Malgrat De Mar Holidays

If you're after a proper Spanish beach jolly without the crowds, Malgrat de Mar might be giving you mar than you bargained for (not sorry). This laid-back gem sits at the southern end of the Costa Brava – serving up over 4km of golden sand, a cracking old town, and one of those brilliant vibes where families and couples can actually relax. Chuck in Water World and Marineland on your doorstep, Barcelona just an hour on the train, and you've got yourself a proper good Costa Brava base.

☀️ Good to Know

🌡️ Weather: Hot summers hitting 28-30°C with sea temps around 25°C in peak season – no gasping when you wade in. Even winter stays mild at 13°C, so you're laughing.

💰 Prices: Around €3-4 for a caña and €8-12 for a proper seafood paella – this is working-class Catalonia, not tourist-trap territory. More euros for ice cream!

⛪ Fun fact: The 16th-century Church of Sant Nicolau is nicknamed "The Cathedral of the Coast" because it's absolutely massive for a town this size – spot that octagonal bell tower from miles away!

🏆 Top Reasons to Visit Malgrat de Mar

🏖️ Miles of beach: Over 4km of golden sand split into three main beaches – Astillero for families, Centre Beach for Blue Flag quality, and Conca for watersports. You'll find your spot without fighting for a sunbed.

🎢 Theme park heaven: Water World in Lloret de Mar is one of Europe's biggest water parks (free shuttle bus!), while Marineland near Blanes combines dolphin shows with slides – proper full days out.

⚖️ Chilled but connected: All the Spanish charm without the mayhem. Want a quieter evening? Stay put. Fancy going large? Lloret's legendary nightlife is 20 minutes up the coast.

🏛️ History on tap: Roman aqueducts, a hilltop castle, modernist architecture, and a church they call The Cathedral – proper culture vulture territory when you fancy a break from the beach.

🚂 Day trip central: Regular trains whisk you to Barcelona in under an hour for Gaudí, tapas crawls, and La Rambla adventures. Medieval Girona's even closer.

🏨 Where to Stay in Malgrat de Mar

Family Favourites

• The Hotel Papi Blau is a cracking four-star family pick with a pool featuring a waterfall, brilliant buffet restaurant with show cooking, and entertainment for all ages. Just 150m from the beach.

• The Tropic Park Hotel sits right on the beachfront promenade with colourful rooms, private balconies, and that proper family-friendly atmosphere.

Beach Lovers

• The Alegria Maripins puts you just 50m from the gorgeous sandy beach with mountain and sea views, a generous outdoor pool, and a mini club for the little ones. Sustainable credentials too if that's your thing.

• The Reymar Hotel sits a mere 50m from the sand with pool, games room, and sunny terraces for that proper Mediterranean dining experience. Location doesn't get much better.

Couples Retreats

• The Aqua Hotel Silhouette & Spa is an adults-only oasis set in beautiful gardens with three pools, a gym, and a spa for those proper pamper days. Only 300m from the beach with stylish modern rooms and junior suites with pillow menus.

• The Europa Splash offers a modern beachfront spot with bright rooms, outdoor pool, and both buffet and à la carte dining options. Bang on the promenade for evening strolls.

Budget Picks

• The Papi Hotel is a well-reviewed three-star family-run option with outdoor pool, jacuzzi, waterfall feature, and a kids' pool. About 100m from the beach – brilliant value without sacrificing location.

• The Reymar Playa Hotel does cheap and cheerful brilliantly, right on the beachfront promenade with pool, playground, and all the basics covered. Perfect for budget-conscious beach lovers.

🎯 What to Do in Malgrat de Mar

Families

• 🏖️ Hit Astillero Beach – The main family beach stretches for 1km with gentle waters, lifeguards in season, and cafés for those essential ice cream emergencies. The kids won't want to leave!

• 🎢 Water World mayhem – Europe's biggest water park is just 20 minutes away in Lloret de Mar with free shuttle buses running all summer. Kamikazes, wave pools, lazy rivers – proper full day out.

• 🐬 Marineland magic – Dolphin shows, sea lion antics, and a water park rolled into one near Blanes. The kids will be talking about it all holiday!

• 🏰 Climb El Castell – The castle tower sits atop a hill surrounded by a beautiful park with panoramic views. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Knights and princesses, eat your heart out!

Couples

• 🌅 Promenade strolls – The palm-lined seafront is perfect for evening wanders, stopping at beach bars for sundowners. Grab a terrace table and watch the world go by. Cheers to that!

• 🍷 Old town tapas trail – The historic centre around Plaza de la República has proper Catalan bars and restaurants away from the tourist strip. Patatas bravas and a caña – what more do you need?

• 🏛️ Barcelona bound – Just an hour on the train gets you Gaudí, Gothic Quarter wandering, and La Boqueria food market adventures. The ultimate day trip!

• 🌳 Montnegre Natural Park – The pine-covered mountains rise straight behind the resort with walking trails, wild herbs, and cracking coastal views. Perfect for a morning hike.

Groups & Nightlife

• 🎉 Seafront bars – The promenade is lined with bars offering everything from karaoke to comedy nights. Lively without being overwhelming – perfect for groups who don't want it too mental.

• 🍺 Lloret de Mar nights – When you want to go properly large, Lloret's legendary clubs are just 20 minutes away. 300+ bars and clubs. Dancing shoes essential!

• 🎭 Live entertainment – Check what's on at local bars and hotels – many put on shows, tribute acts, and Spanish entertainment nights. The night is young!

Culture & History

• ⛪ Church of Sant Nicolau – This 16th-century monster is nicknamed "The Cathedral of the Coast" for good reason. The octagonal bell tower and neoclassical façade are properly impressive. Look for the gun loops in the apse from when France fancied a scrap!

• 🛍️ Thursday market – The weekly street market takes over town every Thursday morning with local produce, clothes, and souvenirs. Get there early for the best stuff!

• 🏛️ Modernist treasures – Wander the old town to spot the gorgeous Torre de la Vídua de Can Sala (1909) with its octagonal turret and ceramic embellishments. Proper Spain, no tourists.

• 🏺 Roman aqueduct – Just outside nearby Santa Susanna, the Can Cua aqueduct dates from the 2nd-3rd century – recently declared a cultural property of national interest. History buffs will love it!

📅 When to Visit Malgrat de Mar

☀️ Summer (June-August) | 25-30°C

This is Malgrat at full tilt – beaches buzzing, water parks open, and the town comes alive for Sant Roc festival in August. Book early if you want beachfront hotels because everyone's after the same thing! Sea temps hit 25°C so you'll be swimming all day.

What's On:

• 🔥 Sant Joan / San Juan (24th June) – Bonfires blaze along the beach for the biggest party night of the year. Fireworks, beach BBQs, and dancing till dawn – it's the official start of summer. Proper Spanish party vibes!

• 🎪 Festa Major de Sant Roc (8th-17th August) – Malgrat's main festival with folk bands, parades through the old town, open-air cinema, face painting, cycle racing, and general mayhem. This is the week to be here!

• 🎆 Blanes Fireworks Competition (23rd-27th July 2025) – Just up the coast in Blanes, five nights of incredible pyrotechnic displays from Sa Palomera rock. Book months ahead – it draws 150,000 spectators nightly!

🌸 Spring (April-May) | 17-23°C

Gorgeous weather without the summer crowds. Beaches are quieter, prices drop, and the mountains behind the resort explode with wildflowers. Perfect for active types wanting to hike and swim in the same day.

What's On:

• 📖 Sant Jordi (23rd April) – Catalonia's most romantic day where everyone exchanges books and roses. The streets fill with book stalls and florists – loved-up couples everywhere!

• 🏍️ Classic Motorcycle Exhibition (12th April) – Vintage bikes take over town for a petrolhead's paradise. Rev up!

• 🎵 Coral Festival (27th April) – Choirs from across the region gather for a celebration of song. Atmospheric stuff.

🍂 Autumn (September-October) | 18-25°C

Arguably the sweet spot – sea's still warm from summer, beaches empty out, and the cultural calendar kicks up a gear. Local wine and grape festivals pop up across the region.

What's On:

• 💃 Festival of the Sardana Dance (First Sunday in October) – Traditional Catalan circle dancing in the squares. It's wonderfully inclusive – join hands and learn the steps!

• 🎭 International Music & Folk Bands Festival (8th-12th October) – Bands, majorettes, and street performers parade through town with concerts in the squares. A proper cultural celebration!

• 🎃 Halloween fun – Many bars and hotels put on spooky events, plus PortAventura (about an hour away) goes all-out with its Halloween spectacular from late September.

❄️ Winter (November-March) | 10-16°C

Mild by British standards – you'll be in a light jacket while proper Spaniards bundle up! Tourism quietens down, prices drop, and you get a more authentic slice of Catalan life. Not beach weather, but perfect for exploring.

What's On:

• 🎄 Sant Nicolau Festival (around 6th December) – The town celebrates its patron saint with concerts, markets, and traditional festivities. Proper local!

• 🎭 Carnival (February) – Fancy dress parades, parties, and general madness hit the streets. Join in or just watch the locals go wild!

• 🎵 Winter Outlet (21st February) – Bargain hunting meets festival vibes. Shop till you drop!

🗺️ Nearby Resorts

• 🏖️ Santa Susanna – 5 minutes south. The chilled-out neighbour with a 2km family beach and mountains rising dramatically behind. Medieval jousting shows at the nearby castle!

• 🎆 Blanes – 10 minutes north. Where the Costa Brava officially begins, famous for spectacular July fireworks and stunning botanical gardens on the cliff. Marineland's right here too.

• 🎉 Lloret de Mar – 20 minutes north. Legendary nightlife, Water World, and proper holiday buzz. Head here when you want to go large!

• 🏘️ Calella – 10 minutes south. Another brilliant family resort with an iconic lighthouse and 3km of beaches. Great for tapas in the old town.

• 🏛️ Pineda de Mar – 5 minutes south. Super quiet with Roman ruins and peaceful beaches. Perfect if you want to escape the buzz entirely.

• 🏰 Tossa de Mar – 30 minutes north. The medieval walled town tumbling into turquoise coves – absolutely stunning for a romantic day trip.