How far away is a chance to unwind by train? Sometimes, just a Rodalies ticket away. If what you need is fresh air, the horizon, and a little peace away from the asphalt, there are train lines that take you straight to relaxation. From Sants Station, in less than an hour you can find yourself in places that let you swap long streets for endless beaches. And yes, all by public transit—no car, no hassle.
In Catalonia, there are beaches with rocky coves where you can sunbathe like a wild goat and long beaches where you can bask like a diva. Platja de l’Astillero, in Vilassar de Mar, belongs to the second group. And although it doesn’t appear in every ranking, it can boast a record: at 9.5 kilometers, it’s the longest beach in all of Catalonia.
A beach for marathons
Unlike other beaches in the Maresme region, such as Ocata or Caldetes, l’Astillero isn’t usually on everyone’s lips. And that’s precisely part of its charm: less fame, more space. Its vastness means that even in the middle of August, you can find plenty of room to lay out your towel, run along the shore, or play beach volleyball without encroaching on anyone else’s space.
Walking the length of l’Astillero isn’t just a visual experience—it’s a endurance workout: walking its entire length takes about two hours. The beach combines developed sections with more open, natural areas, making it the perfect setting for both a leisurely stroll and a workout. And always with the sea in the background.
Although it’s quiet, it’s not isolated. It has showers, footrinses, public restrooms, a cleaning service, and areas adapted for people with limited mobility. Plus, along the boardwalk you’ll find beach bars and cafes where you can grab a drink without losing sight of the sand.
How to get there from Barcelona
Getting to Platja de l’Astillero in Vilassar de Mar is a breeze.By train, take the Rodalies R1 line toward Vilassar de Mar, and you’ll reach your destination in 45 minutes.
By car, take the C-32 highway toward Mataró to exit 92 (Vilassar de Mar); the trip takes about 30 minutes.
The train, by the way, is the same one that opens the doors to the Costa Brava and its coves, so if you’re in the mood for a great day at the beach, this is the way to go.
Oh! And here’s a bonus: if you take the train fifteen more minutes, you can reach Catalonia’s oldest lighthouse— 160 years old — and see the entire coastline from its heights.
