How far away by train is the disconnection? Sometimes, just a Rodalies ticket away. If what you need is air, horizon and a bit of calm away from the asphalt, there are rail lines that take you straight to relief. From Sants station, in less than an hour you can get to places that make you change the long streets for eternal beaches. And yes, all with public transport, without a car and without complications.
In Catalonia there are beaches with rocky coves where you can sunbathe like a goat and long beaches where you can toast like a diva. Platja de l’Astillero, in Vilassar de Mar, belongs to the second group. And although it does not appear in all the rankings, it can boast a record: it is, with its 9.5 kilometers, the longest beach in Catalonia.
A beach for marathons
Unlike other beaches in the Maresme such as Ocata or Caldetes, l’Astillero is not usually on everyone’s lips. And that is precisely part of its charm: less fame, more space. Its immensity 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 paddleball without invading other people’s territory.
Walking along l’Astillero from end to end is not only a visual experience, but also an exercise in depth: walking its entire length takes about two hours. The beach combines urbanized stretches with more open and natural areas, which makes it a perfect setting for both calm walking and training. And always with the sea in the background.
Although it is quiet, it is not isolated. It has showers, footbaths, public toilets, cleaning service and areas adapted for people with reduced mobility. In addition, along the promenade you will find beach bars and bars where you can have a drink without losing sight of the sand.
How to get there from Barcelona
Getting to l’Astillero beach in Vilassar de Mar is very easy.By train, take the Rodalies, line R1, direction Vilassar de Mar, and in 45 minutes you will be at your destination.
By car, the way goes through the C-32 freeway towards Mataró until exit 92 (Vilassar de Mar), and takes about 30 minutes.
The train, by the way, is the same one that opens the doors of the Costa Brava and its coves, so if you feel like spending a nice day at the beach, this is your transport.
Oh, and a bonus track: if you go fifteen minutes further by train, you can reach the oldest lighthouse in Catalonia, with 160 years of life, and see the entire coast from its heights.