Malgrat de Mar sits on the same stretch of coastline as Barcelona, and yet this pretty little resort often gets forgotten among its peers Tossa de Mar and Calella.
However, with long quiet sandy beaches, picturesque architecture and great restaurants, there is plenty of reason to add this town to your bucket list this summer. Here are our top reasons for choosing to holiday in Malgrat de Mar.
The long sandy beaches
Yes, Barcelona has a beach, but comparing the beach in Barcelona to the beaches in Malgrat de Mar is much like comparing London’s Hyde Park to the South Downs. One is a great spot to catch some sun in a bustling city, whilst the other offers real natural beauty and enough space to truly relax.
The central beach in Malgrat de Mar was awarded Blue Flag status in 1997 and has held on to it ever since due to the cleanliness of the beach and the water, making it a picturesque spot to go for a dip. Further along the coast sits the Tordera Mouth Beach which has a nudist area for those looking to be free of those pesky tan lines.
[Photo by Dominik Domhoff – Flickr]
Pretty architecture
The Costa Brava is not well known for its architecture, but Malgrat de Mar has an abundance of historic buildings to peruse. The Church of St Nicolau (built in the 16th century) with its tree-lined entrance graces the Old Town with a sense of historic grandeur. History buffs will love the trek to El Castell, which not only offers the chance to explore these 17th century ruins, but also presents visitors with an incredible view of the region.
[Photo by Alex Alishevskikh – Flickr]
Tons of family activities on offer nearby
If you’re looking for a holiday where your kids will be endlessly amused (without holidaying in a theme park itself), Malgrat de Mar may just be the destination for you.
Port Aventura and its breath-taking, hair-raising rides are just a short drive away, making the destination infinitely more exciting for your teenagers. Children and adults alike will love the Dali Theatre-Museum with its surrealist interiors and countless paintings. And finally for those who want a little more splash, and a little less culture Marineland is based in Malgrat itself, and has slides aplenty for all the family to whizz down.
Great restaurants
Spain is renowned for its food, from its tiny tapas dishes, to its huge steaming paellas. And Malgrat de Mar offers them all in delicious bounds.
Restaurant Bei Pepe receives rave reviews and has been granted a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor. With an outdoor eating area, this makes for a great spot for some al fresco dining. Diners wax lyrical about the seafood paella here, but if you’re looking for something fancier, opt for the monkfish with sea urchin and black truffle mousse.
For something more casual head to Stella Maris on the seafront for a selection of delicious ice creams.
It’s within touching distance of Barcelona
If you’re looking to explore the hustle and bustle of vibrant Barcelona whilst maintaining an aura of holiday calm, Malgrat de Mar might just be the base for you. There is a train which runs from Malgrat de Mar to Barcelona in a little under an hour and a half which makes visiting for a day incredibly easy.
Barcelona has endless attractions, but be sure to check out Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and shop ’til you drop on Las Ramblas. Sports lovers will want to spend a day exploring Camp Nou, the training ground for FC Barcelona whilst animal lovers will go wild for Barcelona Zoo.
Vast sprawling parks
There’s nothing more relaxing than lazing under a tree with a book atop some green, green grass and Malgrat de Mar’s sprawling parks give you the opportunity to do just that. There is the Parc Francesc Macià, with its quirky ornaments. From the huge croissant and doughnut to clamber upon, to a gingerbread house that will spark children’s imaginations. Alternatively, the park around the castle offers incredible views and plenty of picnic spots to while away an afternoon in.
If you’re looking to holiday in Malgrat de Mar, compare: Holidays
