Malgrat de Mar is situated along Spain’s Costa Brava, in the northeast of the country. It’s right between two of the area’s most popular resorts, Calella and prime beach territory Lloret de Mar. As for the town itself, Malgrat de Mar is a mix of centuries-old buildings, and modern hotels that have set up camp along the shorefront.
Malgrat de Mar’s seaside scene is one of three parts. A trio of distinctive beaches stretch their way along the Costa Brava for more than four kilometres. And they all play a different role. You’ve got the popular one, the watersport-centric one, and the one that has a Blue Flag for its quality. Connecting them all is a waterfront promenade, which is lined with sea-view bars and every type of eatery imaginable.
When you want to venture out a little further from Malgrat de Mar, you’ve got plenty of options. There’s a waterpark nearby, and the ancient town of Girona is an easy drive away. Plus, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is just an hour away. It means you’ve got iconic attractions, like the Sagrada Familia and the Camp Nou football stadium, within striking distance.
Things to do in Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar’s origins can be traced back to 200 BC, with the beautiful architecture in the old town is a visual reminder of the area’s history. Meander through the quaint streets and you’ll be amazed by the facades of the buildings you stumble upon, such as the St Nicolau’s Church, the Town Hall and the Malgrat’s public library. On your stroll through the town you’ll find lots of little hidden away cafes and bars that offer the perfect spot to quench your thirst. Then, in order to really get under this skin of this Spanish town, make time to check out the old fish market. Once all that culture gets too much, head over to Parc Francesc Macia. Kids will love taking the mini train to the entrance, and once inside you can let them loose on the climbing frames and swings. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a peaceful picnic under the trees, making for a relaxing day out.
What are the beaches like in Malgrat de Mar?
The central beach in Malgrat de Mar is so impressive that it has been awarded a Blue Flag, making it a popular destination for families. The water is calm and clear, with only light currents, so don’t hold back – dive in and cool off! There’s even an inflatable island you can swim to and admire the town from. When you head back to shore you’ll find charming bars and restaurants lining the sand where you can grab a refreshing drink. Then, flop back onto the sun lounger and get stuck into that book you’ve been meaning to read for too long.
If water sports are more your thing then it’s best to head over to Malgrat de Mar’s neighbouring resort, Santa Susanna, where windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking and more adrenaline fuelled activities are on offer. From here you can also take various boat trips in order to explore the coastline even more. The beaches of Astillero and Conca are both fantastic options for a change of scenery.
