The Mediterranean Sea, bathing the territory from north to south, has been the gateway for civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, providing wealth to its population. The neighborhoods and seaside towns of Catalonia still retain this maritime DNA, with fishermen bringing local products to the table, a cuisine of great richness, and a cultural heritage they care for and wish to share. Fishing Villages Fishing is a defining element of these towns, typically having less than 20,000 inhabitants, or fishermen's quarters, such as in Palamós, one of Catalonia's most prominent fishing ports. The auction takes place in the afternoon when the boats return to the port. This system ensures that the purchased product reaches the market as soon as possible. The star product is the Palamós prawn, which boasts a Guarantee Mark. With just a bit of salt and oil and very little grilling, you have a delicious dish full of flavor. The fishermen's guilds play a fundamental role in preserving this cultural heritage. For example, the guild in Tarragona maintains the maritime tradition in the Serrallo fishermen's district. You can still see them repairing and mending nets at dawn. Here you can also witness the fish auction and the arrival of boats loaded with catches. The Port Museum and the Blau Observatory are two facilities that display fishing arts and species from the Costa Dorada. Maritime Cuisine This fresh and local fish and seafood, combined with garden produce, has given rise to a valuable maritime cuisine. Dining in any of these neighborhoods and seaside towns is a treat for the senses. A prime example is the masqueta rice from the Ebro Delta, the galeras with noodles from Cambrils, the Cim i Tomba from Tossa de Mar, or the anchovies from L’Escala. They have been handcrafted in salting for more than 2,500 years and have their own museum. Defense Architecture along the Catalan Coast Touring the architecture of these seaside towns provides a clear vision of the territory's history and how it has been a meeting point for civilizations. After the arrival of the Greeks and Romans, many of these towns erected two types of constructions. One is the lighthouses, which served as guides for fishermen and sailors to return safely to port. The other is the defense towers used to spot the arrival of pirates who raided ships in the Mediterranean, as well as the coastal towns. The Legacy of the Indianos One of the most beautiful examples of architecture preserved in Catalonia are the buildings erected by the Indianos, also called Americans. These were individuals who went to America, amassed great fortunes, and upon their return, erected buildings that showcased the profitability of their ventures. Begur retains 16 buildings in this style and hosts an Indianos fair in September. Many men from Arenys de Mar also went to America, and buildings that recall their glorious past remain. There are also modernist houses built by Indianos in the historic center of Sant Pol and many other Catalan seaside towns. Each offers routes and guided tours to learn about this Indiano past. Art and Habaneras Sitges also features modernist houses from the Americans. But this vibrant town is also known for its rich cultural life. The Cau Ferrat Museum, the home and workshop of the painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol, and the Maricel Museum are the pride of Sitges and the center of its cultural life, attracting major artists and patrons. The town is also internationally known for the International Fantastic Film Festival, held since 1968. The Americans and sailors brought the habanera to Catalonia, a song that has become fully identified with Catalan culture and recalls the days of adventure in Cuba. It was sung in taverns, but now outdoor sing-alongs are common at any major festival, especially in summer, accompanied by cremat rum. On the first Saturday of July, Calella de Palafrugell gathers the best groups of the moment at Port-bo Beach. People gather both on the beach and on boats around to listen to this very maritime sing-along. The Beauty of the Underwater World in Catalonia These neighborhoods and seaside towns should also be noted for their beauty. Tour the coastline through the round paths, natural spaces, or engage in sports activities. L’Ampolla is the gateway to the Ebro Delta and features dunes, fine sandy beaches, and shallow waters, the spectacular Fangar Bay, all combined with fields of olive trees and rice paddies. This town has long promoted responsible tourism to protect this landscape. Another area of great natural beauty is L’Ametlla de Mar, also close to the Ebro Delta. Its crystal-clear waters preserve large banks of posidonia that can be observed by snorkeling, as well as ships sunk during World War I. It is an area for fishing and sports activities, such as sailing and diving. It also offers some incredible experiences like swimming among tuna. When talking about areas of great beauty, we cannot forget the Medas Islands, in L’Estartit. It is a protected marine area and one of the most important marine flora and fauna reserves in the Mediterranean and all of Europe. If you enjoy diving, you can discover meadows of posidonia, corals, starfish, and other fish. If you prefer not to dive, there are boats with transparent floors where you can see all this rich underwater world. To enjoy the most maritime Catalonia, we suggest a visit to any of these mentioned neighborhoods and towns. They have managed to preserve their culture and deepest-rooted traditions, making them special. Additionally, they make an effort to spread and keep them alive. Where do you start your visit to the Catalan coast, from the north or the south?