Cabrils and Vilassar de Dalt: houses with sea views in the Maresme

Cabrils and Vilassar de Dalt are two Maresme municipalities that share an uncommon advantage: they offer houses with gardens, swimming pools and sea views a few minutes from the coast and well connected by road to Barcelona. They sit on the first slopes of the coastal range, which gives many properties an elevated position above the Mediterranean, more privacy than on the seafront and a setting of pine woods and calm. This guide describes what it is like to live in each, which types of house you will find, what to check when buying on a hillside and how to find your way around a market with limited supply.

Why buy in the upper Maresme

The Maresme is one of the most established residential counties around Barcelona. The coastal strip concentrates the activity of the fishing towns, but a little higher up, towards the range, the landscape changes: larger plots, houses surrounded by greenery and open views towards the sea. It is the preferred area for those who want space and tranquillity without giving up proximity to the beach, to schools and to the city.

For a broader view of the county, see our guides to the best towns in the Maresme to live in and to where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme.

Cabrils: pine woods, views and designer houses

Cabrils is a hillside municipality where many homes are stepped down the slope to take advantage of the orientation and the sea views. Detached houses with gardens predominate, and in recent years contemporary villas have been added, with large glazed surfaces, terraces and swimming pools. It is a common choice for families looking for a quiet life, with outdoor space and nature, who travel to Barcelona regularly.

Vilassar de Dalt: a village with character and houses with plots

Vilassar de Dalt keeps a village centre with a life of its own, and around it extend residential areas of houses with plots, gardens and pools. The offer ranges from classic Mediterranean-style houses, with porches and mature gardens, to large properties built for generous family living. It has a more traditional profile than other enclaves in the county, with an unhurried pace of life.

A house to live in all year round

Those who choose the upper Maresme usually do so to live in the house for much of the year, not only in summer. The mild climate, the proximity of services and the possibility of working remotely with sea views explain why many international families see it as an alternative to more urban areas. In any case, it is worth considering how the house lives in winter: orientation, insulation, heating and access on rainy days.

Types of house you will find

The supply falls into three main profiles. Contemporary villas, with clean-lined architecture, large windows, terraces and views, designed to make the most of light and landscape. Classic Mediterranean houses, of generous size, with porch, garden and pool, which usually offer more living space. And houses with panoramic views on elevated plots, where privacy and the outlook are the main value. In our guide to houses for sale in the Maresme you will find a more detailed description of each type.

What to check when buying a hillside house

Houses on a slope have an obvious appeal, but they call for a specific review:

• Access and gradients: the condition and gradient of the roads, access to the home in all conditions and parking space.
• Walls and retention: the condition of retaining walls and terraces, which are a key structural element.
• Orientation and views: the current view can be affected if planning allows building on neighbouring plots.
• Planning classification: what can be extended or altered, and whether what has been built, including pools and terraces, is licensed.
• Fire risk and forest setting: in pine-wooded areas, it is worth finding out about plot maintenance obligations and the prevention measures that apply.
• Registry position: the "nota simple", any charges and the match between registered and actual floor areas.
• Utilities and upkeep: water, drainage and the cost of maintaining the garden and pool.

Daily life and schools

The Maresme has a broad educational offer, and several international schools in the county attract foreign families; we have covered this in our guide to international schools in the Maresme. Added to this are the proximity of the beaches, the marinas along the coast and a quality local food scene. For those who work in Barcelona, the distance allows a reasonable daily commute, and for those who work remotely, the setting offers space and calm.

How the purchase process works

Once the property has been identified, the process usually begins with an offer and a reservation, followed by the signing of a deposit contract (contrato de arras) that sets out the conditions and timeframes. Before the deed is signed before a notary, the documentation and the land registry position are reviewed, and tax formalities and, where relevant, financing are coordinated. Having a lawyer, a tax adviser and an agency that coordinates every step from the outset shortens timelines and avoids surprises, above all when the buyer lives outside Spain.

Available properties

The supply of houses with sea views in the Maresme is limited and much of it moves privately. You can view our current selection of houses for sale on the Barcelona Coast (Maresme) or contact us to learn about opportunities that have not yet been published.

If you own property in the Maresme

The valuation of a distinctive house depends on its exact location, views, condition and legal status. We have explained these factors in how a prime property is valued, and you can request a confidential valuation of your house.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between living in Cabrils and in Vilassar de Dalt?

Cabrils is a hillside municipality with many contemporary designer houses and open sea views; Vilassar de Dalt has a more traditional village centre, surrounded by residential areas of houses with plots. Both offer gardens, pools and tranquillity a short distance from the coast.

Can you find houses with sea views in the inland Maresme?

Yes. Properties on the slopes of the coastal range often enjoy open views of the Mediterranean, with more privacy than those on the seafront.

Can a foreigner buy a house in the Maresme?

Yes. Non-residents may buy property in Spain. The transaction requires, among other formalities, a foreigner's identification number (NIE), and it is advisable to have legal and tax advice from the outset.

What taxes are paid when buying a home in Catalonia?

In general, a resale home is subject to transfer tax (ITP), while a new build is subject to VAT and stamp duty (Impuesto de Actos Jurídicos Documentados). The rates are set by current legislation, so we recommend confirming them with the Catalan Tax Agency (atc.gencat.cat) before completing the purchase.

Speak to BARNES Barcelona

At BARNES Barcelona we accompany buyers and owners in the Maresme with discretion and knowledge of the area. If you are looking for a house with sea views in Cabrils, Vilassar de Dalt or the surrounding area, or would like to know the value of your property, contact our office or request a confidential valuation.