Free walking tours in Santa Susanna and what to see

Must-sees

Santa Susanna is a Maresme municipality on the Barcelona coast, known above all for its long beaches of coarse sand and its promenade. The beach area concentrates hotels, restaurants and a family atmosphere, especially in summer. The promenade links with Malgrat de Mar and Pineda de Mar, so you can walk or cycle along the sea for quite a while.

The old village lies inland, quieter, around the parish church and several traditional farmhouses. Behind the village rise the hills of the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, with holm and cork oak woods and waymarked trails. It makes a good counterpoint to the beach, especially in spring and autumn, when the temperature is right for walking.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are not common in Santa Susanna. The practical approach is to use the town as a base and take guided tours elsewhere. Barcelona is an hour away by commuter train, and there are plenty of pay-what-you-like free walking tours there around the Gothic Quarter, El Born or Gaudí’s work. Guided trips to Montserrat, Girona and the Costa Brava, with stops at Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar, are also worthwhile.

How long to spend

The town itself can be seen in half a day. If you are on holiday, a week lets you spread things out well: three or four days of beach and walks in the Montnegre, one or two in Barcelona and another for Girona, Montserrat or the Costa Brava. In July and August the beach gets crowded, so leave excursions for weekdays if you can.

Where to stay

The best area is the beachfront, near the railway station. You will have the sea a step away and can get to Barcelona or Girona without a car. This is where the hotels are concentrated, many designed for families. The old village is quieter and has rural stays in farmhouses, but from there you will need your own vehicle.