Taking the beach train from Barcelona is one of the best ways to escape the city and feel like you’ve gone on a mini-holiday. Over the past couple of years, I’ve made it my mission to visit all the beach towns along the Catalan coast just north of the city, and this time it was a day trip to El Masnou! This stretch, known as El Maresme, has quickly become one of my favorite weekend escapes after living here for nearly nine years.
When you first move to Barcelona, the temptation to travel all over Europe is strong. Everything is so close! We definitely spent our first few years jetting off on every long weekend. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate that staying local and exploring what’s right in your own backyard can be just as exciting — and a lot less stressful and expensive.
A Day Trip to El Masnou
El Masnou is one of the first beach towns after Badalona, just a 35-minute ride on the R1 train. I usually catch it at the Arc de Triomf station, it’s less hectic than Plaça Catalunya, but be prepared, seats can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you go, I recommend getting on before 10 am to avoid standing. Though honestly, standing for 35 minutes is not so bad, you’d wait that long for brunch in Barcelona!
There are two stops: El Masnou and Ocata. If you want to get straight to the beach, get off at Ocata. If you’d like to explore the town first, hop off at El Masnou. One highlight right in town is Casa Eulàlia, a beautiful modernista house worth seeing. Alternatively, you can get off at Ocata, enjoy the beach, and then stroll back through town to catch your return train. You really can’t go wrong either way.
Modernism at the beach
To be honest, the real reason I went to El Masnou in the first place was to see Casa Eulija or Can Sanahuja. I had spotted photos of it online and it looked so beautiful that it was reason enough for me to plan the whole day trip! I do that sometimes — one building or one restaurant is all the excuse I need to hop on the train.
Eulàlia Matas House (Can Sanahuja) did not disappoint — it’s a gorgeous example of Catalan modernism, with those signature details that make you stop and stare. The color palette alone is stunning — soft yellow with the mint green shutters was a combination that feels so fresh and unexpected. I especially loved the delicate ceramic flowers, they add such a sweet, romantic touch. Right nearby is also Cal Senyor, another notable house to take a look at as you wander through town. El Masnou also has a modernism tourist center, which is worth popping into. The building itself is also of modernism significance, and they have helpful maps and info about modernist sites not just in El Masnou but throughout the El Maresme region. There’s also a small gallery space inside that often features local art. For me, this is exactly why I love exploring these smaller beach towns — it’s the mix of sun, sea, and beautiful architecture that makes each place feel special.
Where to eat in El Masnou
There are plenty of chiringuitos along the beach. On weekends, especially Sundays when families flock to the beach, the more popular ones do book up, so a reservation is a good idea. That said, I’ve often managed to find a spot without one.While wandering the town, I saw the cutest little restaurant Wimpi Ocata – it was just off one of El Masnou’s small squares and there was a table in the shade, so I grabbed it! The Mini Brioche Langostina is a must. I also loved the tacos, and the steak tartare at the table next to me looked incredible (next time!).
Other El Masnou Restaurants to Check Out
El Mas Vell – A popular spot right by the Ocata train stop, known for its pretty garden terrace and occasional live music.
La Magnòlia Taverna – Cozy and casual, with a focus on well-made Mediterranean classics.
Ca La Ferrera – A neighborhood favorite with great seafood and a relaxed vibe.
Les Caves Rekondo – Ideal for wine lovers, with an excellent wine list and good local dishes.
Mimuna – A must-stop for delicious ice cream after the beach.
El Celler del Mar – A small wine shop with a great selection if you want to bring home a bottle or two.
If you want to stretch the day a little longer before catching the train home, the marina area is a nice spot to sit for a bit. I like to stop at La Vermuteria el Port Masnou for a vermut on their shaded terrace overlooking the boats — it’s a relaxing way to end the day. There are also several restaurants around the marina catering to the boating crowd. I haven’t tried any yet, but they all look like good options if you decide to stay for dinner.
Parks in El Masnou
El Masnou also has a couple of small parks if you’re visiting with kids or just want a shady break. Parc del Llac is great for a quiet stroll, while Parc de Vallmora has a good playground and open space for little ones. And of course, there are plenty of small shops around town for beach essentials or a spontaneous find — I always seem to leave with a new beach dress or two. It’s those little extras that make these day trips so fun and memorable.
I had such a lovely and easy day in El Masnou. It really is one of those spots that reminds you how lucky we are to live here, with so many little getaways just a short train ride away. The main highlights for me were definitely Can Sanahuja and lunch at Wimpi Ocata, but just wandering the streets, relaxing on the beach, and discovering a few new things made it the perfect escape from the city.
If you’re living in Barcelona or visiting and want a simple, low-stress beach day, I can’t recommend the beach train enough. Whether its an El Masnou Day Trip or exploring other towns along the El Maresme coast, you really can’t go wrong. Sometimes, no real plan is the best plan!
