El Masnou: Beaches and Maritime Heritage

El Masnou brings together two beaches and a maritime and architectural heritage. This gives you a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: the beaches’ location by the marina, archaeological finds, buildings from different periods, and a signposted heritage trail. If you’re looking for a hotel, it may help to decide first whether you’d like to focus more on the beach or the town’s history during your stay.

Beaches and connections

Platja del Masnou lies east of the marina, on the side closer to Barcelona. Platja d’Ocata is west of the harbor, on the side closer to Mataró. This makes it easy to distinguish the two stretches of beach by their different locations relative to the harbor. Both beaches have restroom facilities and service areas and are easy to reach from the town center. Bus and train services connect them to the Rodalies-Renfe stations “El Masnou” and “Ocata.” Check the timetables for details of your journey.

Archaeology and architectural history

The Museu Municipal de Nàutica preserves important archaeological finds from the Neolithic period and, in particular, the Roman era. They were discovered during excavations at a local Roman villa. El Masnou’s history therefore extends beyond its maritime roots to include finds from a much earlier period.

The buildings also reflect different periods and types of architecture. The Church of Sant Pere dates from the 18th century and has a Neoclassical façade. Casa Benèfica is a Modernist building, while Cal Teixidor is considered an old farmhouse dating from the 17th century. Together, these examples offer an overview of religious, Modernist, and rural architecture in El Masnou.

The “El Masnou, terra de mar” heritage trail

The signposted trail leads to Modernist buildings and a particularly distinctive Indian-style house. A total of 30 buildings have information panels in Catalan, Spanish, and English. You can follow the trail independently using a free app. The route brings together several buildings around a shared theme, and the panels provide explanations in three languages.

Local history and guided visits

Cementiri del Masnou is an ensemble of artistic significance. It was funded by a prosperous bourgeoisie that commissioned prominent artists of the time. The cemetery also reflects the golden age of the Catalan bourgeoisie. Guided visits are available on specific dates.

The 2026 municipal tourism program includes the Mina d'Aigua Interpretation Center. It recreates the courtyard and washing area of a wealthy local home using original elements. The program year is a useful point of reference when deciding whether to include this topic in your plans.

Local specialties

Masnovines originate in El Masnou and have been made there since the 1960s. Galetes de barco have an older maritime connection: they served as provisions for crews traveling to America and have been documented in El Masnou since the 19th century. The two specialties therefore reflect different periods in the town’s history: production dating from the 1960s and a connection with sea voyages documented in the 19th century.

Tourist information

El Masnou’s Oficina de Turisme is located in the Casa de Cultura at Passeig de Prat de la Riba 16.

Discover more destinations: Vilanova De Sau, La Torre De Claramunt, La Palma De Cervelló, La Pobla De Lillet, L'espunyola, Sant Vicenc De Montalt, Pallejá, Igualada

For an overview of the wider region: Barcelona.