Insider’s Guide to Vilassar de Mar
A flat landscape full of flower plantations, former fisherman’s houses and independent shops and restaurants next to the Mediterranean welcomes you to one of the towns with the strongest maritime traditions in Maresme. This vibrant coastal town of around 21,000 residents is rich in architecture and unique products sold by local artisans. Just 25 minutes by train or car from the centre of Barcelona and a short drive to the beautiful Parc Serralada Natural with its numerous hiking and biking options, it also boasts quirky bars, restaurants and shops on its doorstep, so it is no wonder that Vilassar de Mar has become one of the most sought-after destinations to live and visit in all Maresme.
Vilassar de Mar has the community feel of a village but the amenities of a small town. The streets full of traditional ‘casas de pueblo’ and a pedestrianised main street bustling with life, make up the picturesque village centre. There’s a good choice of cafés and restaurants serving everything from Catalan cuisine to sushi and some of the best chiringuitos in the Maresme are within walking distance. My go-to eateries include Yume Sushi, Oblikue and Verdeguer. – Jane Mitchell
History & Economy of Vilassar de Mar
There are many remnants from the Roman era in Vilassar de Mar including a necropolis which was discovered close to Via Augusta and which can be viewed in the Museu Marina (temporarily closed).
From the end of the 15th century to the end of the 17th century, with the weakening of feudalism, the inhabitants of Vilassar de Dalt, Cabrils and other nearby inland areas dedicated themselves to agriculture and fishing along the coast. To protect themselves from Turkish piracy they built three defence towers and so the first streets and the beginnings of a seaside neighbourhood were created.
During the 18th century, the neighbourhood experienced great demographic growth linked to agriculture, fishing and the production of wine and brandy. In 1726 a licence was obtained to build a church (Parroquia Sant Joan) which was completed in 1745. If you visit the old town you can still hear the original bells that ring every hour. In 1784, this neighbourhood, then made up of around approximately a thousand people, separated from the original nucleus and became an independent municipality.
Expansion continued during the 19th century with the textile industry and trade with the Americas which changed the face of the town. On their return, the traders built homes with a distinctive architectural style that is still seen in local architecture today. Whilst strolling along the seafront, it is hard to miss the beautiful modernista homes known for their detailed columns and arched, stained glass windows. The architecture in this region focuses heavily on its entrance doorways.
Vilassar de Mar began the 20th century with around 3,000 inhabitants. Faced with the decline of the navy and the stagnation of the textile industry, farmers turned their focus to flowers which grew well in the unique soil created from the sea and mountains. Gradually, the town also became a popular summer resort. After the war and post-war hiatus, there was a notable recovery and, in the 1960s, immigrants arrived from all over the peninsula, most of them to work in the flower industry. Flowers and plants were then exported all over Europe.
In the 1970s, the town experienced great demographic growth, linked mainly to the arrival of new residents from Barcelona. Agriculture boomed thanks to the proliferation of flowers and plants which were sold through the Catalan Flower and Ornamental Plant Market (Mercat del Flor), which was created in 1983 and still exists today. The town now boasts a good services industry and is increasingly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Catalonia.
Property in Vilassar de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Property in Vilassar de Mar is highly sought-after especially in the post COVID era now that homeowners value space and accessibility to the city even more. Prices have risen significantly in recent years due to this and homes get snapped up quickly. It’s worth getting to know some of the local estate agents (including Viure a Vilassar, Vilallar and Vila Prime) so they can contact you as soon as a relevant property comes onto the market.
Properties in the town include classic townhouses close to the seafront (highly in demand, especially when renovated) to modern apartment blocks. If you are thinking of investing, it’s worth bearing in mind that rental licences are available unlike in Barcelona city and year round rental is possible given its highly desirable location. Prices can vary widely based on the type of property, condition and location but in general Vilassar de Mar is one of the more expensive towns on the Maresme coast. December 2024 saw the average price per square metre at 3,349€ (indomio).
Eating out in Vilassar de Mar
Vilassar de Mar has a good variety of restaurant options starting with the promenade xiringuito Oblikue, which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean, but is only open in the summer season. If you are looking for more of a fine dining experience check out Verdeguer which sources products from local producers, offering daily dishes depending on what the local markets have in stock. For a quick bite stop by Cafe del Mar (formerly il Forno) for brunch-style food and drinks right opposite the train station. Try out Favela for great tapas and cocktails in the heart of the old town. Sushi lovers should look no further than the popular Yume Sushi but there are Chinese and also Thai options too.
Global pinchos brand Espinaler originated in Vilassar de Mar and is a must, both at its little bar on the seafront and the larger emporium just out of town. In 1896 Miquel Riera i Prat moved from his farmhouse near Espinal bridge in Argentona to settle in Vilassar de Mar. He opened Tavern Espinaler on the seafront which has a typical Mediterranean atmosphere: small and cosy with a rustic and warm ambience. Five generations later, this ambience continues to thrive today.
For good seafood & paella in Vilassar de Mar try Cal Tito (also in Premià de Mar) Secret de Vilassar or Tres Leones.
The best lunch spots with terraces in Maresme
Shopping in Vilassar de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Vilassar de Mar has a number of well known supermarkets such as Carrefour City, Condis and just out of town a Mercadona and Caprabo, while also offering organic and locally sourced options such as those provided in Ametller Origen.
In all other areas of retail, this town has got it covered with pharmacies, hardware shops, hairdressers, beauticians, bakeries, delis, dry cleaners and more. There are numerous independent shops as well including fashion boutiques Mi & Ca and Maluka, THE SHOP concept store. For more upmarket clothes and accessories you can find beautiful Italian brands in Antonella.
Go to Juliette for a great choice of baked goods, Maresme Salut for health food products and Vilate for specialist tea, coffee and chocolate. And if you are looking for products sold by local artisans check out No20′s showroom (also a co-working and events space).
Beaches of Vilassar de Mar
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
Right in front of Vilassar de Mar train station you find Platja de Ponent. This beach is pretty small and is better suited for a brief visit. If you are looking for a long beach day, you’d best head to Platja de Cabrera which is 10 minutes walk from Vilassar de Mar’s train station towards the north and is the largest beach nearby. There are several xiringuitos to choose from in the summer months.
Between Platja de Cabrera and Vilassar de Mar, there is also the Club Nàutic offering sailing courses and social and sporting activities year-round. It is a private club so you can only enter if you are a member.
Things to do in Vilassar de Mar
Museo Enric Monjo
This museum houses the sculpture collection of Enric Monjo i Garriga, a native of Vilassar de Mar who died in 1976. The ground floor of the museum is a space for contemporary visual arts exhibitions while the second floor is dedicated to the permanent collection. There are around half a dozen contemporary exhibitions each year, which often showcase works of Maresme and Barcelona born artists.
Casa Museu Carme Rovira
Carme Rovira was a Catalan painter, born in Vilassar de Mar in 1907. She painted in the Naïve style, characterised by bright colours and rich in detail. She often repeated themes such as the promenade in Vilassar, palm trees, Burriac, fishermen, children playing, giraffes, trains and farmhouses. 2014 saw the inauguration of her renovated house which shows the painters private world with her paintings, photographs and personal objects. The artist’s works, which make up the Carme Rovira collection, are preserved in the Municipal Museum of Vilassar de Mar and her house and garden constitute an extension of the Museum. The house is open to visitors just a handful of Sundays each year. Pre-booking is necessary.
Espai Cultural Can Bisa
Can Bisa cultural centre is located in a one story house in the centre of Vilassar de Mar. The neoclassical house was built in 1851 by a local landowner Joan Bisa i Pallé. Today it is home to the Department of Culture and Popular Festivals and a popular exhibition space. Small concerts and various talks are held in the outdoor space. Can Bisa is open Saturday and Sundays.
Museu de la Mina Vella
To learn more about Vilassar de Mar’s maritime history, a visit to the museum of the Mina Vella is the perfect place to start. The museum is located in an old hydraulic mill, built at the beginning of the 19th century. This mill was the headquarters of the Mina Vella water company, one of the oldest in the region. Currently, the mill houses a permanent exhibition of tools for the construction of wells and mines.
POC a POC Ceramica y Yoga
This is a wonderful little oasis in the heart of Vilassar de Mar where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. Quite different on first viewing, ceramics and yoga actually have a lot in common. Both facilitate concentration, being in the present moment and connecting with yourself. Neither can be practiced in a hurry – hence the name POC a POC. Sisters Clara and Paula offer introductory classes in ceramics, ceramics for children and clay and wine Fridays.
Festa Major de Vilassar de Mar
The local festa major for this town is the Festa Major de Sant Joan. This annual festival is celebrated in mid June with music, dance, fireworks and so much more. During the festival the different neighbourhoods of the town are decorated with distinct colours. Blue are the Pescadors, orange are the Mestre d’aixa and green for the Gent pagesa. On the last day of the festivities, the colour of the fireworks reveal the winner of the best decorated houses and streets.