Where to Buy a Luxury House in Maresme: A Guide by Municipality

The Maresme has become one of the most attractive residential areas for those who want to live close to Barcelona while enjoying more space, privacy and a closer connection with the Mediterranean. Its towns offer everything from contemporary sea-view villas to family homes with gardens, historic estates and properties close to marinas and golf courses.

Deciding where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme, however, requires understanding the differences between its main towns. Alella, Teià, Cabrils, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres and Sant Vicenç de Montalt each suit a different lifestyle. In this guide, BARNES Costa de Barcelona reviews the most sought-after areas and the factors worth weighing before you choose.

Why buy a luxury house in the Maresme?

The Maresme stretches between the sea and the Serralada Litoral coastal range, a setting that offers towns with open views, quiet residential areas and good connections to Barcelona. This combination attracts families relocating their main residence as well as international buyers looking for a second home.

The area’s main attractions include:

• Proximity to Barcelona and its professional and cultural services.
• A wide choice of houses with gardens, pools and sea views.
• A lower-density residential environment.
• Spanish and international schools.
• Marinas, beaches, golf clubs and equestrian centres.
• An excellent quality of life all year round.
• More space and privacy than in many urban areas.

The variety of towns makes it possible to find luxury properties near Barcelona suited to different family, professional and investment needs.

Alella: close to Barcelona, with a winemaking tradition

Alella is one of the best-known towns in the southern Maresme. Its proximity to Barcelona, its vineyard landscape and its residential character make it especially attractive for those who need to travel to the city regularly.

Its property market offers family houses, contemporary villas, Mediterranean-style homes and properties in residential estates with sea views. Some areas offer a high level of privacy without being too far from the town centre. Browse our homes for sale in Alella.

Who is Alella right for?

Alella can be a particularly good fit for:

• Families looking for a main residence close to Barcelona.
• Professionals who travel to the city frequently.
• Buyers who value the landscape, gastronomy and winemaking heritage.
• Those seeking a house with a garden and pool without moving too far from the metropolitan area.

Before choosing a property, check the exact location, access roads, orientation and distance to the town centre and public transport.

Teià: tranquillity and a residential atmosphere

Teià is a quiet town located between Alella and Premià de Dalt. Its residential areas are spread across different levels of the hillside, so many homes face the Mediterranean and enjoy open views.

The offer includes detached houses, renovated properties and contemporary villas with pools. The town is particularly interesting for families seeking privacy and an established residential setting. Discover our homes for sale in Teià.

What should you consider when buying in Teià?

In Teià it is important to assess the slope of the plot, ease of access, orientation and proximity to everyday services. Some properties offer exceptional views but may require more regular use of a car.

It is also worth checking how well the house connects with its outdoor spaces, especially if the plot is laid out on several levels.

Premià de Dalt: a balance between amenities and family life

Premià de Dalt combines a town centre with several residential areas at the foot of the hills. Its location gives easy access both to the beaches of Premià de Mar and to the services of neighbouring towns.

It is an interesting alternative for those looking for a family home near Barcelona, with a garden, pool and good connections. The property offer is varied, from traditional houses to contemporary homes with sea views.

Premià de Dalt can be especially attractive for families who want a permanent residence in a town with schools, shops and facilities nearby. See our homes for sale in Premià de Dalt.

Cabrils: gastronomy, nature and Mediterranean views

Cabrils enjoys an exceptional natural setting between the hills and the sea. It is known for its residential character, its restaurants and its hillside properties with panoramic views.

In Cabrils you will find contemporary villas, Mediterranean houses, family homes and generous plots. Some properties offer remarkable privacy thanks to their location and surrounding vegetation. Browse our homes for sale in Cabrils.

Who does Cabrils suit?

Cabrils is especially well suited to:

• Buyers who prioritise sea views.
• Families seeking tranquillity and outdoor space.
• People who value nature and local gastronomy.
• Those looking for a detached villa with a pool.

Orientation and accessibility are two key factors. The upkeep of gardens, walls, pools and other outdoor installations should also be considered.

Vilassar de Dalt: historic character and a residential feel

Vilassar de Dalt combines a historic centre with residential estates close to the hills. Its architectural heritage and peaceful atmosphere offer an alternative to the better-known coastal towns.

The town offers village houses, properties with character, family homes and villas with views. It can appeal to buyers seeking authenticity, proximity to Barcelona and a close connection with local life.

When assessing a historic home, it is advisable to check its structural condition, installations, renovation potential and any protected features.

Sant Andreu de Llavaneres: one of the Maresme’s prime markets

Sant Andreu de Llavaneres is one of the most representative locations in the Maresme’s luxury property market. Its residential offer includes large villas, private estates and properties in exclusive residential areas.

The town stands out for its proximity to the sea, its marina, its golf clubs and its low-density setting. Many homes have large plots, mature gardens, pools and Mediterranean views. Discover our homes for sale in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres.

Supermaresme and the exclusive residential estates

Supermaresme is one of the best-known residential estates in the area. Its elevated position, privacy and sea views make it highly sought after by Spanish and international buyers.

Properties in this segment require a detailed review of the condition of the house, the plot, security systems and maintenance costs. Orientation and ease of access to the different outdoor areas should also be checked.

Who is Sant Andreu de Llavaneres right for?

It can be a good choice for:

• Buyers looking for large villas.
• Families who want privacy and security.
• Sailing, golf and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
• Clients interested in a high-end main residence or second home.

Sant Vicenç de Montalt: exclusivity by the sea

Sant Vicenç de Montalt is another of the most exclusive towns in the northern Maresme. Its residential areas offer tranquillity, sea views and proximity to the beaches and services of Caldes d’Estrac.

The offer includes detached villas, family houses, homes with gardens and properties close to sports clubs. It suits those looking for a discreet residential setting close to the coast. See our homes for sale in Sant Vicenç de Montalt.

Differences in elevation and orientation can have a considerable impact on each property’s views, brightness and accessibility. It is therefore advisable to visit different parts of the town before making a decision.

Caldes d’Estrac: Mediterranean style close to the beach

Caldes d’Estrac, also known as Caldetes, is one of the most charming coastal towns in the Maresme. Its small size, beaches and historic architecture create an atmosphere that is particularly appealing for a second home.

The property offer is more limited than in other towns, but may include houses with sea views, historic properties and apartments close to the beach. Its compact layout lets you enjoy restaurants, services and seafront promenades without relying constantly on a car. View our properties for sale in Caldes d’Estrac.

Caldes d’Estrac can suit buyers who prioritise being close to the sea and a Mediterranean lifestyle over having a large plot.

Comparison of the Maresme’s main areas

Which Maresme town best suits your lifestyle?

If you need to travel to Barcelona frequently, Alella, Teià or Premià de Dalt may be the most suitable options. These towns combine a spacious home with a reasonable distance to the city. If you are undecided, read our comparison Alella, Teià or Cabrils: Which Town Should You Choose to Live In?.

If you are looking for a larger villa, privacy and a clearly prime setting, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres and Sant Vicenç de Montalt are home to some of the Maresme’s most exclusive properties.

Cabrils can be especially attractive if you prioritise views, nature and gastronomy. Caldes d’Estrac, on the other hand, is better suited to those who want to live close to the beach in a compact seaside town.

What to check before buying a house in the Maresme

Beyond location and interior features, buying a villa requires reviewing aspects specific to detached homes:

1. Orientation: it determines brightness, views and the comfort of outdoor areas.
2. Accessibility: check slopes, access roads and distance to services and transport.
3. The condition of the plot: gardens, walls, drainage and changes in level may require specific maintenance.
4. Energy efficiency: insulation and heating and cooling systems affect comfort and running costs.
5. Planning status: verify the built area, any extensions and that they match the official documentation.
6. Privacy: analyse the relationship with neighbouring plots and exposure from the street.
7. Security: access control, exterior lighting and surveillance systems can be assessed.
8. Maintenance: pools, gardens and façades should be included in the property’s annual budget.

A proper technical and legal review makes it possible to compare the luxury houses available in the Maresme with greater confidence and understand the true scope of the investment.

Find your luxury house in the Maresme

The BARNES Costa de Barcelona team knows the particularities of the Maresme’s main towns and can help you identify the locations that best match your needs.

Our advice covers defining your criteria, selecting properties, organising viewings and supporting you through every stage of the process.

If you are considering buying a luxury house in the Maresme, you can contact BARNES to receive a personalised selection. If you wish to sell your property in the Maresme, you can request a confidential valuation tailored to its location, condition and features.

Frequently asked questions about luxury houses in the Maresme

Which Maresme towns are closest to Barcelona?

Alella, Teià, Premià de Dalt, Vilassar de Dalt and Cabrils are in the southern part of the area and are popular choices for those who travel to Barcelona regularly.

Where are the Maresme’s most exclusive villas?

Sant Andreu de Llavaneres and Sant Vicenç de Montalt account for a large share of the prime offer, with large villas, private plots, sea views and proximity to sports clubs.

Which areas are best for families?

Alella, Teià, Premià de Dalt and Cabrils offer residential settings, amenities and spacious homes. The choice will depend on schools, workplace and how much you rely on a car.

Is it possible to find houses with sea views?

Yes. Many towns are built on hillsides, which makes it possible to find homes with Mediterranean views. Check the orientation of each property and whether its views could be obstructed in the future.

Which features are most valued in a Maresme villa?

Sea views, orientation, privacy, layout, a pool, a garden, parking and proximity to Barcelona are among the most sought-after features.