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A peaceful fishing village with clear water beaches and no high‑rise hotels. Sant Pol de Mar is a local favourite and an easy train trip from Barcelona
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About Sant Pol De Mar Beach town
Sant Pol de Mar is the kind of beach town you only discover when a local finally lets you in on the secret. Just over an hour from Barcelona by train, this small Maresme fishing village feels worlds away from the high‑rise hotels and crowded promenades that dominate much of the coastline. Here, the railway runs right along the sea, and when you step off the platform you’re only a few footsteps from soft sand and clear, turquoise water.
The town grew around a 10th‑century Benedictine monastery, and that quiet, timeless character still lingers in its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and the gentle curve of its sheltered bay. Fishing boats rest on the sand, locals wander down for a morning swim, and the church bell tower watches over everything — a postcard scene that hasn’t been replaced by concrete towers or all‑inclusive resorts.
Sant Pol de Mar remains an authentic fishing community, and you’ll still see small wooden boats pulled up on the beach. It’s a reassuring sign that the seafood served in town is as local as it gets.
What makes Sant Pol de Mar truly special is what it doesn’t have: no pickpockets, no beach vendors, no towering hotels and no crowds. It’s not a major tourist destination — and that’s exactly why people love it. Barcelona residents come here to escape the city heat, spread out a towel and spend the day swimming, reading and enjoying long, lazy lunches by the sea.
If you’re looking for a beach day that feels relaxed, local and beautifully simple, Sant Pol de Mar is one of the best coastal towns you can reach by train. Bring a towel, a sun umbrella and a bottle of water — the rest takes care of itself.
Notable Historic Buildings in Sant Pol de Mar
- Jardins del Pla: Carrer Abat Deas 20. A private garden known for its ornate ceramic‑tiled fountain and peaceful, leafy setting.
- Can Planiol: Carrer Abat Deas 30. A beautifully preserved private house with a historic façade typical of early 20th‑century Maresme architecture.
- Parroquia Sant Pol de Mar: Carrer Abat Deas 47. The town’s main church, a landmark building that anchors the historic centre.
- Ermita de Sant Pau: Plaça Sant Pau 2. The remains of the 10th‑century Benedictine monastery that gave the town its name. Only the apse and part of the northern façade survive, later fortified in the 13th century by the Viscount of Cabrera. The hilltop location offers some of the best views over Sant Pol de Mar and the Mediterranean.
- Museu de Pintura de Sant Pol de Mar: A small but charming art museum with around 200 works. Opening hours: Saturday 6–8pm, Sunday 11am–2pm. In July and August, Friday to Sunday 6–9pm. Plaça de la Vila, 1
- Casa Mas i Morell: A grand Noucentista‑style house built in 1912 by architect Ignasi Mas i Morell. Carrer Consulat del Mar, 5
Image Gallery For Sant Pol De Mar Beach town
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Visiting Sant Pol De Mar Beach town
Sant Pol de Mar has several beaches, all within easy walking distance and many directly connected to the train station platform. Step off the train, walk a few metres, and you’re already on the sand — it doesn’t get more convenient than this.
Sant Pol de Mar Beaches
- Platja de les Barques: The main village beach and the first one you see when you step off the train. Calm water, fishing boats and a classic Sant Pol atmosphere.
- Platja de Sant Pol: Just south of Platja de les Barques. A wide, clean beach with clear water — my personal favourite.
- Platja de Can Villar: A quieter beach behind a public park, continuing south from Platja de Sant Pol.
- Platja de la Murtra: A small, peaceful nudist beach located halfway between Sant Pol and Canet de Mar.
- Platja de les Escaletes: A compact beach immediately north of the train station, ideal for a quick dip.
- Platja El Morer: A long, open beach north of town with plenty of space even on busy days.
- Cala nudista de la Vinyeta: A rocky cove and nudist beach halfway between Sant Pol and Calella — more secluded and great for those seeking privacy.
Where to Eat in Sant Pol de Mar
- Xiringuito Les Barques: The main beach bar in town, right on Platja de les Barques. Perfect for a cold drink or a casual lunch by the sea. Location
- Banys Tarridas: A relaxed beach bar on Platja de Sant Pol serving grilled fish and seafood. Location
- Restaurant Terrassa Voramar: A charming terrace restaurant shaded by trees, offering traditional Catalan dishes — paella, grilled meats, fresh fish and tapas. Avinguda Doctor Furest, s/n
- Restaurante La Selva: Grilled fish, paella, quality meat dishes, plus pizzas and pastas. Carrer Nou 50
- Restaurante La Llosa: Traditional Catalan cooking in the heart of town. Carrer Abat Deas 28
- La Taverna: Tapas, paellas and pizzas in a cosy, informal setting. Carrer Riera 3
What to take with you for Sant Pol De Mar Beach town
Sant Pol de Mar is all about simple, stress‑free beach days, so you don’t need much — just the essentials that make a long, sunny day by the sea comfortable.
Bring a beach towel, sun umbrella if you want shade and Swimwear
Pack a bottle of water and maybe some snacks if you plan to stay out for a while. There are beach bars and restaurants nearby, but it’s always good to have something on hand, especially if you’re exploring the smaller coves.
Footwear can be simple — flip‑flops or sandals are perfect for the sandy and stony beaches, though some of the rocky coves are easier to access with light walking shoes.
For sun protection, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The Maresme coastline gets strong midday sun, and the sea breeze can make you forget how quickly you’re tanning.
Step‑free access to the Sant Pol de Mar Renfe station platforms is available via Carrer de Ferrocarril at the tunnel end of the platforms.
Sant Pol De Mar Beach town Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 10.00
FREE
Child
€ 10.00
FREE
Notes
Beach is free, Return Train costs 10 Euros.
Getting to Sant Pol De Mar Beach town
Address: Platja de Santa Pol, Santa Pol De Mar, 08395
Sant Pol de Mar is one of the easiest beach towns to reach from Barcelona — and that’s a huge part of its charm. No long transfers, no buses, no hassle. Just hop on a train, ride up the Maresme coastline, and step straight onto the sand.
Take a Renfe Rodalies R1 train from Barcelona‑Sants, Plaça Catalunya or El Clot‑Aragó in the direction of Blanes or Maçanet‑Massanes. The journey takes around 1 hour 10 minutes, with the final stretch running right along the sea.
When you arrive at Sant Pol de Mar, the station platform sits directly above the beach. Walk down the steps and you’re already on the sand — it’s one of the most convenient beach access points anywhere near Barcelona.