The life of Arenys de Mar revolves around the sea. Fishing, swimming or sailing are some of the activities it offers. Located 30 minutes from Barcelona, this maritime town has one of the most important fishing and sports ports on the Catalan coast.The origin of Arenys de Mar is interesting. Where it is now located, in the 16th century more than a dozen defence towers were built to prevent pirate and military attacks arriving by sea. This allowed the town to develop as a safe and prosperous place. In the 18th century, the nautical school was founded there and commercial relations with the American continent began. Its maritime activity has been maintained since then.Visit its port, which has the most important fishing fleet in the region and which houses the sports dock. It is also interesting to approach the particular fish auction held at the Fishermen's Guild. Squid and products from the Maresme vegetable garden are two of the star products.The town is full of interesting buildings. The parish church of Santa Maria d'Arenys is an example, with one of the best-preserved Baroque altarpieces in Catalonia. You can also visit the Marès de la Punta Museum, the most representative popular and maritime building in the town. It will allow you to learn about the region's artisanal textile and manufacturing past.To round off the route through the town's cultural heritage, discover the Xifré building, in neoclassical style. Its courtyard hosts the popular Jazz Festival in the summer. Also get to the town's cemetery, located on top of a hill, with views of the sea and works of great Catalan sculptors. The writer Salvador Espriu rests here and in the town you can follow the Espriu route, passing through the most emblematic places in its history.