Living in Argentona: a guide to buying a house in the Maresme

Argentona is one of the most appreciated residential towns in the Maresme for anyone seeking a house with land, a green setting and village life, without moving far from either the Mediterranean or Barcelona. Set at the foot of the Serralada Litoral, it combines a characterful old town, historic summer houses and areas of detached homes with gardens and swimming pools. This BARNES Barcelona guide explains what living in Argentona is like, which types of property you will find and what to check before buying a house in the municipality.

Argentona at a glance

Argentona belongs to the Maresme region, in the province of Barcelona, and occupies a valley between the coast and the hills. Unlike the villages beside the sea, its character is more inland and calmer: village streets, squares, local shops and an identity of its own tied to its agricultural and artisan past. For decades it was a summer retreat for Barcelona's bourgeois families, and stately houses and villas set in gardens survive from that time and are now part of its residential appeal.

For the international buyer, Argentona offers an uncommon combination: space, privacy and nature, a few minutes from the Maresme beaches and with easy road access to Barcelona and its airport. It is a roomier, greener alternative for those who rule out the city centre but want to keep the capital within reach.

Areas and property types in Argentona

The municipality's residential offer is varied, and understanding it helps narrow the search from day one.

Village houses and period properties

In the historic centre and its surroundings you will find village houses, some carefully restored, with patios, galleries and original details. This is the profile of someone who wants to live within walking distance of shops, squares and services.

Detached villas with garden and pool

In the residential areas on the slopes, detached homes predominate, of generous size, with gardens, swimming pools and open views. These are the properties most sought after by families who want outdoor space and privacy. You can see a current selection in our section of houses for sale in Argentona.

Masías and country estates

Between the town and the hills there are masías and estates with land, a product that is especially appealing to those looking for authenticity and plenty of space. With these properties, planning status and access deserve particular care.

Daily life in Argentona

Living in Argentona means a village routine with many options within reach. The municipality's ceramic tradition is reflected in the Museu del Càntir, and the surrounding Serralada Litoral offers trails for walking, running or cycling right from your door. The Maresme beaches are a few minutes away, and the proximity of the Alella Designation of Origin makes it easy to discover wineries and vineyards nearby.

Daily life revolves around local shops, restaurants and an active community. For more specialised shopping or services, the neighbouring Maresme towns and Barcelona are within easy reach by car.

Those looking for leisure will find golf courses, sports clubs and marinas in the region within a short distance, so the lifestyle of the Maresme coast remains within reach from a home in a calmer setting. Local cuisine, with produce from the garden and the sea, completes an offer designed to be enjoyed without haste.

Who is Argentona for?

Argentona suits families who value outdoor space and tranquillity, professionals who work partly remotely and want a natural setting, and buyers seeking a main residence larger than a city apartment. It is also of interest to those considering a second home with village life, away from the bustle of the coast's more touristy destinations.

Those arriving from abroad generally appreciate the balance between authenticity and comfort: a village with an identity of its own, at a reasonable distance from Barcelona airport and the city itself. If, on the other hand, the priority is to live by the sea and on the beach, the Maresme's seafront towns may be a better fit, and it is advisable to visit both profiles before deciding.

Argentona compared with other Maresme towns

Argentona is often compared with Alella, Teià, Cabrils, Vilassar or Cabrera de Mar. Each town answers a different profile: some are more tied to the sea, others to the vineyards or the hills. If you are still torn between several, our guide Alella, Teià or Cabrils: which town should you choose to live in will help you compare, and our guide to the best towns in the Maresme to live in ranks them by lifestyle. For an overview of the whole region, see also where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme.

What to check before buying a house in Argentona

Buying a detached house calls for more checks than buying an apartment. These are the points worth verifying with a local adviser before you decide:

Planning and registry status

Check that the built area matches what appears in the property registry and the land registry, and that extensions, swimming pools and outbuildings are legally regularised.

Woodland setting and access

For homes close to woodland, specific fire-prevention measures may apply. Also review the access, the condition of the track and the water, electricity and drainage supplies.

Condition of the building and upkeep

The pool, the roof, the installations and the garden determine running costs. A prior technical inspection avoids surprises.

It is also worth visiting the property at different times of day and of the week, and speaking to the neighbours if possible. A country house can look very different in the morning light or at dusk, and that direct impression is irreplaceable.

If you would like to get your bearings on what the municipality offers, you can browse all the properties for sale in Argentona or those across the Maresme on our website.

Frequently asked questions

What is it like to live in Argentona?

It is a calm, green village life with local shops and good links to the coast and to Barcelona. It is especially appreciated by families looking for a house with a garden and outdoor space.

What types of houses are there in Argentona?

Detached villas with gardens and pools predominate, alongside village houses, period properties and a few masías and estates. The offer varies greatly depending on the area of the municipality.

Does Argentona have a beach?

The town sits between the coast and the hills, not right on the sea. The Maresme beaches are a few minutes away by car, which makes it possible to combine village life with the sea.

Is Argentona better than a seafront town in the Maresme?

It depends on your priorities. Argentona offers more space, privacy and nature; seafront towns offer life by the sea and a more coastal atmosphere. Many buyers visit both before deciding.

How can I find out the value of my house in Argentona?

A comparative analysis by a local adviser, taking into account location, size, condition and recent comparable sales, is the most reliable method. At BARNES we offer a confidential valuation with no obligation.

Talk to BARNES Barcelona

If you are considering buying or selling a house in Argentona or the Maresme, our team will guide you with judgement and discretion. Contact the BARNES office or request a confidential valuation of your property.