Insider’s Guide to Sant Pol de Mar
Sant Pol de Mar is ideally located half way between Barcelona and the Costa Brava. It’s one of Maresme’s most charming coastal towns. With its sandy beaches and backdrop of green hills and pretty white houses Sant Pol de Mar has become the go-to summer destination for many wealthy Barcelonians. The town has good train connections to Barcelona and offers a variety of local amenities.
The cobbled streets in the town centre are home to boutique shops and great dining options. There are also a number of popular xiringuitos and seafront cafés, ideal for a morning coffee, lunch or sundowner. Events and festivals are at their peak in the summer months with a strawberry festival in May, a jazz festival in June, the Festa Major celebrations in July, and the Havaneres festival in August.
I’ve been lucky enough to live in the Maresme town of Sant Pol de Mar since 2010. Everyone who know it speaks of its charm and how they love visiting. Unlike other Maresme towns it remains unspoiled by modern development, and fiercely maintains old customs and traditions that are reflected in the annual fairs and fiestas, from the blessing of the animals on the feast of Saint Anthony, to the music and dance of the Havaneres and Sardanas.
In summer it has a lively buzz, but is rarely overcrowded. There are plenty of xiringuitos, cafes and restaurants, and regular live music events. During winter things are much quieter, though the town has its own life, independent of summer visitors. The main street has a variety of shops that I love to visit, as well as special markets selling local produce and artisanal items from time to time. – Nadine Kaserounian
History & Economy of Sant Pol de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
The charming beachside town of Sant Pol de Mar has a rich and storied past. During the medieval period, a local monastery became a hub of economic activity, drawing people to the area and fostering growth. The town thrived from the 11th to the 14th centuries, establishing itself as a significant cultural centre. However, the late 15th century brought economic decline, plagues, and civil wars, and the monastery was abandoned. It took decades for Sant Pol de Mar to recover, but by the late 16th century, there were signs of revival.
In 1599, the town gained independence from Sant Cebrià. Its economy blossomed through vineyard cultivation, the wine trade with America, and a thriving fishing industry. The arrival of the railway in 1859 spurred further development, boosting the industrial sector and contributing to renewed prosperity.
By the early 20th century, Sant Pol de Mar had become a tranquil seaside retreat, beloved by families seeking a peaceful escape from bustling Barcelona.
Property in Sant Pol de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Property in Sant Pol de Mar offers a mix of traditional charm and modern convenience, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. You’ll find everything from quaint whitewashed fishermen’s cottages nestled near the beach to elegant townhouses and contemporary villas perched on the hills with sweeping sea views.
Compared to Barcelona, property prices in Sant Pol de Mar are more accessible, making it an appealing option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the city’s premium costs. Prices are slightly higher than in some other villages along the Maresme coast, but buyers are drawn by the town’s picturesque setting, peaceful vibe, and excellent transport links to the Catalan capital. As of October 2024, the average price per square metre is 2,591€ (indomio)
Eating out in Sant Pol de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Sant Pol de Mar offers a delightful array of dining options that cater to various tastes. Here are some notable restaurants you might consider. Over 150 years old and brimming with charm, Restaurant Margot specialises in Mediterranean cuisine, offering dishes such as paella marinera, bacalao con miel y frutos secos, and secreto ibérico. For beachfront dining with a relaxed ambiance, wonderful views, and delicious food there is Terrassa Voramar. Their menu revolves around fresh seafood and traditional dishes and house specialties include arroz de galera and grilled catch of the day prepared in the Basque style. It’s great for a long lazy summer lunch or a birthday or anniversary celebration.
Casa Nostra is another favourite. An Italian (Sicilian) restaurant with a wide menu of pizza and pasta dishes, as well as fish and seafood options, all freshly cooked in an authentic home-made style. Interesting selection of starters and desserts too. Generous portions, excellent service and a friendly, relaxed vibe. On cooler days you can eat inside in an old casa senorial. Booking advisable, especially at weekends.
For snacks, drinks and sandwiches, there’s El Jardi de Sant Pau, which now occupies part of what was the famous Restaurant Sant Pau, including its lovely terrace garden overlooking the sea. Sant Pau is now Cuina. Still owned by the Ruscalleda family and Michelin listed, they serve an interesting evening menu. Booking is essential.
Fun for all the family – including your dogs – is the Octopus Garden located in the parc litoral. Drinks, snacks and tapas are served on the terrace all day in the summer, and on weekends throughout most of the year. Really chilled and family-friendly little place.
Locals also gravitate to nearby El Sifon, which has a delicious sandwich menu, as well as a limited range of hot food. It gets very busy at weekends because of its terrace.
The best lunch spots with terraces in Maresme
Shopping in Sant Pol de Mar
Sant Pol de Mar offers a variety of local shops that cater to both residents and visitors. The town features a selection of boutiques, artisan stores, and essential services. For supermarket shopping bonÀrea, Sorli and Supermercats Dia offer a wide range of groceries and household items.
There are several little boutique gems in Sant Pol, with very affordable prices. La Botiqueta is tiny but has some interesting pieces, including jewellery and is known for the friendly service. 21gr is relatively new, and offers a range of casual women’s wear and accessories. Delightful service. La Sara is also a favourite, offering a wider range of women’s wear to include more dressy pieces and accessories, as well as a range of men’s wear. Again, warm, welcoming service.
Finally, L’Encant de la Carla has interesting, slightly more up-market pieces price-wise. Good range of colours, and more edgy styles, as well as great jewellery and accessories.
Apart from fashion, Sant Pau the kitchen/homewear store deserves a mention. Very good quality household items, including lamps and accessories, artificial and fresh flowers, and some jewellery and scarves. It’s a treasure trove during the Christmas season. For flowers try Floristeria Sílvia Gasull, known for a wide range of products and friendly service.
Beaches of Sant Pol de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
The coastal town of Sant Pol has a range of picturesque beaches that are all easy to get to. Platja de Sant Pol Beach is the main beach. A pretty beach with beautiful, crystal clear waters, it’s well equipped with amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and toilets so ideal for families with young children. There is parking close by, along with a park and several restaurants and beachside cafes.
Platja de les Barques is a smaller, more intimate beach. It has amenities including toilets and also has disabled access. There are several beachside restaurants and cafes to choose from too. Take note that parking is difficult to find during peak season so best to arrive by train.
Platja de la Murtra just south of Satn Pol de Mar is nearly 1300 metres long. This tranquil beach has everything you need for the perfect beach day, offering everything from a range of xiringuitos to sun umbrellas and showers.
Things to do in Sant Pol de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Ermita Sant Pau
At the top of the hill located to the east of the town stands the Hermitage of Sant Pau, which offers visitors an excellent panoramic view of the Maresme coast. On a clear day you can see Barcelona. It was built in the 11th century and was part of the ancient monastery of Sant Pol del Maresme which existed from the 10th century.
Església de Sant Jaume
Dating back to 1590, this Gothic style church was built atop a smaller chapel dedicated to Sant Jaume. The church’s interior showcases a blend of Gothic and Baroque elements, with a single nave and a vaulted ceiling. The church houses several valuable artworks and religious artefacts.
Parc del Litoral
The park is the largest green space within the urban area of Sant Pol de Mar, covering approximately 30,000 square metres. Situated to the west of the town, adjacent to the Can Villar beach, the park has a variety of amenities including a skatepark, basketball court, football pitch and a play area for children. There’s also a picnic area along with parking.
Mirador de Sant Pol de Mar
This observation viewpoint offers wonderful panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastal landscape. It’s an ideal location for photography, relaxation, and just enjoying the serene environment. Situated close to the town centre, the viewpoint is easily accessible by foot.
Enjoy the local architecture
Sant Pol de Mar is home to some magnificent buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Cal Doctor Roura is a beautiful house with a modernista tower designed by the architect Ignasi Mas Morell dating back to 1917. It has an asymmetrical facade, ladder panels on the balcony, and ornamentation with green glazed tiles and iron railings.
Can Coderch, built in 1924, is a style inspired by the Catalan Civil Gothic, with crown windows, beautiful gardens, mouldings with sculpted corbels, and solana gallery.
Casa Mas i Morell was designed by Ignasi Mas Morell in 1919, and built in 1922 for Josep Mas i Morell. It is located in front of the sea in the square and it boasts the noucentista artistic movement that was prevalent throughout Barcelona at the time.
Other houses of note are Can Planiol, Casa Mònica Tió, Casa Maria Pujol, Les Tribunes and Casa Camino.
Fira de la Maduixa de la Vallalta
The annual strawberry festival in Sant Pol de Mar is held typically during the first weekend of May. This event celebrates the traditional cultivation of the maduixa del Maresme (Maresme strawberry), a variety that has been declining due to modern agricultural changes. The festival features a market where local producers sell fresh Maresme strawberries, cooking classes and demonstrations, and local restaurants make special strawberry dishes.
Festival de Jazz Galet Club
The jazz festival in Sant Pol de Mar is one of Catalonia’s oldest jazz festivals. The festival typically spans three weekends in spring, from May to June. Many of the concerts are held at the Centre Cultural i d’Esbarjo.
Festa Major de Sant Pol de Mar
The Festa Major de Sant Jaume is the summer festival of Sant Pol de Mar, celebrated annually around July 25th, the feast day of Saint James. This vibrant festival offers a diverse array of activities suitable for all ages, showing community spirit and cultural expression. This weekend-long festival is filled with traditional Catalan dances, performances by local casteller groups, parades, concerts, an art and craft fair, firework displays, and so much more. Events are held at many different locations in the village including, Platja de les Barques.
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