Arenys de Mar

Arenys de Mar is one of the main municipalities in the Maresme region. With an area of 6.5 square kilometres, as of 1 January 2021 there were 15,942 inhabitants registered in the municipal register. The proximity of the Barcelona metropolis and the demographic flows of recent years have not affected the character that has given it of being a small town that has been growing in a balanced way. Arenys de Mar has a great social activity and the people of Arenys are very proud of their city. The local history and the future projects that are still in the town are told with true passion in the voice of an Arenys resident. Sometimes, depending on where the conversation leads, the know-it-all motive, which is given to the people of Arenys, can seem more than deserved due to the large amount of information and details that they give in their explanations.

The town of Arenys de Mar is located 40 km from Barcelona. There are very good connections, either by the N-II road or the C-32 motorway. The local train (line C-1) covers the journey to Plaça Catalunya in 50 minutes. The C-61 road maintains communications towards the interior, through Collsacreu, with the AP-7 motorway (exit Sant Celoni). The Montseny massif is very close and the Corredor-Montnegre Natural Park is just a few kilometres away. Girona is 60 km away and Montserrat is a good hour's drive away. Barcelona airport is 56 km away and Girona-Costa Brava airport is 40 km away.

The port of Arenys is one of the most important on the Catalan coast. It is the most obvious example of the long history and seafaring tradition of the town. Fishing and all the industry that is created in the area around the port drive a large part of the economic activity of the town. The port concentrates almost all the fishing fleet of the region. The fish auction that takes place every afternoon when the keelboats and the boats return is a picturesque spectacle that attracts many visitors. The fish that comes out of the fish market of Arenys is valued throughout Catalonia, especially the prawns, squid and squid. So much so that local restaurateurs and the people celebrate, during the autumn, a gastronomic competition, the Calamarenys, which has the squid of Arenys as its main protagonist. On the other hand, the Saturday Market is held throughout the year.

The entire Arença coastline is lined with long beaches framed by hills that reach down to the seashore, an advertisement for the neighbouring Costa Brava. The port has a large space dedicated to recreational vessels, with modern facilities to accommodate passing vessels. During the summer many sailing ships stop by on their Mediterranean voyages. The shipyards, which once built much of the Catalan commercial fleet that sailed to the Americas, continue to be an important local industry.

PLACES of INTEREST

Church of St. Mary

Baroque style with an impressive altarpiece, considered a masterpiece of Catalan sculpture. Its elegant façade and interior decorated with exquisite details are testimony to the artistic and religious wealth of the town. It is an ideal place to discover the spiritual past of Arenys and admire sacred art.

Mares de la Punta Museum

A museum dedicated to the traditional art of bobbin lace, a deeply rooted craft technique in the region. The collection includes unique and delicate pieces, some of them by renowned artists. Walking through this museum is like delving into the history and skill of generations of women who have kept this technique alive.

Mollfulleda Museum of Mineralogy

Space dedicated to science and nature, with a collection of minerals from around the world. The display cases show crystals of fascinating shapes and colours, perfectly classified. It is a must-see place for geology lovers and for those who want to discover the wonders of the natural world.

Cemetery

One of the most beautiful cemeteries in Catalonia, situated on a hill with spectacular views of the sea. In addition to its aesthetic value, this place inspired the work of Salvador Espriu, who made it a literary symbol. Walking around it means discovering funerary sculptures, tombstones with poetic inscriptions and an atmosphere of calm and contemplation.

The Muscle Girl

A quiet and natural beach, surrounded by Mediterranean charm. Although it is a nudist beach, its beauty and serenity attract visitors of all kinds. It is the perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy a day at sea in a more intimate and environmentally friendly setting.