If you’re looking for somewhere ideal for a short, sun-filled break that you can tack on to a few days in Barcelona, Santa Susanna is it! This small seaside resort town on the Costa del Maresme is just 60 kms from Barcelona. It delivers beautiful beaches, wonderful opportunities to get out into nature, and even some interesting history to explore at your leisure without the crowds. Give yourself two full days to make the most of Santa Susanna and you’ll leave refreshed, revived and probably planning your return…
- Introducing Santa Susanna
- Day One: Beaches and Culture
- Day Two: Nature and Cuisine
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Introducing Santa Susanna
Because of its gorgeous location and proximity to Barcelona, Santa Susanna is a fantastic place to spend a few days, or even more if you want to use it as a base to explore the surrounding area further. Serving up the usual Spanish abundance of sun, sea, and sand, its landscape also affords access to lovely rural countryside and pine-clad hinterland. Because it offers such a diversity of attractions, it’s popular with a range of demographics from families to romantic couples looking for a quiet getaway. If you’ve got two days booked in this friendly little town, we can help you fill them.
Day One: Beaches and Culture
Head to the beach: In a place like this, your first priority should naturally be to get to the beach! It’s what most people come here for, let’s face it, and for excellent reason – Santa Susanna has a glorious two-kilometre stretch of wide golden sands to enjoy. The three most popular beaches are Playa de Llevant (best for families), Playa de las Caletes (best for peace and quiet), and Playa de las Dunas (great for watersports) – each of which has its own personality. Try one or try them all! Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, watersports, or just a picturesque place to top up your tan, one of these beautiful (and very accessible) beaches will provide it.
Explore some local Catalan history and architecture: After a relaxing morning at the beach, in the afternoon you can get your fill of history by leisurely enjoying some of the cultural highlights. Start with a stroll through the quaint cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town to get you in the mood, where you’ll discover numerous historical monuments.
The town’s two remaining watchtowers are the most visible and impressive vestiges of the past, built as a defence against the marauding pirates who terrorised the coastline in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They were constructed by the local inhabitants so they could spot potential threats before they reached the shore.
While there are numerous small chapels dotted throughout the region, the town’s main church is the primary religious highlight and has some beautiful murals decorating its interiors. Not too far away is another chapel called La Mare de Deu de Gracia, from which you can take in some stunning coastal views. Others that may be of interest include the Chapel of St Christ of Balasch and the Chapel of San Isidro.
Day Two: Nature and Cuisine
After a restful night’s sleep, your second day in Santa Susanna should ideally get you out and about in nature to enjoy the spectacular hinterland landscape.
Discover a wealth of natural beauty: Rising up behind the town, the hills of the Massif Montenegre offer a wealth of outdoor opportunities. The area that spills right down to the sea and along the coastline is a designated national park, and as such there are plenty of well-marked walking and hiking trails of varying difficulty where you can enjoy the views and encounter the local flora and birdlife. While there’s plenty to discover in the immediate area surrounding the town, if you want to venture further up the coast, you’ll discover some magnificent wild scenery in the more remote parts, with hidden coves and tiny fishing villages tucked away from the tourist trail.
Seafood and sunset: From an energetic day exploring out in nature, to a relaxing evening meal overlooking the ocean at sunset – you couldn’t find a better finale to your short break in Santa Susanna. You can take your pick from a host of restaurants and eateries along the promenade, giving you a front-row seat to sunset, with many of them offering their own local seafood specialities.
This region of Spain is well-renowned for its superb “fresh off the boat” seafood catch and many of the traditional Catalan recipes have endured. Don’t pass up the famous Suquet de Peix – a “fisherman’s stew” comprising a hotch potch of various fish and other seafood, with potatoes, tomatoes, white wine and garlic. It’s hearty, flavoursome and very more-ish.
Arros Negre is another mouthwatering dish of rice, squid, seafood, fish stock, potatoes, peppers and squid ink, which gives it a highly distinctive black appearance. A final recommendation is the divine Zarzuela de mariscos, which is similar to a French bouillabaisse, but with stronger, deeper flavours and the unusual addition of ground almonds to give it a signature heartiness.
Santa Susanna might be small in size and laidback in nature, but it is these two humble aspects that make it such a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Two days is just enough time to wind down, soak up the Spanish sun, and fall in love with Santa Susanna.
Where to Stay
Hotel Montemar Maritim: In a fantastic position just 100m from the beach and close to shops, restaurants and cafes, this beautifully appointed, modern hotel offers the perfect stay for those looking for quality and convenience. Spacious rooms feature stylish contemporary decor and a lovely outlook from the private balcony (many with sea views). The extensive onsite amenities include an excellent buffet restaurant, an outdoor pool, games room, and a private indoor pool with sauna and hot tub (charges apply).
Caprici Beach Hotel and Spa: You can’t get much better than an absolute beachfront location, and the Caprici has that and so much more! Every room has a balcony and views over the ocean or resort, and the onsite facilities will make it hard to leave. Along with a buffet restaurant and snack bars for your meals, there’s 24-hour reception, a games room, gym, sauna and fabulous outdoor pool with terrace overlooking the ocean. What more could you ask for?
Atzavara Hotel and Spa: Wake up to a 5-star luxury experience set within lovely gardens and just a short walk to the beautiful beach. The cool, spacious rooms are beautifully furnished and decorated to make your stay as tranquil and comfortable as possible. There’s room to move with a lovely sitting area and private balcony to take in the far-reaching views. Onsite you’ll have full access to 7 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, luxurious spa facilities and much more. Relax and allow yourself to be pampered against a backdrop of classic Mediterranean views.
How to Get There
If you’re planning on a short break in beautiful Santa Susanna, rest assured that getting there is easy. The most convenient way of doing it is to book a flight into Barcelona Airport (BCN), which is just a short 2 hour and 10 minute journey from various UK airports. Numerous carriers fly the route, so you can find a service to suit you from airlines including easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair and others.
Once you’ve landed in Barcelona, the short trip to your final destination is quick and easy on a pre-booked Shuttle Direct airport transfer. You can choose from a shared or private transfer from Barcelona Airport to Santa Susanna, which takes under an hour. You can just sit back and enjoy the scenery!
Overview
UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours, 10 mins approx.
BCN to Santa Susanna: 76 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 55 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct we understand every traveller has different needs and budgets, which is why we provide multiple options to get you from Barcelona Airport to Santa Susanna safely, quickly and for a good price.
Shuttle Bus: Our most popular and cost-effective option to get from Barcelona to Santa Susanna is on one of our excellent shared shuttle buses. You’ll meet at a designated place outside the terminal and travel with other passengers to a central drop-off point that’s as close as possible to your accommodation. While it doesn’t offer the convenience of a door-to-door service, you’ll certainly save money as a pay off.
Taxi: Another great way to make your Santa Susanna airport transfer simple is to pre-book a local taxi with Shuttle Direct. Once you land, you’ll make your way to meet your waiting taxi driver and you’ll be straight on your way. No queues, no waiting around for other passengers.
Minibus Transfer: anyone travelling with a larger group of friends or family understands the complicated logistics that can involve. But we make your Barcelona transfers easy with our large capacity minibus services. Not only can you all travel in one convenient vehicle, this is a door-to-door service to your accommodation so no one gets separated along the way.
Private Transfer: For the ultimate in convenience and luxury, a private transfer from Barcelona Airport to Santa Susanna takes the stress out of your travelling arrangements. As soon as you land, your professional driver will meet you in the terminal and escort you out to your waiting vehicle. You’ll set off immediately and be taken in the fastest way to the doorstep of your accommodation so you can start your holiday.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Getting from Barcelona to Santa Susanna is simple with any of Shuttle Direct’s pre-booked airport transfer services, but only you can decide which one suits your needs and budget. Basically, however, it will come down to two factors: cost and convenience, and which one is most important to you.
Cost: If you want to keep a tight rein on your holiday budget, you’ll probably prefer to book one of our popular shared shuttle bus services. Our prices are extremely competitive and while you won’t be dropped right at the door of your accommodation, we’ll get you as close as possible in one of several designated stops.
Convenience: But if a door-to-door service is non-negotiable for you, and you don’t mind paying a little extra to ensure it, you should pre-book a local taxi with Shuttle Direct or one of our private luxury transfers from Barcelona to Santa Susanna.
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we stand behind our reputation as the market leaders in safe, convenient and affordable airport transfers. Our services are available in a huge range of destinations all over the world, and whether you’re looking for an economical shared transfer or a high-end luxury ride, we can help. Our friendly, professional local drivers will get you wherever you need to go. Book with us today and get great communication, clean, modern vehicles, and service with a smile.
