A calm coastal town on Spain's Costa Maresme, with 2 km of sandy beaches and a 16th-century watchtower. Pine forests cover the hills behind the beachfront hotels.
Santa Susanna lies 64 km northeast of Barcelona, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the forested slopes of the Massif Montenegre. Narrow cobblestone streets pass medieval buildings like the 16th-century Corredor Sanctuary in nearby Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor. A 2 km sandy beach runs along the coast, with direct trains from Barcelona Sants station taking 75 minutes. You’ll find modern seafood restaurants along the beachfront promenade and small shops selling olives from local groves. Families often stay here for the relaxed vibe, weekly markets on Tuesdays, and windsurfing rentals near the shore.
Santa Susanna’s Old Town
Whitewashed houses and sections of medieval walls line the old town’s cobblestone alleys. Visit the 12th-century Sant Julià d’Altamar chapel, one of the area’s oldest buildings, near the central plaza. The 19th-century Torre de Can Rates watchtower reminds visitors of pirate attacks that once threatened the coast. These streets stay quiet outside summer, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Local shops stock olive oil from nearby farms and ceramics painted with traditional Catalan patterns.
Beaches and Coastal Activities
The main beach has a gentle slope into the sea, with lifeguards on duty and sunbed rentals from May to September. Rent windsurfing boards or paddleboards at kiosks near the Platja de Santa Susanna section. A paved promenade links the town to Pineda de Mar and Malgrat de Mar, used often by cyclists and joggers. July and August bring crowds to beach volleyball courts and ice cream stands along the shore. Swim in clear waters early in the morning before most visitors arrive.
Trails in Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor
The 150 km2 Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor, 15 minutes inland, has trails through cork oak forests and past natural springs. Follow the GR-92 hiking route to reach coastal viewpoints or the 16th-century Corredor Sanctuary. Rent mountain bikes in town to explore rocky paths in the foothills of the massif. Guided horseback rides start at farms on the outskirts, taking you through vineyards and pine woods. Wildflowers bloom across the park’s meadows in April and May, drawing photographers and birdwatchers.
Markets and Festivals
Every Tuesday morning, Plaça de l’Ajuntament fills with stalls selling peaches, handmade cheeses, and leather bags. From June to August, artisans sell coral jewelry and coastal watercolor paintings along Passeig MarĂtim in the evenings. Late August’s Festa Major includes fire runs, sardana dances in the streets, and parades with large papier-mâchĂ© figures. Bakeries prepare coca de vidre, a sugar-coated pastry, during local celebrations. Check the town’s tourism site for schedules of outdoor movie nights on the beach in summer.
Nearby Destinations
Take the R1 train south to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter in 75 minutes or north to Blanes, where Marimurtra Botanical Garden grows cacti on seaside cliffs. Drive 15 minutes to Santa Florentina Castle in Canet de Mar for guided tours of medieval rooms and armor displays. Girona’s Jewish Quarter, a 45-minute drive northwest via the C-32 highway, preserves narrow lanes and stone buildings from the 12th century. Boat trips from Malgrat de Mar’s harbor access small coves along the Costa Brava coastline.
Travel Tips
Santa Susanna’s train station is a 10-minute walk from the beach, with hourly trains to Barcelona and Figueres. Buses to Barcelona Airport leave every two hours, taking 90 minutes through Granollers. Most hotels, including the Santa Susanna Resort with its outdoor pool, are near the beachfront. Locals speak Spanish and Catalan, but English is understood in shops and restaurants. Bring comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths and a jacket for cooler evenings in spring or fall. Get free Wi-Fi at the tourism office on Carrer de la Torre d’en Rates.
