Getaway to Maresme: Inland towns and villages

Alella, a short distance from Barcelona, is synonymous with vineyards and wine and has a small designation of origin but with a long history. On our first afternoon in the Maresme region, we want to visit some of the wineries producing these mostly white wines and choose one that looks very promising, the Celler Alta Alella, with a trip in a 4x4 through the vineyards and an aperitif with views of the plantations and the sea. It will, of course, include a tasting of the wines and cavas they make.

This is a family winery that produces organic wines and is located in Can Genís, a modernista estate. It is an excellent way to start our journey, which also connects us with the deepest roots of the region. Perhaps today the vineyard is not very extensive in Maresme but from the arrival of the Romans until the 19th century Industrial Revolution the vineyards and their grapes covered this area. Green vines by the sea...

We will spend the whole of the second day in Premià de Dalt, discovering many of its treasures. First we should say that it is a charming town, especially because of the country houses located in the centre. So wherever you go you're sure to have a nice walk.

However, we would like to point out some parts that you should not miss and that are not always in the centre. This is the case of the emblematic shrine of the Virgin de la Cisa. Also on the outskirts is the interesting Iberian site of the Cadira del Bisbe. It is located on a hill on the southern side of the Catalan coastal range and you will enjoy fine panoramic views of the sea as well as walks around a settlement of the Laietani, the name of the Iberian tribe that lived here around 2,500 years ago. The site is partially excavated and you can make out a street, three houses and a tower.

What is known as the Squirrel Route starts from the settlement and goes through the forest. If you follow this route ‒ which is circular and takes a couple of hours ‒ you'll get to know the flora and, with a bit of luck, fauna of the Catalan coastal range and reach the Romanesque shrine of Sant Mateu.

Can Franquesa, the headquarters of the Societat Cultural i Esportiva Sant Jaume, is in the town centre. Its medieval tower is striking but the whole site is very beautiful and invites you to sit on its terrace.

Not very far is the former Town Hall, currently the headquarters of the national police, a building intended to be a school but following the design of the 19th century industrial factories, with several modernista elements. The houses in Carrer de les Flors, the country house of Can Verboom or the chapel of Santa Anna are other points of great interest in Premià de Dalt.

A winding road takes us to Òrrius, the only village in Maresme with under one thousand inhabitants but a good place to spend the last day. It is not the smallest in the region because its municipal area includes extensive forest cover but the centre is very compact. Two large buildings stand out: the church, dating from the end of the late Gothic, and Can Cunill, a 17th century house.

In Òrrius time moves slowly in contrast to many nearby towns, especially those by the sea. It is not surprising that the Mataró-born sculptor Manuel Cusachs set up his studio here and this is where he finds his inspiration. The poet Salvador Espriu said that "he has a rare command of his craft and at the same time he is a very sensitive artist and a penetrating psychologist. A complete sculptor."

Bakeries and restaurants with high quality products occupy the most central places. Beyond, you can follow some paths and take a look at the country houses, some currently second residences. And a very good time to visit Òrrius is around Saint Stephen’s Day, when the whole village participates in a Living Nativity Scene performed over two days. A gigantic show for a small village that you cannot miss.