Located where the Riera de Sant Pol flows into the Balearic Sea, Sant Pol de Mar is a laid-back coastal town in Catalonia. It lies partway between Canet de Mar and Calella on the sundrenched Costa del Maresme. Sant Pol de Mar is home to whitewashed fishermen’s houses and Art Nouveau-style buildings renowned for their handcrafted ironwork.
Things to do in Sant Pol de Mar
Spend your days relaxing on Platja de Sant Pol, a golden stretch of sand with beach umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. Its shallow waters make it ideal for families and it has a convenient location just a short walk from the railway station. Backing the beach are several eateries where you can grab drinks and snacks throughout the day.
On the opposite side of the Riera de Sant Pol is Parc del Litoral, a leafy green space with a children’s playground, outdoor exercise equipment and walking trails. You can let loose on the pump track or head across the railway line to enjoy a dip at Platja de Can Villar. Further west is Platja de la Murtra, a wilder beach popular with naturists.
Perched atop a hill overlooking Sant Pol de Mar is the Ermita Sant Pau, a whitewashed hermitage once occupied by Benedictine monks. Also of note is the Esglesia de Sant Jaume, a Flamboyant Gothic-style church dating back to the 16th century. Admire its fortified bell tower before stepping inside to see the Baroque carving by Martínez Montañes.
Getting around Sant Pol de Mar
Sant Pol de Mar is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Barcelona and just under an hour from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Sant Pol de Mar railway station and buses travel through the town.