This coastal town on Spain's Costa Brava has long sandy beaches, a 14th-century castle, and Gothic architecture. Close to mountain trails and Mediterranean waters.
Malgrat de Mar lies 60 kilometers north of Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast. You can swim at three beaches along its 4.5-kilometer shoreline, explore the massive St Nicolau Church with its neoclassical facade, or watch your children play among giant cake-shaped sculptures in Francesc Macià Park. In the old town, 16th-century stone buildings line narrow streets, including the former fish market where original stone counters still remain.
Swimming and Sunbathing at Three Beaches
The town's 4.5-kilometer coastline has three main beaches. Central Beach stretches along the downtown area with cafes and ice cream shops nearby. At Conca Beach, near the Tordera River mouth, sand dunes support local plant species. The largest beach runs from the town center to the Tordera mouth and includes a designated nudist area.
Two Main Parks for Different Views
You can reach El Castell park via the stepped Hug Descolomer road or take an elevator from Carrer de Mar. From this hilltop location, you'll see a 16th-century watchtower where guards once watched for pirates. Parc Francesc Macià spans 40,000 square meters with sculptures of oversized everyday objects like cakes and pencils. The park includes a skate park and several playgrounds where local families gather on weekends.
16th-Century Buildings in the Old Town
The Church of St Nicolau stands in the town center, its neoclassical facade rising above surrounding buildings - locals nicknamed it the "Cathedral of the Coast." At Peixateries Velles, the old fish market, you can see the original stone counters where fishmongers sold their catch. The current library started as a 16th-century family home, then became a hospital, cultural society, and workers' cooperative before its present use.
Bird Watching at Tordera Delta
You'll spot herons, yellow-legged gulls, and sandpipers at the Tordera river mouth throughout the year. A lake forms in the delta during wet seasons, attracting additional water birds. Walking paths through the dunes at Conca Beach let you observe local plants and small animals while staying on marked trails.
Transportation and Day Trips
Trains connect Malgrat de Mar to Barcelona hourly, with a journey time of 60 minutes. Local buses run to Girona and Costa Brava towns. A flat coastal path leads to Santa Susanna, where water sports centers rent kayaks and jet skis from June through September.
