The area of Maresme remains an attractive alternative to nearby Barcelona

The Maresme enjoys an enviable coastal location just 15 minutes north of effortlessly cosmopolitan Barcelona. Smooth connections by road or rail make commuting into the city easy, but after work you can return to the privileged peace and quiet of a home by the sea.

Boasting 50km of sandy beaches, 4,000 hectares of National Parks, a uniquely welcoming microclimate and its own prestigious wine denomination, picturesque Maresme has a lot to offer those looking for a great place to live.

Excellent local and international schools enhance the area’s popularity with families. This is just one feature of an exceptional quality of life that can be enjoyed all year round thanks to warm, dry summers and mild, bright winters that encourage outdoor living at every opportunity.

Entertainment is a cornerstone of Maresme living, with a wealth of festivals and other cultural and culinary events. The opportunities for sporting enjoyment are also plentiful, with fantastic golf courses, sailing marinas, tennis clubs and equestrian centres.

Lovers of hiking and mountain biking are very well served thanks to the endless paths and trails that criss-cross the beautiful Natural Parks and provide spectacular views across the rolling green hills to the sea. Road cyclists can cruise the coastal route up to the Costa Brava and follow in the tracks of the professionals around the cycling Mecca of Girona.

Gastronomy is a primary focus of the area. Superb cuisine can be enjoyed in towns and villages throughout the Maresme, a commitment to good living underlined by the burgeoning local wine industry, whose award-winning varieties are a source of exceptional pride and are sampled in world-class restaurants all over the world.

It’s easy to see why so many people are moving to the Maresme, and choosing the perfect home is a breeze because there are myriad charming towns, villages and first-line locations to choose from. Properties range from ultra-modern villas and seaside apartments to historic stone farmhouses and estates.

The market situation is encouraging. According to official figures from the Generalitat de Catalunya the number of sales transactions in 2018 across the Maresme region increased by 13% when compared to the number of sales in 2017. The number of sales in the sought-after areas of Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Cabrils, Badalona, El Masnou, and Vilassar de Dalt increased by 17%, 14%, 8%, 5% and 5% respectively.

The average property price across the region as a whole ended the year on €2,228 per square metre, an increase of 14% over the average price at the end of 2017. This is significantly lower than the average price in the city of Barcelona, where prices across the city as a whole ended the year on €4,344 per square metre.

“As one of the most favoured locations within easy reach of central Barcelona, the Maresme is a very popular choice for both local buyers and young, growing international families looking to combine an easy commute with an enviable lifestyle with coastal and countryside appeal. Prices remain competitive, when compared to property prices in Barcelona as well as other inland and coastal areas close to the city.”

Francisco Nathurmal, CEO BCN Advisors

Living in the Maresme

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