Santa Susanna Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Santa Susanna with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Santa Susanna Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Welcome to Santa Susanna, a beautiful coastal town situated in the province of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Eastern Spain. Whether you’re planning a relaxing family vacation or an adventurous solo trip, Santa Susanna is an ideal destination with its sandy beaches, stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you on a journey to explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and much more.

Introduction to Santa Susanna

Imagine the perfect combination of blue skies, clear waters, and sandy beaches, and that’s Santa Susanna. This vibrant beach town is packed with exciting adventures, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. With a perfect Mediterranean climate and an endless list of activities and attractions, Santa Susanna offers something for everyone.

The town is easily accessible by public transportation and is well-connected to Barcelona (60 km) and Girona (35 km) by train, making it an ideal place to visit for a day or weekend trip.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna has a long list of attractions encompassing both natural and cultural experiences. Here are some of the must-visit places in Santa Susanna:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Santa Susanna Parish Church: The church was built in the 16th century and features an impressive 18th-century altarpiece.
  • Ethnographic Museum: Located in the town center, the museum showcases the daily life of the town’s inhabitants during the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Tordera Castle: Located a few kilometers away from Santa Susanna, this medieval fortress was built in the 10th century and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Natural Attractions of Santa Susanna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Santa Susanna Beach: The town’s most famous beach offers a wide stretch of golden, sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
  • Montnegre National Park: With over 15,000 hectares of protected forests, trails, streams, and wildlife, the national park is a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.
  • Santa Susanna Watchtower: The watchtower offers a panoramic view of the town, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding natural landscapes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • Montnegre Massif: This 17 km circular route passes through the heart of Montnegre National Park, which is a protected area that provides an opportunity to discover the wildlife and fauna of the region.
  • Ruta de les Fonts: This gentle hike of around 6 km takes walkers through the forests of Montnegre to a natural spring known as Font Picant and passes through the village of San Celoni.
  • Ruta del Ferro i del Carbó: This 9 km hike is an industrial heritage route that follows old railway lines and mining tracks with panoramic views of the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Santa Susanna: Activities and Tours

Santa Susanna has no shortage of activities and tours to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Here are some of the best things to do in Santa Susanna:

  • Jet Skiing: Experience the thrill of flying over the waves by renting a jet ski from a local operator.
  • Parasailing: Soar high above the Mediterranean waters and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Water Parks: Santa Susanna has some of the best water parks in the area, including Aqua Hotel Montagut and Marineland.
  • Wine Tasting: Take a tour to a local vineyard and enjoy some of the most exceptional wines from the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Susanna

To get the most out of your visit to Santa Susanna, here is a suggested week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring the town’s beaches and local attractions. Day 2: Take a day trip to Barcelona and discover the city’s history, culture, and culinary delights. Day 3: Enjoy an adventurous day exploring Montnegre National Park and its hiking trails and scenic views. Day 4: Indulge in some water sports and thrill rides at one of the local water parks. Day 5: Learn about the town’s history and culture with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum and the Santa Susanna Parish Church. Day 6: Experience the best of the local wine scene with a vineyard tour and wine tasting. Day 7: Relax on the beach and soak up the sun, or take a stroll along the coastal path.

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Susanna

The cuisine of Santa Susanna is a blend of traditional Catalan and Mediterranean flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Paella: A flavorful rice dish with saffron, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
  • Escalivada: A grilled vegetable salad made with eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
  • Fideuà: A seafood dish similar to paella but with noodles instead of rice.

Local Beverages:

  • Cava: A sparkling wine unique to Catalonia made in the traditional method of Champagne.
  • Vermut: A fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices and served with soda and ice.
  • Orxata: A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from tiger nuts, sugar, and water.

Where to Stay in Santa Susanna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Susanna offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Aqua Hotel Aquamarina: A 4-star hotel located just a few steps from the beach, offering sea views and excellent amenities.
  • Santa Susanna Resort: A family-friendly resort with a range of accommodation options, including bungalows, villas, and apartments.
  • Hostal Montserrat: A budget-friendly hostel located in the town center, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Santa Susanna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Santa Susanna offers some unique and locally made products that are perfect as souvenirs or gifts. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Espartinas: Hand-woven baskets made from local reeds and used for carrying fruits and vegetables
  • Olive Oil: Santa Susanna’s olive oil is renowned for its fruity flavor and high quality.
  • Hand-Made Ceramics: The town has a rich history of pottery-making, and local artisans produce a range of ceramics and pottery products.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a town steeped in tradition and history. Some of the local customs include:

  • Festa Major de Santa Susanna: A week-long festival held every August to celebrate the town’s patron saint.
  • Castells: A traditional Catalan custom of building human towers, which is performed during festivals and special occasions.
  • Cava Tasting: Santa Susanna is home to some of the best cava vineyards, and wine tasting tours are popular among visitors.

Best Time to Visit Santa Susanna

The best time to visit Santa Susanna is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is perfect for swimming. The town is less crowded during May and June, making it an ideal time to explore the town and surrounding countryside.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Susanna

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the seafood and cava.
  • Visit the national park and experience the area’s natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beaches or streets
  • Disturb the wildlife or natural habitats
  • Be disrespectful to the local people and their culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a relatively safe town, but you should take the usual precautions like locking your valuables in your hotel safe, avoiding unlit areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Santa Susanna

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, and there are several pharmacies in Santa Susanna that offer medical assistance. Make sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, particularly if you plan on spending time outdoors.

Getting to Santa Susanna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santa Susanna

The closest airports to Santa Susanna are:

  • Barcelona El Prat Airport: Approximately 65 km away, it is connected to Santa Susanna by train and bus services.
  • Girona-Costa Brava Airport: Approximately 39 km away, it is connected to Santa Susanna by bus and car rental services.

Bus Stations Near Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is connected to many other towns and cities in the region by bus. The main bus station in the town is located in the town center, and there are daily services to Barcelona and Girona.

Other Options

Santa Susanna is well connected by train services, and the town has a train station in the center that offers services to Barcelona and other towns in the area.

How to Get Around in Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a small town and easy to explore on foot. However, if you want to get around quickly, you can rent a bike or take a taxi. There is also a local train service that connects the town center to the beach and some other nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from Santa Susanna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Santa Susanna is well located if you want to explore other towns and cities in the region. Here are some recommended nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Barcelona: Just an hour away by train, Barcelona offers culture, history, and delicious cuisine.
  • Blanes: Famous for its botanical gardens and traditional fishing port.
  • Calella: A seaside town with a charming old town and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

Santa Susanna is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea, and adventure. With its beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and rich culture, there is something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you a clear idea of what to expect and has helped you plan an unforgettable trip to Santa Susanna.

Town Hall Square Town Hall Square