Travel to Santa Susanna - Catalonia’s Coastal Hidden Gem

Hello dear travel lovers. Today I invite you to take a stroll through Santa Susanna, one of the most tourist-friendly towns along the Costa Maresme coastline. This is a true holiday town because the entire coastal area is dedicated to hotels, most of which operate under the all inclusive system. Apart from that, there are also options like apartment rentals and campgrounds. It is quite hard to find houses where locals live because they generally reside in the hills away from the sea. As a result, there is almost no historic town center here. The area was built as a modern resort mainly for tourism.

At the very beginning of our route, we are greeted by the four star Hotel Mercury. The hotel has a pool, and music is playing as we pass. It is located right across from the train station, which is a big advantage for this town because it allows direct train access to Barcelona. You can even come here straight from the airport by train.

There are signposts here showing you where everything is. Of course, tourist shops selling souvenirs are a must. You’ll find umbrellas, beach towels, clothing. For example, a blouse costs 7.95 euros. Hats and sunscreens are also essential. The sun here is very strong. A sunscreen with SPF 30 costs about 23 euros. Some places are cheaper, some more expensive. But you can buy everything here. The shop sells bracelets, toy balls, dresses and towels. A towel costs 5.95 euros. Sand buckets are 10.95 euros, the big ones are 17.95 euros, the small ones 6.95 euros. If you came with kids, these will be quite useful.

Next to the Caprici Verd Hotel, there is a tour booth offering catamaran trips, water park visits and excursions to places like Tossa de Mar. When we passed, it was around 3 pm, but the stand was still closed.

Despite it being 3 pm, the main street is almost empty. The season has already started. It’s 30°C outside. A hat and sunscreen are absolutely necessary and staying in the shade is the best option.

Another four star hotel hidden among greenery is the Maritim. We checked the pool area. The guests seemed to be enjoying their rest. The beach is only 100 meters from the hotel. The sea is very close. The beaches are beautiful.

There are shaded benches in various corners of the town. The first restaurant we passed is called La Pergola. Even though it’s lunchtime, there were very few people inside. Menu prices for hamburgers range from 8 to 13 euros. There is also pizza, salad and pasta. But since most hotels are all inclusive, guests usually eat there. Just like the system in Turkey and Egypt.

Lawn mowing is being done. The surroundings are generally well maintained. Compared to El Masnou, this place really feels like a full holiday town.

In another souvenir shop, magnets are 1 euro. Bracelets range from 1.50 to 3.90 euros. They even have Gaudi’s famous lizard figure. Fans are 3 euros, very handy in public transport during summer.

The playground is completely empty because there’s no shade. The kids are probably napping at this hour.

We passed the train station. A train heading to Barcelona had just left. There are bike lanes here and places where you can rent bicycles.

We arrived at a commercial center. Next to it, there is a five star hotel and a small tram with an ice cream cone on top, though it was closed. Probably it only operates in the evenings.

We passed a restaurant called El Cielo, where I saw a few more customers. It has a spacious terrace full of greenery. Prices are mid range. Ribeye steak is 24 euros. Salads are between 13 and 18 euros. It’s a pleasant place. We also checked another restaurant menu. If your hotel is not all inclusive, this gives you an idea about the prices.

Then we passed a bike rental station. There are 4 to 6 seater family bikes. 5 euros for half an hour for 2 adults and 2 children. 10 euros for one hour. 17 euros for two hours. If it’s a six seater, it’s up to 25 euros for two hours. You just need to show an ID like a passport or driver’s license. No deposit is required. There are both electric and regular bikes available.

Next to Hotel Don Angel, there’s a bar that is open, selling ice cream and cocktails. Cocktails are around 8 to 9 euros. Snacks like sandwiches, nachos and salads are also available. We are slowly getting closer to the center. Along the way, there are desserts, milkshakes, small shopping arcades, souvenir shops and hotels. There is a long, straight promenade. The town is located between Pineda de Mar and Malgrat de Mar. You can walk to either city.

We passed the four star Aquamarina hotel. There are palm trees and a shaded restaurant terrace next to it. If you get tired of walking, it’s easy to take a train to Barcelona or Girona.

Compared to other tourist destinations, this place is quite calm. It might feel boring for those looking for crowds and entertainment but it’s ideal for those seeking peace. There are hotels everywhere. If you want to stay close to the sea, Allegro or Royal Sun are options. If you prefer to stay further in, Florida Park is a good choice.

Then we went down to the seafront. Hotels are lined up along the beach. There are also adult only hotels, perfect if you don’t want to hear children’s voices.

There’s a lovely beach restaurant called Kalima Beach Club facing the sea. Light music is playing. The beach is not crowded, there’s no shortage of space. Sunbed and umbrella rentals in this area are generally not free. Last year it was around 8 euros. So it’s more economical to buy a cheap umbrella and towel and bring your own gear. The campgrounds are also very nice. If you have your own caravan or tent, you should definitely consider staying.

Seafront mobile homes with tables and benches in front. Almost all of them are full. Most cars have German plates. Some even have private pools inside. Right next to them, there’s another campground. This time most vehicles have Dutch plates. People have come fully equipped with tents, tables and coffee makers. They are just 10 steps away from the sea.

They decorated their area with lanterns, creating a very nice atmosphere. You can even rent a jet ski here. When we passed by, someone was riding one in the distance.

And so we end our Santa Susanna tour with this amazing sea view and the heartfelt feeling of I want to stay here.

See you on the next trip.