Walking routes

Walking by the sea, breathing in the scent of pine forests and the sea breeze, is a great way to spend summer. How about these two suggestions for planning an outing with the kids? 

1. Coastal route from Calella to Sant Pol

A Mediterranean landscape dotted with dreamy coves. This is what awaits you on this section of the coastal trail between Calella and Sant Pol de Mar. This 10-kilometer path was originally created in the 19^th century to help law enforcement monitor coastal populations and combat smuggling. Still intact to this day, it is now the best way to discover many places along the coast while you enjoy cove hopping. The starting point is at the Roca Grossa campsite in Calella. Begin with a swim at the beach of the same name or at the nearby beaches of Morer or Platjola, which are located one right after another. Then continue on to Punta viewpoint to admire the sea views. Once in Sant Pol, must-dos include the beach, the Fishermen’s House, and a stroll down Consolat de Mar Street to enjoy its architecture. A good way to end your walk is with a swim at Murtra or Roques Blanques Beach in southern Sant Pol.

 

2. Via marina of the Way of St. James in Maresme

A lesser-known option for walking along the sea is the Via Marina of the Way of St. James. This route connects Girona and Barcelona along the ancient Via Marina of the Via Augusta. It has three segments passing through Maresme, from Malgrat de Mar to Montgat. It is the first Mediterranean route of the Way of St. James in Spain. It was inaugurated in 2018 and traces the path of Via Augusta, a pilgrimage route evidenced by the ruins of Santa Maria de Panissars Monastery, bearers of the famous scallops of Santiago. You can collect credentials and stamps at the main tourism offices along the way as you complete the segments. You can even offer the activity up to your kids as a game.  

Water activities

A kayaking trip or a day of adventure at the nautical bases in the Barcelona area can be a good way to spend your summer days by the sea. Here are some ideas for water enthusiasts. 

 

3. Kayaking along the Garraf Coast

Discovering the coast from the sea offers a unique perspective compared to land. One of the best ways to do this is by going slowly, paddling in a kayak. You have many options on the Garraf Coast. From Sitges, you can go on an urban excursion along the waterfront to the town’s tip or go farther to explore the coves between Sitges and Vilanova, including the Colls-Miralpeix area, one of the wildest parts of the seafront. You can also arrive from Vilanova with a guided excursion. The area offers a variety of coves, cliffs, caves, and even a Civil War bunker. One of the gems is Cala Xica, a turquoise-water cove with a pristine beach, perfect for a swim beneath the cliffs. You can find more recommendations on the Garraf Tourist Board website.

 

4. Water sports

For adventurous sea outings, visit one of the two nautical stations located just outside Barcelona: Vilanova i la Geltrú or Santa Susanna. Popular options include sailing and windsurfing, but you can also try kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, water skiing, or kite surfing, among others. This is a great idea for spending some summer family time together. All you have to do is choose the sport you fancy and jump right in for an adventure. For a more relaxing experience, opt for activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. For thrills, try water skiing or renting a small boat with no license required.

Diving and snorkelling

If your kids turn into fish during the summer, they’ll love these two ideas.  Older children can try an introductory diving session, while snorkelling is a great option for the younger ones.

5. Introductory diving in Mataró

Prepare to dive into the depths with an introductory session in Mataró. Yes, you read right. No need to go to the other side of the world to explore the sea bed. This activity is great for kids over nine years old who are passionate about the sea. Very close to the coast of Mataró lies “La Trencada,” a site with fossilized beaches 11 meters underwater, home to various species hidden among the rocks. Don't worry if the sea is a bit intimidating. Once submerged, you will feel the peace that reigns and your full attention will be on the magic of this unknown world which represents 70% of the planet. Shoals of damselfish and salps, red starfish and moray eels are some of the species you will see on this dive. Lobsters, eagle rays, octopus and groupers also live here. The sea life you will encounter is sure to amaze you!

Practical Information: Here you will find all the companies that offer this activity in Mataró.

 

6. Beach and snorkelling in Santa Susanna and Calella

Let’s stay in the water but without going so deep. Another way to explore marine life is with a mask, tuba, and some flippers. Kids who enjoy spending time in the water will love the idea! The beaches in Santa Susanna and Calella are great for an introductory session of snorkelling because there are rocky areas where you can more easily spot marine life. In Santa Susanna, try out Caletes Beach, which is a series of small beaches. In Calella, both Roca Grossa Beach and Cala Pins Cove have rocky areas where you are sure to run into some fish. The most common are pelagic fish, such as barracuda, white seabream, and common seabream. There are also wrasse, with more eye-catching colours, and in the sandy areas, you can see species such as sand steenbras. Back near the rocks, look out for molluscs and crustaceans such as white flabellina, limpets and sea urchins. If it's your first time snorkelling, you can hire a guide to help you identify all these species. If you go on your own, be respectful of the sea. Don't touch the fish and don't take starfish, sea urchins or any of the marine flora or fauna out of the water to ensure their conservation. Let the adventure begin!  

Gastronomy

A nice meal near the sea is always a good plan for a summer day. One of the best places for seafood is in the region of Baix Llobregat. Join us! 

 

7. Beach and gastronomy in Baix Llobregat 

If you’re looking for a relaxing time, how about some time at the beach and a good meal with a view? On the Baix Llobregat Coast, you will find a variety of quality beach bars. Just pick the beach where you want to spend the day and the restaurant that appeals to your tastebuds. Need help choosing? Choosing a restaurant is more personal, but when it comes to beaches, keep in mind that Castelldefels Beach has a Blue Flag and all services available, including an exercise area and playground. At Gavà Beach, you will also find all the services and the Blue Flag, but the dunes create a wilder Mediterranean beach feel. In Viladecans, you have four options: la Pineda and la Murta, with car parks, lockers, and more services available. Cal Francès and El Remolar are more unspoilt beaches that do not offer services but are more ideal for enjoying nature. Lastly, in El Prat de Llobregat, you will find more than five kilometres of beaches, divided into five large stretches: Remolar Beach, with a nudist area, Roberta Beach, Can Camins Beach and Ricada-ca Arana Beach, which is protected and has restricted public use. The most comfortable beach for families is Can Camins as it has the most amenities. An interesting activity that you can do with the children after lunch is a visit to the Marine Animal Recovery Centre (CRAM). Different activities will help you learn about the sea and the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem.