Mongat: Beaches, History and Coastal Paths

Mongat has an extensive coastline with several beaches. The beaches are located near RENFE railway stations and metrobus stops and have accessible parking facilities.

Coast

Playa de les Barques is Montgat’s former fishing beach and is located next to the Torre de Guaita. Water sports can be practised there through the Club Marítim and the Escola de mar. Playa de les Barques also provides access to Montgat’s old town, which is ideal for strolling and experiencing the character of the fishing village.

Playa de les Roques is a small, pleasant urban beach where the Maresme promenade begins. On Sundays, environmental activities take place at the Jugoteca ambiental on Playa de les Roques. Playa de Can Tano is a small beach adjoining Playa de les Barques.

Surfindeed, Surfeja l'Ona is the new sea and light-sailing school of Club Marítim Montgat at the entrance to the Maresme, 15 km from Barcelona. Its programme includes nautical activities for all levels and age groups.

Nature

The Templet mirador del Turó del Mar is located on the hilltop of Parc del Turonet and offers views of the beach, the Maresme and the northern Barcelonès. Parc del Turonet has viewpoints, a platform for cultural or festive events, lawns for relaxing and reading, and a sports circuit.

Parc del Tramvia has sports facilities and a designated play area adapted for small children. It is suitable for walking, cycling, running, sports and relaxing on the lawn, and is suitable for all age groups.

Parc de les Bateries offers panoramic views over the coasts of the Barcelonès and the Maresme, the coastal mountain range and the surrounding area. The esplanade preserves the remains of the cannons of former military batteries.

Paths

The Eix de la Costa connects the promenades of the coastal municipalities of the Maresme and is suitable for both hikers and cyclists. The first stage of the Eix Central begins at Montgat station and leads inland through Tiana, Teià, Alella, Premià de Dalt and Vilassar de Dalt into the Maresme.

The recommended starting points for the Baix Maresme route (Montgat–Vilassar de Mar) are Montgat and Vilassar de Mar. Montgat is served by RENFE line R1 between Molins de Rei and Maçanet-Massanes via Mataró.

Other destinations: Avinyó, Sant Jaume De Frontanyà, Baix Llobregat, Fogars de la Selva, Calaf, Sallent, Caldes De Montbui and Calders.

History and Culture

The northern portal of the Túnel ferroviari del Turó de Montgat is considered the northern portal of the first tunnel in the country. The tunnel was inaugurated on 28 October 1848 for passengers travelling between Barcelona and Mataró on the first railway line built in the country.

Construction of the Església parroquial de Sant Joan Baptista began in 1816, while devotion to the saint dates back approximately to the 15th century. Torre de Ca l'Alsina was originally attached to the western façade of the now-demolished Ca n'Alsina farmhouse.

Torre de Ca l'Alzina is classified as a “Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional”. It is located on Passeig de Mar near the country’s first railway tunnel, the railway line and the beach.

The public contemporary sculpture “Mediterrània” on Plaça de les Mallorquines was created by the painter and sculptor Àlvar Suñol i Muñoz Ramos. The Ruta de la Guerra Civil de Montgat leads to historic architectural elements from the wartime period in Montgat, including machine-gun nests, bunkers and the Bateria de Costa.

Festivals and Fishing

Every year, Montgat celebrates the traditional Carnaval in Parc del Tramvia. The Festa Major de Sant Joan marks the beginning of the summer festivities in Montgat and takes place around 24 June in the Sant Joan district and the Casc Antic.

Montgat’s sung fish auction is the only traditional auction still in existence along the entire Catalan coast. Visitors can view and buy fresh fish at the Llotja del Peix de Montgat on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. The fish market is located on Passeig Marítim opposite the Casc Antic and is currently temporarily situated on Plaça Sant Joan.

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