This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Canet de Mar is located on the Maresme coast of Catalonia, Spain, approximately 43 kilometers northeast of Barcelona. Sitting between Arenys de Mar and Sant Pol de Mar, the town is renowned for its blend of Mediterranean charm, cultural heritage, and beautiful natural surroundings. The town center features a pleasant promenade lined with historic buildings.
Canet de Mar is most famous for its rich modernist architectural legacy, with numerous buildings designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who had a close personal connection to the area. Josep Puig i Cadafalch also designed two building in Canet de Mar: the Restaurant of the Hermitage of la Misericòrdia and the Fàbrica Carbonell Susagna.
Castell de Santa Florentina
The 11th-century Castell de Santa Florentina was was built on the foundations of a Roman villa. Originally constructed by Guadimir de Canet, the castle served as a medieval fortification against Mediterranean pirate attacks.
Over the centuries, the castle passed through various owners, notably the Montaner family from the 16th century onward. Its most significant transformation occurred in 1910 when Lluís Domènech i Montaner renovated and expanded the castle, blending Gothic and Modernist styles. The renovation included stained glass windows, carved wood ceilings, gargoyles, and a chapel with a crypt,
The significance of Castell de Santa Florentina is recognized by its designation as a cultural heritage monument. It has also gained fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones and hosts classical music festivals in summer.
Casa Museu Lluís Domènech i Montaner
***
Set within the former summer residence and workshop of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the museum offers unique insights into his life and works. Visitors can explore his design studio, personal library, and exhibition spaces that showcase models, drawings, and multimedia displays related to his most iconic projects, including the Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau.
The Casa Domènech was his last work, completed in 1919. The building itself is a striking example of early modernist architecture, featuring intricate sgraffito, wrought ironwork, and original furnishings. Behind it, the 17th century farmhouse Can Rocosa, was used as his architectural studio and personal refuge.
Casa Roura
***
Casa Roura was redesigned between 1891 and 1892 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner for his sister-in-law, Francesca Roura Carnesoltes. The building features exposed brick façades, decorative wrought ironwork, and colorful ceramic accents. A circular corner tower topped with a conical dome adds a fairytale charm. Inside, the house preserves many original elements such as carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and an ornate fireplace.
Today, Casa Roura is home to 6Q Restaurant, offering visitors the chance to dine within its architectural splendor. The building’s careful preservation and continued use highlight its cultural significance, and it is officially recognized as a heritage site. Its blend of artistry and function makes it a standout landmark in Canet de Mar’s modernist legacy.
Ateneu Canetenc
The Ateneu de Canet is one of the first works by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which he carried out during the years 1885–1887. Since 1999, it has been the headquarters of the Pare Gual i Pujadas public library.
The two-storey building features wrought iron balconies, intricate sgraffito decorations, and a striking rose window adorned with stained glass. A corner turret capped with a domed roof and topped by a dragon-shaped lightning rod gives it a distinctive flair.
Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Misericòrdia
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de la Misericòrdia is a neo-Gothic sanctuary built between 1853 and 1857, designed by architect Francesc Daniel Molina i Casamajó. Dedicated to the patron saint of the Maresme region, it stands on a pine-shaded esplanade overlooking the town and is deeply cherished by locals, serving as a site for many weddings and community gatherings. The devotion to the Lady of Mercy at this site dates back to at least 1520, and the sanctuary is recognized as a local cultural heritage site.
Located within the grounds, the Restaurant El Santuari is housed in a modernist building designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1914. The building reminded me of Casa Martí (Els Quatre Gats) in Barcelona.
Beaches
***
The golden sands of Canet Beach and Cavaió Beach stretch over 2 kilometers. Blue flag designated Canet Beach is long, wide and less crowded than those closer to Barcelona. Platja del Cavaió reaches south to Arenys de Mar and has several xiringuitos where you can enjoy food and drink overlooking the sea.
Hiking
If you need a break from the beach, Canet de Mar offers a variety of great hiking routes winding through lush woodlands, suitable for all levels.
This hike of 9.4km takes you to past many of the major sights in and around Canet de Mar. From the Pedracastell Cross (Creu de Pedracastell), you can take in panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and surrounding hills.
Canet de Mar also serves as the endpoint for the GR-5 trail, a long-distance path that starts in Sitges and traverses the natural parks of Garraf, Montserrat, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, Montseny, and the Parc del Montnegre. Learn more about this spectacular hike here.
Local Events
The Fira Modernista in October is a festival celebrating the town’s Modernista heritage with costumed parades, music, and artisan markets. The Festa Major in June is Canet’s main summer celebration with fireworks, concerts, and traditional dances.
Getting There
It’s a pleasant train ride along the coast from Barcelona to Canet de Mar on the R1 Rodalies line. You can get on the train from Barcelona-Arc de Triomf, Barcelona-Sants, or Plaça de Catalunya and it takes a little less than an hour. You won’t have to wait long as trains depart every half hour. By car, you can reach Canet de Mar via the C-32 motorway, which takes about 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
Rocatel A family-run, hotel located directly on Cavaiò Beach, offering amenities including an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, and private parking. The hotel features comfortable rooms, many with spectacular sea views. I really enjoyed my stay at Rocatel, thanks to the friendly staff and spacious cafe area overlooking the Mediterranean where I would work from my laptop.
Hotel Mitus A charming boutique hotel close to the beach and train station, offering rooms with sea or garden views, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and balconies or terraces. Guests appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, private garden, on-site restaurant, and proximity to the town center.
El Petit Palauet Housed in a beautifully restored bulding a stone’s throw from Canet Beach, the property offers several luxury suites, each preserving original period details like vaulted ceilings, tiled floors, and ornate woodwork. Amenities like kitchenettes, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi help make you feel at home.
Where to Eat
La Font is a highly-regarded, family-run restaurant situated in the upper part of Canet de Mar, known for its modern yet welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in contemporary, market-inspired Mediterranean and European cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a good-value weekday menu and a more elaborate selection over the weekend.
6Q Restaurant Modernista Celebrated for its Mediterranean, European, Spanish, and Catalan cuisine, with standout dishes such as seafood paella and steak tartare. The elegant restaurant is situated in Casa Roura, featuring stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, colorful mosaics, and a charming patio.
Gatzara is situated in the heart of town and offers traditional Catalan specialities at reasonable prices. The restaurant is popular among locals and known for a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Authentic dishes include paella and black rice, which have garnered high ratings for quality and taste. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Lloret de Mar A lively resort town on the Costa Brava, renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of entertainment options. Once a fishing village, it now offers a mix of historic sites like the Church of Sant Romà and attractions like its stunning seaside pathway (Camí de Ronda).
La Roca Village A luxury open-air shopping destination offering over 150 boutiques from renowned Spanish and international brands with year-round discounts. The village combines designer fashion with art installations and gourmet dining making it a popular day-trip destination.
Thermal Baths of Caldes d’Estrac Celebrated since Roman times for their healing waters, which emerge at 38.8°C from a depth of 2,800 meters. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of hydrotherapy treatments in a serene setting that blends historical charm with modern wellness facilities.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Located in Montmeló near Barcelona, the 4.655 km motorsport track hosts the Spanish Grand Prix and is renowned for its challenging mix of long straights, fast corners, and varied elevation changes.
