Insider’s Guide to El Masnou
The town of El Masnou is known for its wide and sandy beaches and its modernista town houses. It is a popular destination for both tourists and residents seeking a coastal lifestyle close to Barcelona. It has a charming historic centre with narrow streets and classical architecture where you can find numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and local amenities. It also boasts a popular marina with a wide variety of restaurants and a range of watersports on offer.
The town of El Masnou benefits from good transport connections. It is located approximately 20 kilometres north of Barcelona, making it easily accessible for commuters who work in the city. The town also has its own train station, providing convenient access to Barcelona and other nearby towns along the coast.
I arrived to live in El Masnou by chance, and at the beginning I thought it was a strange town with no actual centre and too many cliffs. But not long after, I fell in love with the atmosphere and especially the privilege to live so close to the beach and at the same time not far from the centre of Barcelona. My daughter loves her public school and we’ve made friends that have become like family in a short time. – Laura Stagno
History & Economy of El Masnou
El Masnou is located between Montgat and Premià de Mar. The modern town was founded in the early 1800s, but a Roman village known as Cal Ros de les Cabres was one of the first settlements located on the site of the current town. El Masnou is known for its flowers, especially carnations, and has a strong maritime heritage. The town centre is lined with beautiful buildings ranging in different historical styles from modernista to noucentista.
Property in El Masnou
Town houses dominate the seafront in el Masnou and in some of the pretty streets set back from the coast. You can also find contemporary new builds as well as renovated apartments throughout the town and more recently constructed homes with gardens and pools. As the town is hilly, many of the properties have fabulous views of the Mediterranean and all are within walking distance of the beaches and train station. As of December 2024, the average price per square metre is 3,251€ (indomio)
Eating out in El Masnou
The local cuisine in El Masnou often features fresh seafood, reflecting its coastal location. The region is known for its excellent quality fish and seafood dishes and you can find a variety of restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine as well as international options. For a cosy Mediterranean restaurant in the port head to La Santa, which has a great terrace. Saloma, also in the port, is a perfect spot for dinner. You can also try El Salero the restaurant in the Club Nautic for views of the sea, and a wide assortment of tapas, sandwiches, and salads, or the popular Rotunda xiringuito for cocktails, wine, and food with good music right on the beach.
Wimpi Restaurante a tiny, cosy restaurant in Plaza Ocata is a hidden gem. Ca la Farrera is great for Mediterranean cuisine using all local products. For something a bit more upmarket, head to Tres Macarrons, a Michelin-star restaurant, which has outstanding food and service. Whichever tasting menu you choose, you’re in for a culinary treat.
Shopping in El Masnou
There is plenty of shopping to do in El Masnou, from clothing to food outlets there is something for everyone. Yuppi is a popular clothes shop with a wide variety of brands for women and head to Gioconda for kids clothes. For all your footwear head to Zamora – they have everything from the perfect summer sandals to comfortable practical sneakers. The Mercat Municipal is great for a range of fresh produce and NaturaSì Tot Bio is an extensive health food shop located in the centre. For a wide range of wines, head to El Rebost dels Sentits.
If you like vintage clothes you’ll enjoy Retrobello, offering a selection of good quality hand picked vintage and preloved clothing for men and women. You’ll find accessories there too.
Beaches of El Masnou
Alex Freixas @alexfreixasros
There are two main beaches in the town of El Masnou, and both are perfect for a quick dip. El Masnou beach is located steps away from the RENFE station and close to the port with a wide variety of restaurants. A little further down is the wide and sandy Ocata beach with calm Mediterranean blue waters and numerous xiringuitos.
Things to do in El Masnou
Museu Municipal de Nàutica
Opened in 1962 the museum is funded mainly by donations. The focus of the museum is on the 19th century, the town’s heyday of ship building and maritime trade. The permanent exhibition shows how shipyards function, the most common transatlantic trade routes, the products that were transported, captains and famous ships, as well as see how hard life was on a ship.
Baubo Contemporary Art Gallery
Baubo Contemporary Art Gallery is a vibrant creative space on Passeig Prat de la Riba , showcasing both local and international artists. Founded by Jacqueline Girven, a local resident and Master of Fine Art graduate from Central Saint Martins, the gallery features striking exhibitions in a beautifully restored space with Catalan vaulted ceilings and sea views. Baubo plays an active role in the town’s cultural scene, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events that celebrate artistic diversity. Discover more on Instagram or visit their website.
Museu Cusí de Farmacia
The Museum, founded by Catalan pharmacist, Joaquim Cusí i Furtunet, has three distinct spaces, one of which houses the Nájera pharmacy, another the library, and the third is an area with display cases where a selection of the different collections are exhibited. The Nájera pharmacy is a baroque pharmacy from the 18th century belonging to the Benedictine abbey of Santa María la Real de Nájera purchased by Joaquim Cusí in 1921. The Museum can be visited during two open days each year or by making a prior appointment.
Pasbàsic
Renowned dance and fitness studio for adults and kids of all ages, Pasbàsic opened in 2002. Choose from over 20 activities including Fit Kid, Hip Hop and Commercial Dance for children, Ballroom dancing, Salsa and Bachata for couples, as well as Zumba and Crossfit. For those who want to compete, there’s plenty of opportunity with the Club de Baile de Deportivo. Visit their website to find out more about schedules and prices.
Rowing at Club Nàutic
For 22 euros per month, why not join a rowing team for a full body workout, in good company out at sea. If you like being part of a team and sharing a common goal, Club Nàutic El Masnou (CNEM) offer rowing for all ages from amateur to competition rowing. Activities include regattas between clubs, technical rowing inspections, middle-distance crossings, amateur and recreational competitions. There are weekly training sessions and advanced courses for helmsmen along with team building programmes for companies or groups.
Blanc de Guix
Blanc de Guix is an interdisciplinary creative art space for children and adults. Regular classes include, painting, sculpture, ceramics, restoration and comic book drawing. There are also summer courses for kids which include creative arts, theatre and sometimes film making. There are morning classes, after school classes and evening classes to suit every schedule. It’s a magical space for creative souls.
Festa Major del Masnou
The Festa Major de Sant Pere, is celebrated on and around 29th June, the day of Sant Pere, the patron saint of El Masnou. This festival, celebrated since 1812 when it separated from Teià, includes popular dances, fireworks, parties, and concerts.