Major city · Spain
Mataró
Base in Mataró only if you want a cheap coastal bed 40 min from Barcelona by train; otherwise day-trip for the beach and Modernista centre.
Mataró is a working Mediterranean port city of about 131,000 people and the capital of the Maresme region, 30–40 minutes by Rodalies train from Barcelona. It has Roman Iluro remains, a Baroque basilica, Gaudí's Nau Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Coll i Regàs, plus long sandy beaches and a marina. It is a commuter city rather than a resort: come for a half-day of architecture and beach, or sleep here to cut Barcelona hotel costs.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, crowded beaches), Nov–Feb (many sights on short hours)
- Airports
- BCN · GRO
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mataró112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mataró, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA safe, ordinary Catalan city; the real risks are pickpockets on the R1 into Barcelona, strong sun and currents on the beaches…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBCN Barcelona El Prat (Rodalies R2 to Sants, change to R1 toward Mataró; about 2 h, €5.50 (≈ US$7) (2026 estimate).
- Getting aroundMataró Bus has 8 lines and a clear map at every stop (€1.70 (≈ US$2) per journey, January 2026).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beercaña at a bar / can at a supermarket€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi from the station to a central hotelAbout €6 (≈ US$7)
- Metro or bus rideMataró Bus single journey€1.70 (≈ US$2)
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BCN Barcelona El Prat (Rodalies R2 to Sants, change to R1 toward Mataró; about 2 h, €5.50 (2026 estimate). By car about 1 h, well over 2 h in rush hour.) · GRO Girona–Costa Brava (About 1 h by car; by public transport go via Barcelona first.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Apr (7 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mataró: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Mataró Bus has 8 lines and a clear map at every stop (€1.70 per journey, January 2026). The centre is walkable; the beach is 20–25 min on foot from the station. Taxis run from 12 stands: €4.75 flag drop plus €1.37/km on weekdays 08:00–20:00, €5.75 plus €1.43/km at night and weekends. Bike lanes exist but often end abruptly, and streets climb away from the sea.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Barcelona
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Rodalies R1 from Mataró station, about 40 min
€5.50 each way (2026 estimate); trains run all day, night bus N-80 after midnight.
Sitges
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
R1 to Barcelona, change for the R2 Sud
Doable but long; better as a separate base.
Badalona
goDoor to door: 45–50 min
R1 southwest along the coast
Roman site and beach; easy half-day.
Sant Cugat del Vallès
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
R1 to Barcelona, then FGC from Plaça Catalunya
Monastery worth it, but the transfer eats the day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centre / Plaça Santa Anna
Shops, bars and terraces around the basilica; 10–15 min walk from the train station.
Riera and station area
Closest to Rodalies and the bus lines; practical for a one-night stop with bags.
Passeig Marítim / Varador
Beachfront promenade with food and drink; 20–25 min walk or a short taxi from the station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–130 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room1 × 1 night × €110 | €110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| R1 train Mataró–Barcelona, both ways2 × €11 · check | €22 |
| Mataró Bus single journey2 × €2 | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €37 |
| Trip total≈ €201 per person per day, bed included | €402≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del dia at lunch | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer: caña at a bar / can at a supermarket | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.60–1.20 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Mataró Bus single journey | €1.70 (≈ US$2) |
| Taxi from the station to a central hotel | About €6 (≈ US$7) |
| Casa Coll i Regàs guided tour (Saturday) | €9 (≈ US$11) |
| Marina berth | From €15 (≈ US$18)/day, depending on the boat |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Museum hours are short and split: several open only Thu–Sat 17:00–20:00 and weekend mornings. Check before you go.Museum hours are short and split: several open only Thu–Sat 5:00 PM–8:00 PM and weekend mornings. Check before you go.
- La Presó closes on public holidays including 1 and 6 January, Good Friday, 1 May, 24 June, 27 July, 15 August, 11 September and 25–26 December.
- Blue-zone street parking is limited to 1 h 30 min; evenings and weekends are usually free.
- The night bus N-80 runs hourly from Barcelona between midnight and 05:00; last R1 trains are earlier.The night bus N-80 runs hourly from Barcelona between midnight and 5:00 AM; last R1 trains are earlier.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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MataróMataró
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A aquesta adreça, si us plauTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Mataró; most are in Madrid and consulates-general in Barcelona (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- R1 Mataró → Barcelona: about €5.50 (≈ US$7), 40 min (2026 estimate)
- Taxi station → centre: about €6 (≈ US$7)
- Mataró Bus: €1.70 (≈ US$2) per journey
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gràcies — Thank you (GRAH-see-es)
- Quant costa? — How much is it? (kwant KOS-tah)
- El compte, si us plau — The bill, please (el KOM-tuh, see oos plow)
- On és la platja? — Where is the beach? (on es lah PLAH-jah)
- Puc pagar amb targeta? — Can I pay by card? (pook pah-GAH amb tar-GEH-tah)
Catalan is the everyday language; Spanish works everywhere.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mataró. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, crowded beaches), Nov–Feb (many sights on short hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BCN: R2-to-R1 change at Sants field-checked, taxi fallback, night-bus rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaça Santa Anna and the basilica, Riera and the station, the beaches and marina, the Modernista axis on Carrer d'Argentona.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Nau Gaudí, Casa Coll i Regàs, Ca l'Arenas, Can Serra, La Presó, Can Marfà, Torre Llauder) and eat pages with last orders.
- Beach and festival fixtures (Festa Major de Sant Jordi, Sant Simó on 28 October) so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialOficina de Turisme de Mataró
- officialAjuntament de Mataró
- officialRodalies de Catalunya
- officialPort de Mataró
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mataró, revision 5330074 (CC BY-SA 4.0)