Canet de Mar

Canet de Mar began as a small hamlet known as Valle de Canet y Romaguera. Its name derives from the Latin *canna* (reed), reflecting the reed-filled waterways that once ran through the Maresme region. From the nineteenth century onward it became a recognised centre of culture, art and social life.

That era left a strong architectural mark, particularly through the work of modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850–1923), whose buildings here include the Casa Roura, his own family home, the Ateneu Canetenc, and a major remodelling of the Castle of Santa Florentina.

Several modernist architects worked in Canet de Mar, among them Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch, and Calvet. Puig i Cadafalch designed the impressive Casa Roura, while Domènech i Montaner built his own family residence and the Ateneu Canetenc. He also transformed an old family stronghold into the Castle of Santa Florentina, which was later chosen as a filming location for the sixth season of Game of Thrones.

Sculptors Josep Llimona, Carles Flotats, and Eusebio Arnau all left work in the town. Older monuments include the church of Sant Pere de Canet and the Sanctuary of the Misericòrdia.

Barcelona El Prat Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by car in normal traffic, though driving through Barcelona in rush hour can push that beyond 2 hours 30 minutes. By train, take a line to Barcelona Sants, then change to a Rodalies-RENFE train in the direction of Mataró–Maçanet/Massanes. Girona Costa Brava Airport is also reachable via the Rodalies line, changing at Maçanet-Massanes toward Girona.

A taxi rank sits near the train station. The Sagalés bus company runs a line connecting Sant Cebrià de Vallalta, Canet de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar, and Calella. By road, the C-32 motorway runs from Barcelona to Palafolls, while the coastal road runs parallel through all the villages.

The town is small enough to walk almost everywhere.