This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Mataro.
Mataro, the capital and largest city of the comarca (county) of Maresme, Catalonia, is located thirty kilometers north of Barcelona. Mataro is famous for its beaches and Roman archeological sites and is agreeable for tourists who are either looking for adventure and relaxation or for rediscovering a quiet past.
Because of its proximity to Barcelona, the histories of Mataro and Barcelona are closely related. Mataro was also the site of the first railway system in Spain and the whole Iberian Peninsula, connecting Mataro and Barcelona. The importance of Mataro as a historical heritage site is indicated by the presence of the original Roman road and the discovery of a Roman villa, the Roman villa of Can Llauder. The villa also has a tower, famously known to the locals as the Torre Llauder, or the Tower of Llauder. During the Roman times, Mataro was known as a village called "Iluro" or "Illuro." To signify its Roman ties, Mataro was the starting point of the marathon events during the Barcelona Olympics in the nineties.
Despite its size, Mataro is relatively a quiet city. Aside from the economy of tourism, Mataro lives on its agricultural products, especially crops and vegetables like sweet peas and potatoes. Mataro’s economy is also strengthened by its industry of flowers, decorative plants, and winemaking. Vineyards of Mataro are tourist attractions in themselves.
Mataro’s culture is mixture of folklore mythology and Christianity, with a few traces of the influence of the Moors. This mixture of cultural diversity and influences are apparent with the feasts, festivals, and fairs held throughout the year.
Walking around Mataro, you can also see the history and the mixture of culture with old roads, streets, gates, and walls mixed with modern establishments. Though Mataro is now a modern city, it never lost its touch as a quiet town.
Around the city, hostels in Mataro also provide the same mixture of modernity and country quietness. Mataro hostels are open all year round, though they can be crowded during the vacation seasons. If you plan to visit Mataro, book rooms and plan your stay one month before arrival.
Written by local enthusiast for Mataro hostels
Angelica Burrage