A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Vilassar de Mar: A Mediterranean Charm on the Coast of Barcelona

Introduction

Vilassar de Mar is a charming coastal town located in the Maresme region, in the province of Barcelona, Spain. This picturesque village, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking an authentic and relaxing experience on the Mediterranean coast.

The charm of the old town

The old town of Vilassar de Mar is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, quiet squares, and beautiful old houses. Here, visitors can explore the Church of San Juan, an impressive Catalan Gothic-style building, and the Casa de la Villa, a beautiful 18th-century building that houses the town hall.

The beauty of the coast

Vilassar de Mar boasts a stunning coastline of crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches. Vilassar de Mar beach is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a variety of water sports. In addition, the promenade is a perfect place for walking, running, or simply enjoying the stunning sea views.

The richness of local cuisine

The cuisine of Vilassar de Mar is a delicious blend of sea and land flavors. Local restaurants offer a wide variety of traditional Catalan dishes, such as escudella i carn d'olla, butifarra with mongetes, and suquet de peix. In addition, the village is famous for its fresh food market, where visitors can buy high-quality local products.

Festivities and traditions

Vilassar de Mar is a place of vibrant festivities and traditions. The Carnival, the Fiesta Mayor, and the Flower Festival are just some of the celebrations that fill the village streets with color and joy. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and film festivals.

The surroundings of Vilassar de Mar

The surroundings of Vilassar de Mar offer a wide variety of tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the city of Barcelona, with its rich history and vibrant cultural life, or visit the Montseny Natural Park, an impressive natural space with a great diversity of flora and fauna. In addition, the Maresme region is famous for its vineyards, so wine lovers can enjoy a visit to one of the many local wineries.

Gastronomic Products of Vilassar de Mar

• Blue Fish from the Coast of Barcelona

  Vilassar de Mar is famous for its Blue Fish from the Coast of Barcelona, a denomination that encompasses several species of blue fish (sardine, anchovy, mackerel, etc.) caught on the Barcelona coast. This fish is known for its freshness and quality, and is a main ingredient in many local dishes.

• Calçots

  Although calçots are typical throughout Catalonia, in Vilassar de Mar you can taste some of the best. Calçots are a variety of tender onion that is grilled and served with romesco sauce. The calçots season is usually from November to April, and its consumption is a tradition in the area.

• Vilassar Tomato

  The Vilassar tomato is another star product of the town. It is a variety of tomato highly valued for its taste and texture, which has been grown in the area for centuries. It is an essential ingredient in many local recipes, from salads to sautés.

• Wines from the D.O. Alella

  Vilassar de Mar is located in the Denomination of Origin Alella, one of the oldest and smallest in Catalonia. The wines from this area are highly valued, especially the whites, which are characterized by their freshness and their delicate aroma of flowers and fruits.

Sports Activities in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona

Hiking

Vilassar de Mar offers hiking routes with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can explore the Serralada Litoral Park or the Viewpoints Route to enjoy nature and the landscape.

Cycling

The varied terrain of Vilassar de Mar is ideal for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and tour the city or venture into the nearby hills for a bigger challenge.

Water Sports

The coastal location of Vilassar de Mar makes it a perfect place for water sports. You can try surfing, paddle surfing, kayaking or even sailing.

Football

Vilassar de Mar has several football fields where you can join a local match or simply enjoy a game. Football is a very popular sport in Spain, so it's an excellent way to interact with the locals.

Places near Vilassar de Mar

If you are in Vilassar de Mar and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Mataró, the capital of the Costa del Maresme in Spain, offers golden beaches, modernist architecture and a vibrant gastronomic scene, featuring fresh seafood and local wines, in an authentic and welcoming Mediterranean atmosphere.

Premià de Mar, a charming coastal destination in Catalonia, Spain, is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culinary scene, offering delicious fresh seafood and traditional Catalan dishes.