Living in Vilassar de Mar and Cabrera de Mar: a guide to buying a home

Living in Vilassar de Mar or Cabrera de Mar means choosing the Maresme at its most balanced: seaside towns with a life of their own, hillsides with open views over the Mediterranean and a direct connection to Barcelona by train and road. The two municipalities share a stretch of coastline and even a railway station, yet they offer different experiences. Vilassar de Mar is a compact, lively seafaring town; Cabrera de Mar is a green, residential municipality that climbs towards the mountain of Burriac. In this guide we explain what life is like in each, which types of home you will find and what to bear in mind before you buy.

Vilassar de Mar: a seafaring town with life all year round

Vilassar de Mar retains the identity of the seafaring town it grew from, with a well-kept centre, a seafront promenade and wide beaches. Its maritime history is told at the Museu de la Marina, and its agricultural tradition lives on: the town is home to the Mercat de Flor i Planta Ornamental de Catalunya, Catalonia's main wholesale market for flowers and ornamental plants.

For everyday living, Vilassar de Mar offers something families value highly: local shops, schools, services and social life on foot all year round, not only in summer. It works well as a main residence for those who work in Barcelona and want a calmer pace by the sea.

Which type of home you will find in Vilassar de Mar

• Traditional village houses in the old centre, full of character and a few minutes' walk from the beach.
• Apartments and penthouses near the sea, many with terraces, for those seeking comfort and low maintenance.
• Detached houses with gardens in the upper parts of the town, with more privacy and, in some cases, sea views.

Cabrera de Mar: hillsides, views and privacy

Cabrera de Mar stretches from the coast up the slopes of the mountain of Burriac, crowned by the castle of the same name. On its hillside lies the Iberian settlement of Burriac, one of the most important archaeological sites in Catalonia, a reminder that this has been a privileged place to live for more than two thousand years.

The municipality is mainly residential, with estates of detached houses among pines and holm oaks, many with uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean. It is the choice for those who prioritise privacy, a garden and nature, and who accept relying a little more on the car day to day. In return, the sea and the services of Vilassar and Mataró are only minutes away.

Which type of home you will find in Cabrera de Mar

• Villas with a pool and sea views on the higher ground, the most sought-after product.
• Family houses on garden plots in quiet residential estates.
• Masies and country estates in the more rural parts of the municipality, scarce and highly prized.

Getting to Barcelona: train and road

One of the great advantages of these towns is mobility. The R1 Rodalies line, which runs the length of the Maresme coast, stops at Vilassar de Mar station and at Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station, located on the seafront shared by both municipalities. By road, the C-32 motorway and the N-II connect with Barcelona and the rest of the region. This combination makes it possible to live by the sea and work in the city, or to combine a home in the Maresme with frequent stays in Barcelona.

The lifestyle: sea, mountains and fine food

The great virtue of this part of the Maresme is the variety of things to do within minutes of home. The beaches of Vilassar and Cabrera invite daily walks and water sports, and nearby marinas, such as those at El Masnou and Mataró, make it easy to keep a boat close by. Inland, the paths of the Parc de la Serralada Litoral and the climb to Burriac castle offer walking and cycling routes with views along the whole coast.

The food scene matches: markets with produce from Maresme market gardens, seafood restaurants and, very close by, the vineyards of the DO Alella, one of the wine appellations nearest to Barcelona. For families, the schools in the town and neighbouring municipalities, together with the proximity of Barcelona, make daily life easy. And for those who work remotely, the balance between tranquillity and connectivity makes these towns a very attractive main residence, not just a summer home.

Another less obvious advantage is the climate. The Maresme enjoys mild winters and summers tempered by the sea breeze, so gardens and terraces can be enjoyed for much of the year. For many buyers from northern Europe, the chance to live outdoors almost all year round is one of the decisive reasons for choosing this coast.

Vilassar de Mar or Cabrera de Mar: how to choose

• If you want to do everything on foot —beach, shops, school, restaurants— Vilassar de Mar is the natural choice.
• If you prioritise privacy, a garden and views, the higher parts of Cabrera de Mar offer more space and a greener setting.
• If you are looking for a balance, the upper parts of Vilassar de Mar and the areas of Cabrera closest to the coast combine views, tranquillity and proximity to services.

If you are also considering other towns in the area, see our guides Alella, Teià or Cabrils: which town to choose and where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme.

What to check before buying

For hillside houses, look carefully at access, retaining walls and drainage. Check the planning status of the plot and the legality of extensions, pools and outbuildings. For apartments near the sea, the condition of the building and exposure to sea air are key factors. And, as with any sale in Catalonia, a resale home must have a valid certificate of habitability (cèdula d'habitabilitat) and an energy performance certificate. We explain the associated costs in our guide to taxes and costs when buying a home in Catalonia.

Frequently asked questions

Is Vilassar de Mar a good place to live?

Yes, particularly for those looking for seaside town life with every service and good links to Barcelona. It offers beaches, shops, schools and activity all year round.

How do you get from Vilassar de Mar to Barcelona?

By train, on the R1 Rodalies line from Vilassar de Mar station or Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station. By road, via the C-32 or the N-II.

What is the difference between Cabrera de Mar and Vilassar de Mar?

Vilassar de Mar is a compact seafaring town with urban life on foot. Cabrera de Mar is more residential and green, with detached houses on the slopes of Burriac and sea views, and greater reliance on the car.

What kind of luxury home can you find in Cabrera de Mar?

Mainly villas with a pool and sea views on the higher ground, family houses with gardens in quiet estates and, more rarely, masies and country estates in the rural surroundings.

Find your home in the Maresme with BARNES Barcelona

At BARNES Barcelona we know the Maresme town by town and work with properties that are never advertised. Explore our houses for sale on the Costa de Barcelona (Maresme) or contact our office. If you own a property in Vilassar de Mar or Cabrera de Mar, we offer a confidential valuation of your home.