Can Malet

Can Malet is a historic masia — a traditional Catalan country house — located in Premià de Mar, a coastal town in the Maresme district northeast of Barcelona. The building stands at coordinates 41.487091, 2.345694 and is listed in Catalonia's architectural heritage inventory as a protected local asset.

What is a masia, and why does it matter?

A masia is the classic rural residence of Catalonia, traditionally built by landowning families as the working hub of an agricultural estate. Dozens of these farmhouses are scattered across the Maresme region, standing as reminders of the coast's farming past — a past easy to forget along a stretch of shoreline now known mainly for beaches and seaside tourism. Can Malet is one such reminder in Premià de Mar, offering a glimpse of what daily life here looked like before tourism and coastal urbanization reshaped the town.

The building holds the status of Bé Cultural d'Interès Local (BCIL), a Catalan heritage protection category granted to buildings of significant historical or architectural value at the municipal level. Can Malet is registered under number BCIL 9105-I, and it also appears in the Inventari del Patrimoni Arquitectònic de Catalunya, the official heritage database maintained by Catalonia's cultural authorities.

How do you get to Can Malet?

Premià de Mar is an easy trip from Barcelona, sitting on the commuter rail line that connects the Catalan capital with the towns along the Maresme coast, which makes it a convenient day-trip destination. The masia itself lies within the town, away from the main beachfront, in an area that has kept more of its older, rural character. It's worth pairing a visit to the area around Can Malet with a walk through the older part of Premià de Mar, where other traces of the town's pre-tourism architecture can still be found.

What should you know before visiting?

As a locally protected heritage building, Can Malet is primarily a piece of architectural and historical evidence rather than a fully equipped tourist attraction. It's best appreciated from the outside, as one stop on a broader walk through Premià de Mar, combined with time at the beach, the seafront promenade, and the town centre.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the Maresme coast, with mild temperatures well short of the summer heat typical of Catalonia. Summer brings a livelier atmosphere thanks to beachgoers filling the town, though the higher temperatures can make walking around less comfortable during that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Malet? It's a historic masia, a traditional Catalan country house, located in Premià de Mar in the Maresme district.

Is Can Malet a protected heritage site? Yes — it holds the status of Bé Cultural d'Interès Local (BCIL), registration number BCIL 9105-I, and appears in the Inventari del Patrimoni Arquitectònic de Catalunya.

How do you get to Premià de Mar? The town sits on the Maresme coast and is well connected to Barcelona by commuter rail.

Can you visit the inside of Can Malet? The building is primarily an architectural heritage site under local protection — it's best viewed from the outside as part of a walk through the town's historic area.