Montgat

The first stop of the Maresme.
Montgat sits right on the border with Barcelona, a calm seaside town with a relaxed surf vibe, golden beaches, and direct train connections to the city. Its proximity makes it ideal for professionals and young families looking for a quieter life without leaving Barcelona behind.

Tiana

Green hills and elegant homes.
Nestled between the mountains and the coast, Tiana offers a sense of exclusivity and calm. Its tree lined streets, traditional masías, and spacious villas attract families who want space, views, and quick access to the city by car.

Alella

The wine village by the sea.
Surrounded by vineyards and Mediterranean hills, Alella combines peaceful village life with quick access to Barcelona. International schools, local markets, and a close knit community make it one of the most desirable addresses in Maresme.

El Masnou

A vibrant marina town with excellent connections.
El Masnou offers seafront living just 15 minutes from Barcelona. Known for its yacht harbour, beach bars, and easy train access, it is ideal for those who want the coastal lifestyle without giving up the city. Apartments with sea views and elegant houses in the hills define its market.

Teià

Hillside calm with panoramic views.
Teià sits quietly between Alella and Masnou, surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the sea. It is a peaceful residential area known for privacy, elegant villas, and direct access to nature.

Premià de Mar

Coastal energy and everyday convenience.
Premià de Mar blends local life with modern comfort, offering sandy beaches, shops, cafés, and a marina just steps away. With frequent trains to Barcelona, it is popular among commuters and families seeking a year round seaside home.

Premià de Dalt

Family friendly and well connected.
Just above its coastal neighbour, Premià de Dalt combines village charm with modern amenities. Elevated views, contemporary homes with gardens, and an international school make it especially appealing to families.

Vilassar de Mar

Beachfront living with a local touch.
Vilassar de Mar offers the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle with sandy beaches, cafés, and a lively town centre all within walking distance. Trains to Barcelona run every few minutes, making it a top choice for those who want daily seaside living and easy city access.

Vilassar de Dalt

Vilassar de Dalt retains its Catalan heritage with cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and panoramic sea views. Its hillside position offers a sense of space, tranquility, and privacy, surrounded by nature yet closely connected to the coast and nearby towns.

Cabrils

A gastronomic village with mountain charm.
Known for its restaurants and relaxed rhythm, Cabrils sits above the coast, surrounded by pine forests and hiking trails. It is perfect for those seeking a slower lifestyle, with modern villas and renovated masías offering sea and mountain views.

Cabrera de Mar

Space, views, and privacy.
Cabrera de Mar is where countryside meets coast, with green valleys, large villas, and panoramic sea views. It attracts families looking for peace and space within 30 minutes of Barcelona. Most properties here are detached homes with generous gardens and pools.

Family Life and Schools in the Maresme

The Maresme has become one of the most sought after regions for families moving to Spain.
It offers a calm, safe environment, excellent connections to Barcelona, and a wide choice of both public and private schools, including several concertadas and new international options. The sense of community is genuine. Parents meet for coffee after school drop off, children play safely in the plazas, and weekends are spent between the beach and the mountains. Whether you live by the sea or in the hills, most families find that everything — schools, sport, nature, and community — is just minutes away.

International and Private Schools

For families arriving from abroad or seeking a bilingual education, the Maresme offers a range of international and private schools with English, French, or multilingual curriculums.

• Hamelin Laie International School (Montgat): British curriculum through to the IB Diploma, known for its modern campus and strong results.

• The British School of Barcelona Maresme (Cabrera de Mar): Opening in 2026, this new campus will offer a full British curriculum for Early Years and Primary, expanding to Secondary in 2027.

• Escola Betlem (Premià de Dalt): Private Catalan school with strong English teaching and a close community atmosphere.

• Santa María del Pino (Alella): Private school offering Catalan, Spanish, and English education with a strong family ethos and long standing local reputation.

• Montcabrer School (Cabrils): Well regarded private school offering bilingual education and a strong focus on creativity and personal development.

Public and Concerted Schools

Each Maresme town has a strong network of public and concertadas (semi private) schools, most offering bilingual Catalan Spanish education with English programs from early years.

Public schools and Concertadas:

• Escola Fabra (Alella)

• Escola Marinada (Montgat)

• Escola Ferrer i Guàrdia (El Masnou)

• Escola El Cim (Teià)

• Escola Pla de l’Avellà (Cabrera de Mar)

• Escola Mas Maria (Cabrils)

• Escola L’Olivera (Vilassar de Dalt)

• Escola Pérez Sala (Vilassar de Mar)

• Institut Valerià Pujol (Premià de Dalt)

These schools are known for their community spirit, strong academic foundations, and short commutes. Most children can walk or cycle to class.