Barcelona Coast: Unwind at a 4-Star Hotel

URH Ciutat de Mataró: beach and Barcelona in one getaway

Staying at URH Ciutat de Mataró puts the sea a short stroll away and Barcelona half an hour by train, so you won't have to choose between beach and city.

Start your day with a walk down to Ponent beach, just 650 metres from the hotel and with a relaxed, family-friendly feel. After lunch, head to the station, 800 metres away, and hop on one of the trains that leave for Barcelona every few minutes: in about half an hour you'll be strolling through the city.

Back in Mataró, you can dine without leaving the hotel at the Maresme restaurant, serving Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, or wander down to the marina, a kilometre away, for a drink on one of its terraces.

There's a reason guests rave about its location: everything is close by, and you won't need a car.

Book now and enjoy the Maresme coast at your own pace.

Mataró is the capital of the Maresme coast, a lively Mediterranean town just 30 minutes north of Barcelona, set between the sea and the green hills of the Serralada Litoral. It pairs more than two kilometres of beaches with a surprisingly rich heritage: Roman remains, a baroque basilica and the very first building Antoni Gaudí ever completed.

It's a great choice for families and couples who want a relaxed seaside base with easy access to Barcelona. Mornings on the beach, afternoons in the old town and evenings by the marina set the pace here.

Make sure you visit:

Start in the old town at the Nau Gaudí, an industrial building that was Gaudí's first finished work and now houses the Bassat contemporary art collection. From there, stroll to the Basilica of Santa Maria, where the Capella dels Dolors hides one of Catalonia's finest baroque interiors.

Carry on along La Riera, the town's main street, to the modernista Casa Coll i Regàs by Puig i Cadafalch. If you enjoy history, make time for the Clos Arqueològic de Torre Llauder. It holds the remains of a Roman villa from ancient Iluro, the town that came before Mataró.

Beaches we think you'll like:

Mataró's seafront is long, open and well equipped. Platja del Callao is the most central beach and perfect for a quick swim between sightseeing. Platja del Varador, right next to the marina, has a lively atmosphere and plenty of places to eat nearby.

For more space, head west to Platja de Ponent or east to Platja de Sant Simó. Both are ideal for long walks by the water and quieter afternoons, with the coarse golden sand typical of the Maresme.

Family-friendly activities:

A family day out could start at the Port de Mataró, a marina with over a thousand moorings where you can try sailing, kayaking or even a first diving experience. After lunch, swap the sea for the trees at Bosc Vertical, an adventure park in the Parc Forestal.

If you visit at the end of July, you'll arrive in the middle of Les Santes, the town's main festival, with giants, fireworks, concerts and the human towers that children love. The rest of the year, the free audio guides are an easy way to explore the old town at your own pace.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Food in the Maresme is all about the market garden and the sea. In spring, look out for Maresme strawberries and the sweet peas from nearby Llavaneres. At any time of year, order fresh fish or a seafood rice at one of the restaurants by the marina.

Browse the traditional markets of El Rengle and Plaça de Cuba for local produce. Then pair your meal with a glass of white wine from the DO Alella, a small wine region just down the coast.

Make the most of your visit:

Mataró sits on the R1 commuter line, so you can explore the coast and the city without a car. These are our favourite trips from here:

• Barcelona (30 minutes by train): Gaudí, Gothic streets and world-class museums.
• Canet de Mar (15 minutes by train): modernista architecture and a relaxed seafront.
• Sant Pol de Mar (20 minutes by train): a charming fishing village with small beaches.
• Montseny Natural Park (45 minutes by car): beech forests and mountain trails.