Sant Simó A Sun-Drenched Secret on the Maresme Coast
The Local Anchor
Just a short stroll from the shore stands the Ermita de Sant Simó, a humble 17th-century chapel that serves as the beach's spiritual and historical guardian. This small, whitewashed temple is deeply woven into the area's maritime soul, a cherished place of devotion for seafarers through the centuries. It once housed the legendary Coca de Mataró, a precious maritime ex-voto, cementing its connection to the seafaring heritage that defines this coast. Each October, a festival in the chapel's honour fills the air with tradition, including the unique, sword-shaped "sablé" pastries that are a taste of local history. This enduring landmark offers a quiet, poignant counterpoint to the lively beach, a reminder of the deep cultural currents that flow beneath the surface.
The Landscape
Sant Simó is a canvas of raw, elemental beauty. The beach arcs in a generous curve, its fine, pale sand shelving steeply into the clear, turquoise water. It is a long and relatively uncrowded expanse, offering a sense of space and freedom that is increasingly rare. The shoreline is backed by a simple promenade and low-lying greenery, preserving a natural, unspoiled character. Further down, the landscape becomes even more elemental, with a designated clothing-optional area for those seeking a more profound connection with nature. This is a beach that feels both spacious and intimate, a pure and simple expression of the Mediterranean shore.