Insider’s Guide to Montgat
Positioned on the coast between Badalona and El Masnou, Montgat lies 15 kilometres away from the centre of Barcelona. It is traversed by the C-31 and B-20 motorways, the main N-II road and the RENFE railway line. Montgat is also home to Hamelin-Laie International School, an international day and boarding school that is a part of the Nord Anglia Education group, one of the world’s leading international schools networks. With its beautiful former fishermen’s houses along the seafront and long stretch of sandy beaches, Montgat retains the peaceful essence of a coastal village while also offering modern-day amenities and a reputable educational programme.
I love the combination of the tranquillity and authenticity of the village and the short distance to the ‘big city’. There are some good restaurants (El Mirall is my favourite) and the beach is on your doorstep. The fish auction is a must see; held every day in the old village, it is the last traditional one on the Catalan coast. – Helen Kraak
History & Economy of Montgat
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Historically, this coastal town was a fishing hub, with its charming beachfront playing a central role in the livelihoods of local families. The town’s strategic position made it a key point along the ancient trade route (spotting incoming ships and guarding against pirate raids) connecting Barcelona to the rest of Catalonia.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Montgat became a favoured seaside retreat for Barcelonians, thanks to its clean beaches and scenic views. This period also saw the development of the Maresme railway line, the first in Spain, which further integrated Montgat into the region’s economy.
Until 1933 Montgat was part of the district of Tiana. It became an independent municipality following a decree by the Generalitat of Catalonia on July 6 of that year, which approved the separation and formation of an independent city council.
Since the 1960s, Montgat’s population has grown significantly due to Spanish economic expansion and associated migration, leading to the development of high-rise apartment blocks in areas like Turó del Mar, and neighbourhoods with irregular urban layouts like Les Costes. There are also residential areas such as Pla de Montgat and Residencial Camí d’Alella.
While fishing is not as prominent in Montgat as it once was, it is still a present industry in the area. Montgat lacks a port but it does have a fleet of fishermen who venture out daily. All the fishing is from near the beach and the amount of fish that reaches the fish market is relatively small, but it still reaches the traditional fishing auction every Monday through Friday.
Today, Montgat has evolved into a residential and commuter town, attracting families and professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to Barcelona. Its economy has shifted from traditional fishing to services, tourism, and local commerce. The town’s beautiful coastline, excellent transport connections, and growing demand for high-quality residential properties have also boosted the real estate market.
Property in Montgat
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Montgat’s property market is characterised by its attractive coastal location, close proximity to Barcelona and a mix of traditional and modern homes. It offers good value for money compared to central Barcelona, making it a popular choice for both buyers and investors. Whether looking for a permanent residence, a holiday home, or an investment property, Montgat has a lot to offer. There has been growing demand for properties in Montgat due to its desirable location, family-friendly environment and its proximity to Hamelin-Laie, one of the few international schools in Maresme.
The town offers a mix of property types, including seafront apartments, new builds, townhouses, and standalone villas. Many properties have sea views or are within walking distance to the beach. As of the latest data, property prices in Montgat are generally lower than in central Barcelona but higher than in some inland or less popular coastal towns. In June 2024, the average price was 3,756/€m2 (indomnio). Montgat also has a vibrant rental market, catering to both long-term residents and short-term holidaymakers. Rental yields can be attractive for investors, particularly for properties close to the beach and public transport.
Eating out in Montgat
El Mirall is a renowned restaurant in Montgat that offers innovative yet traditional gastronomy. They believe in high-quality fresh food therefore they do not have a conventional menu and instead let the seafood market of the day decide what will be served. Fonda Marina, over 100 years old, has several spaces including a private lounge and outside terrace. With a team led by Jordi Forés they define their offering as traditional Catalan cuisine with a gastronomic twist. The products, always seasonal, and high quality come from nearby producers. They also have a great selection of wines. Another Montgat institution is Can Chimi (since 1927) which also uses 0 kilometre products. You’ll find consistently good food and good service here.
Celler Berenguer has a cosy environment with Mediterranean tapas, rice dishes, and a special menu on the weekend. Every Friday evening the restaurant has live music and an array of cocktails. Banys Verge del Carme has preserved its vintage beachfront restaurant aesthetic since 1928 and offers all the traditional Spanish seaside cuisine. It is recommended to make reservations to guarantee a table.
Other popular places to eat in Montgat include Casa Montgat Tapes, Núvol Kinton Sushi, Bodega El Casquivano, and the Panoramic Bar for drinks and great views of Barcelona. For breakfast or pastries, Montgat Cafe and La Perla Montgat Fleca Cafeteria are two great options.
Shopping in Montgat
The main attraction for shopping in Montgat is El Mercat de Montgat which is a good-sized shopping centre that features various food and services options. You’ll find Fusion Sushi here which serves fresh sushi and a variety of Japanese products. Nicolás Andrés is the perfect place to stop by for fresh produce; their team has been selling locally sourced seasonal fruits and vegetables for more than 65 years. The market even offers services such as The Clinic, an aesthetic beauty spa providing countless treatments. To view more vendors at the market click here. Hours vary for each seller so be sure to check beforehand. Also stay up to date on events and deals through their Instagram page.
Beaches of Montgat
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Montgat is home to several beaches but the main one is Plaja de Montgat. Each of these beaches are easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance of train and bus stops. The Montgat beaches provide an escape from the crowds in Barcelona but still offer a place to listen to music, drink, and eat at the local xiringuitos. One of Montgat’s best facilities is Escola de Mar where you can rent surfboards, paddle boards, and sailboats for the day. Additionally, there are public volleyball courts, showers, and sunbeds available to rent.
Things to do in Montgat
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Torre de Ca l’Alsina
Montgat has some notable historical sites to check out such as the Torre de Ca l’Alsina which was used as a defensive and surveillance tower during the 16th and 17th centuries. The tower is currently being restored. Once the works are completed, it will be open to the public as a museum that will explain the defensive need and strategies of the area.
Parc Del Turonet
This park is worth checking out for its amazing coastal views. The park features various spaces designed for multiple uses, including viewpoints, a platform for cultural or festive events, grassy areas with rest and reading zones, and a sports circuit.
La Biblioteca Tirant Lo Blanc
A nice place to spend the afternoon if you want some peace and quiet. They offer a wide range of books for all ages, plenty of spaces to read, study or work, and also some small activities for children. Visit their instagram page for more information.
Fish Auction
Every Monday through Friday (except holidays) the town hosts a fish auction at 13:00. This auction was declared a heritage site of cultural interest in 2012 and is the last remaining traditional auction on the Catalan coast. It is thought to have predated Montgat itself because it occurs in the area where the Tiana fishermen’s houses once stood. You’ll find scorpion fish, cuttlefish, red mullet, squid, rooster, San Pedro fish, prawns, sole and lorikeets.
Festa Major de Montgat
The Festa Major de Sant Joan de Montgat is held around mid June and you’ll find a variety of activities for all the family including workshops for children, dancing, food trucks and live music.
Insider’s Guide to Caldes d’Estrac
Insider’s Guide to Premià de Mar