Insider’s Guide to Premià de Mar
Premià de Mar is mainly a service-oriented town, with a charming historic centre and a wide variety of shops and leisure activities. It is located on the Maresme coast between El Masnou and Vilassar de Mar. It is easily accessible via rail or by car and is just 25 minutes from the centre of Barcelona, making it popular with commuters. With its wide, sandy beaches, new marina, Mediterranean gastronomy, local shops and rich history, Premià de Mar is a popular beachside town.
Living in Premià de Mar comes with many advantages, such as availability of services, proximity to the beach and easy access to Barcelona via rail and road. The feature I appreciate the most is the village atmosphere and the fact that people take the time to greet me and stop for a chit-chat in the street. – Anna Paola Cendrini
History & Economy of Premià de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Premià de Mar’s history spans over 6,000 years, with evidence of early Neolithic settlements dating back to 4,500 BC. The discovery of Montboló-type earthenware confirms its ancient roots. The arrival of the Romans in 218 BC transformed the area socially, economically, and politically. Archaeological finds reveal the remains of Roman villas, warehouses, ovens, workshops, tombs, and private baths. Notable excavations between 2002 and 2006 uncovered ruins near Plaça Dr Ferran.
Little is known about Premià de Mar during the Middle Ages, although there is evidence to suggest that residents lived inland to avoid pirate invasions, but by the 16th and 17th centuries, settlements began shifting closer to the shore. Can Manent farmhouse, now a museum, operated as a bakery and inn along the Camino Real in 1687. Fisherman Cristòfol from Premià de Dalt is believed to have been the first to settle with his family by the sea and founded what we know today as Premià de Mar.
The town grew rapidly in the late 18th century, with the construction of the church of Sant Cristòfol. The 19th century saw a flourishing economy based on fishing, farming, and trade with the Americas. Crops included grapes, wheat, barley, and onions. In 1836, the village officially became Premià de Mar, defined by the Riera and present-day Carrer de Joan Prim and the upper limit was marked by Carrer d’Àngel Guimerà and Carrer de Sant Miquel.
The phylloxera plague at the end of the 19th century devastated vineyards, leading farmers to diversify crops. Industrialisation took hold, with factories like Can Za and Lyon Barcelona shaping the town’s economy. By 1884, gas lighting illuminated the streets, followed by electricity in 1912, the telephone, and Dosrius water in 1928. Premià de Mar continued evolving as it entered the dynamic 20th century.
Property in Premià de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Premià de Mar’s property market is characterised by its attractive coastal location, proximity to Barcelona and a variety of property types. It offers a more affordable alternative to central Barcelona, with the added benefit of a seaside lifestyle. The town’s good transport links, local amenities and investment potential make it a popular choice for both buyers and investors. The town is about 20 kilometres northeast of Barcelona and both the train ride and car journey to Barcelona takes around 25-30 minutes, making it accessible for daily travel.
The town offers a variety of property types, including modern apartments, traditional townhouses, and spacious villas. Property prices in Premià de Mar are higher than in many of the inland towns. Prices can vary widely based on the type of property, condition and location. December 2024 saw the average price per square metre at 2,511€ (indomio).
There is also a healthy rental market, supported by both long-term residents and seasonal visitors. Recent years have seen some development in the area, with new residential complexes and modern apartments being built to meet the increasing demand. However, the town also retains many traditional properties, adding to its charm, especially in the old town.
Eating out in Premià de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
The gastronomic offering of Premià de Mar consists mainly of traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a few special exceptions. El Paller Restaurant is located just a short walk away from the beach and is known for its traditional Catalan cuisine. Cal Tito has a ‘sea to table’ concept, providing fresh seafood dishes to their customers daily along with seaside views from their terrace. Naunet Lounge Bar offers year-round service in the port of Premià de Mar with a cosy terrace. Check their website for any upcoming events and weekly live music. Other restaurants in the port to suit all tastes and budgets include Champanillo Premià, Salicornia Pizzeria, La Bella Lola Arrosseria, Las Palmeras Premià, Koi Asian and Frankfurt Kiki’s.
Shopping in Premià de Mar
Premià de Mar has a wide variety of shops. The recent addition of the Marina Port shopping and dining area has provided the town with even more choice. Stores that can be found at this complex include Aldi, Veritas, Ametller Origen, PEPCO, Passi Urban Garden, Drim, Unoshop, AD Nautic Premià, Action Premià de Mar, C de Carmen Outlet and PrimaPrix. This is a great area to do your everyday grocery shopping, purchase sea and boating gear, select beautiful house plants and decorations, or even pick up a few clothing items. To learn more about the port and what it has to offer view their website.
Other shopping can be found throughout the streets of Premià de Mar such as supermarkets, beauty stores, clothing outlets, pharmacies and more. There’s also the nearby Mercat de Flors just off the N-II for fresh local produce on Sundays including a range of olives, fruits, vegetables, breads, flowers and olive oil.
Beaches at Premià de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Premià de Mar is home to 5 beaches that span across 2.5 kilometres of coastline. The beaches include Bellamar, La Descarrega, Pla de L’os, Platja de Llevant and Platja de Ponent. Along this stretch of sand, you can find a number of xiringuitos such as Déjà Vu Beach which is a fun place to stop for a quick bite and enjoy music in the evening.
Platja de Llevant is closest to the port and offers access to the local yacht club and Platja de Ponent has an area designated for surfing. Whether you want to lounge in the sun or venture onto the water with a surfboard, the laid-back environment and often crystal blue waters make Premià de Mar a perfect destination for any type of beach day. Premià de Mar also has one of the best dog beaches in Maresme which opens from the beginning of June until the end of September.
Things to do in Premià de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Museu Romà
If you are interested in discovering more about Premià de Mar’s rich history then the Museo Romà is the perfect place to explore. This museum features archaeological findings and special exhibits which you can learn about through guided audio tours or by participating in workshops. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance either online or via telephone.
Museu de l’Estampació
The only museum in Spain specialising in textile printing. Located in the building of the old Fàbrica del Gas, its primary goal is to illustrate printing as both an art form and a technique throughout history, with a particular focus on its significant role in the industrialisation of Catalonia. You can explore the permanent exhibition dedicated to textile printing, as well as temporary exhibitions. Check out the website for information on guided tours, printing demonstrations and workshops.
Espai l’Amistat
A local theatre that hosts performing arts such as music, dance, plays and also films in a room with capacity for 350 people. In a smaller room for up to 100 guests, conferences, readings and small events are held. Check out the programme on their website.
Club Nàutic Premià
An esteemed sailing club offering a wide range of activities. Their sailing school offers different courses adapted to your level whether you are a beginner or advanced. They have a team of well-trained instructors and during the summer the club hold casals for children in which they can partake in many different water activities including windsurfing, surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and wake foiling. There are also pádel courts. Stay updated about weekly activities and events through their Instagram page.
Maresme Training
Founded by personal trainer Christian Segovia, Maresme Training offers ‘bootcamp style’ fitness classes outdoors making use of parks, beaches and gardens. Sessions are dynamic and fun and include HIIT, Tabata, Crossfit, Kettlebells and Calisthenics amongst many others. Classes in Premià are held Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Summer Casals
You’ll find multiple reputable summer camps at reasonable prices in and around Premià de Mar. Little Wild Ones is available to children ages 4 to 12 and has a focus on nature-based activities, creative projects and exciting excursions. Kids&Us is available for children ages 3 to 12 and takes place at the Nautical Club. This camp has an emphasis on English language immersion through activities such as storytelling, games, arts and crafts, singing, and dancing as well as theatre excursions and day trips. Cercle Aventura is an outdoor activity-based camp that offers sailing, beach activities, and water sports including paddle surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, and more. Code Learn is a technology-focused summer camp available to children ages 7 to 18.
Festa Major de Premià de Mar
The Festa Major known as the ‘pirate festival’, takes place every July around the 10th of the month. Over the course of five days there’s a variety of events catering to all ages and preferences. Highlights include parades, concerts, dances, the diada castellera (human tower day), habaneras and a firework display. The main event is a dramatic reenactment of pirates landing and attacking the town. Get more information about the festival from their website or stay updated through Instagram.