productivity, and foster a sense of community. Discover more on their Instagram.
Things to do in Caldes d’Estrac
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Enjoy the beach
The beaches of Caldes d’Estrac offer sea inflatables for any beachgoer to use. It’s also a great access point for kayakers, windsurfers, or paddle boarders, but you will need to bring your own gear. Additionally, if you walk far enough along the beach you may find stone bunkers. These bunkers were built in the year 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. They were used to house machine gun nests and prevent the landing of unwanted troops.
Fundació Palau
The Fundació Palau is an art centre showcasing the remarkable collection of Josep Palau i Fabre. Dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture, it highlights the connection between art and literature. The collection features numerous works by Picasso, reflecting Palau i Fabre’s close relationship with the artist, alongside pieces by other contemporary creators. Visitors can explore both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as personal documents and manuscripts that offer insight into Palau i Fabre’s life and work.
Casa Nadal i Farré
The Nadal i Farré House is an iconic building situated at 48 Camí Ral Street in the heart of Caldes d’Estrac. This house is one of the grand summer mansions constructed by the Barcelona bourgeoisie at the beginning of the 20th century. Constructed in 1883, it was commissioned by Josep de Nadal i Vilardaga, who became mayor of Barcelona in 1896. Also known as Can Nadal, it is now a place which holds retreats, workshops and other events.
Inspiring architecture
While Gaudí did not design any buildings himself in Caldes d’Estrac, there are many buildings within the area that were inspired by his work. Other houses and buildings of note include the Rosa d’Or Popular Athenaeum, Can Gili, Cal Arqué, Chapel of El Carme and Can Vidal. Take a walk down Passeig dels Anglesos stretching along the waterfront, and you’ll see some magnificent 19th century mansions built by wealthy Catalan families, many of whom were inspired by English architectural trends – hence the name, ‘Promenade of the English.’
Parc de Can Muntanyá
The park features a large natural area, perfect for walking, relaxing, or having a picnic. Located on the southern slope of Puig Castellar, the park has an excellent view of the sea and town below. It is also a great spot to see local flora and fauna.
Balneari Caldes d’Estrac Spa
Located in the centre of town, Balneari Caldes d’Estrac Spa is the most popular spa in Caldes d’Estrac. Beyond the baths, they also offer a wide range of spa treatments such as facials, massages, skin wraps, and many more. Walk in at any of their open hours to use their thermal bath. Any other services require a pre-booked appointment.
Festa Major de Caldes d’Estrac
The Festa Major is celebrated in honor of the Mare de Déu del Remei, on September 8th and includes a set of celebrations that traditionally last four or five days, ending on the Diada of September 11th. During those days you’ll find the streets brimming with families enjoying the free entertainment. The parades and traditional folkloric events are the most popular: the correfoc, the gigants, and the folk dancing. Habaneras, sardanas, sports competitions, a photography contest and various children’s activities complete the programme of events.