Malgrat de Mar holidays

How to reach Malgrat de Mar

• Flight time: Visitors to Malgrat de Mar arrive via Barcelona El Prat Airport or Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Flights to Barcelona take about 2 hours 30 minutes from Dublin and other Irish airports, and flights to Girona are similar.

• Transfer time: The transfer from Barcelona Airport to Malgrat de Mar should take about an hour by road. Trains leave directly from the airport to Malgrat de Mar, and take roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. Girona Airport is nearer, 40 minutes away by taxi or an hour by bus.

• Price: A taxi from Barcelona Airport to Malgrat de Mar will cost €100 or more, whereas the train is more affordable; fares are around €7 one way. From Girona Airport, a taxi costs around €70, and the bus around €10.

Best time to visit Malgrat de Mar

With its Mediterranean climate, any time of year is a good time to visit Malgrat de Mar. But you should take into account your own preferences for weather and what you want to do during your holiday when deciding.

• May and June mark the start of much warmer temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C. There might be some light showers but sunshine is plentiful, so it's a perfect time to combine beach days with activities and sightseeing.

• July and August are perfect for sun worshippers, when temperatures top 30°C. The town is buzzing with activity, so be prepared for crowded beaches and higher costs.

• September and October are a good time to visit if you prefer your temperatures a little less extreme, with highs of 24°C in September to 21°C in October. The sea is still warm enough for swimming but precipitation is at its highest in October.

• November to April temperatures cool right down to between 10°C and 16°C. However, with 4 to 6 hours of sunshine each day, this peaceful period is great for more serious exploration and for escaping the colder Irish winters. Typically, 30mm to 60mm of rain falls every month.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish and Catalan are the official languages, but English is commonly spoken in tourist spots.

• Local habits and customs: Afternoon siestas are still customary throughout Spain, so you may find some businesses are shut during that period. Join in with the locals, and take your evening meals later than you would in Ireland, after 8 pm.

• Currency: The Euro is used in Spain. There are many ATMs at your disposal, and major credit and debit cards are accepted in the majority of establishments; however it's advisable to carry some cash just in case.

• Getting around: Although the compact town is easily traversed on foot, Malgrat de Mar is connected to major towns by reliable buses and trains; the cost of a single bus ticket is about €2 and increases with distance. While there are plenty of taxis, hiring a car is more practical if you wish to travel further afield; rates start at €40 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: Spain uses continental two-pin plugs at 220 volts. Irish travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Spain runs on Central European Time, which is an extra hour ahead of GMT, and Daylight Saving Time is in effect.

Best things to do in Malgrat de Mar

Located on the Costa Brava, Malgrat de Mar offers a perfect balance of beach fun, child-friendly attractions, cultural spots and outdoor adventures, making holidays to Malgrat de Mar fun for all the family.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Torre del Castell: This watchtower is the only part that remains from a 14th-century castle that once stood here. These days the main reason for visiting is to take in the incredible views over the rooftops of Malgrat.

Parks and gardens

• El Castell Park: The town, the Mediterranean coast and the green countryside may be seen in all its glory from the vantage point in this beautiful park, which features play areas and pathways planted with botanical areas.

• Francesc Macia Park: Perfect for letting the children run around, this vast park has shaded green spaces for a picnic, unusual sculptures and inventive play areas that make it especially popular with families.

Historical monuments

• Sant Nicolau Church: Standing in the old town, this 18th-century church is a real jewel of neoclassical architecture, and is wonderfully atmospheric inside. It's often referred to as the Cathedral of the Coast.

Day trips in the area

• Barcelona: Just a short train ride away, Barcelona offers endless iconic attractions, from the stunning Sagrada Família to the lively Las Ramblas and historic Gothic Quarter.

• Tossa de Mar: About 40 minutes away, this coastal town has a quaint medieval old town complete with a castle that looks out over an inviting beach.

• Montserrat: The breathtaking mountain range and the world-famous Montserrat Monastery that nestles here, make this an unforgettable day trip. It's a 1.5-hour drive from Malgrat but worth the journey.

Activities for families in Malgrat de Mar

Malgrat de Mar is a big hit with families! The town itself has plenty of activities that cater to kids of all ages, while just outside there are more attractions to ensure that the whole family has a great holiday.

• Beaches: The slightly gritty sandy shores and calm, shallow waters at Malgrat de Mar's Blue Flag beach are ideal for family fun. Playgrounds keep the younger children happy, while older kids can take part in beach sports.

• Water parks: Take the family to Water World in nearby Lloret de Mar, which is packed with exciting slides, lazy rivers, pools and attractions for toddlers.

• Other activities: Youngsters will love riding the tourist train, which is an entertaining way to get around the town. Another activity that will amuse children is a boat trip. Boats run up and down the coast stopping at different resorts where you can hop on and off.

• Hire a bike: Renting bikes provides a fun day out exploring Malgrat and neighbouring towns for the whole family. Well-kept promenades with designated bike lanes make cycling a relaxing activity for people of all ages.

• Water sports: Older kids might like to try water sports like paddleboarding, jet skiing or kayaking off Malgrat's main beach. Equipment rentals and lessons are available, which make it easy for even the youngest children to get started.

Free things to do in Malgrat de Mar

Holidaying in Malgrat de Mar doesn't have to break the bank. Take advantage of the enjoyable free and inexpensive activities that are available and you'll save lots of money.

• Local markets: Wander through Malgrat's historic streets to discover its charming architecture, colourful buildings and local markets.

• Annual festivals: When it comes to free entertainment, there can't be any better time to visit Malgrat de Mar than during the Festa Major in August. During the festival, the town is alive with free concerts, parades and fireworks.

• Promenade strolls: Strolling along the prom taking in sea views is a rewarding, and free, way to spend a few hours. Malgrat's 3km seafront promenade, with shops, bars and pavement cafés, connects to neighbouring Santa Susanna's attractive boulevard.

• Birdwatching: Birdwatchers will find peace and quiet at the Tordera river delta wetland area near Malgrat de Mar, where lookouts can be used free of charge to observe a variety of native and migratory species.

• Hiking: If you're looking for lovely hiking trails that you can access for free, you've come to the right place. Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park is a short drive away and offers routes that go through forests, over hills and down valleys. Coastal views from the higher spots are breathtaking.

Local dishes in Malgrat de Mar

One of the most pleasurable things of Malgrat de Mar holidays is sampling the regional cuisine. The rich flavours of Catalonia and the Mediterranean are major influences on the local cooking.

Some typical dishes

• Escalivada: Normally served with olive oil and toasted bread, this classic Catalan dish features grilled aubergines, peppers and onions.

• Paella de Marisco: Saffron and fragrant spices provide depth and flavour to this seafood paella, which is packed with fresh prawns, mussels and squid.

Tapas dishes

• Patatas Bravas: No visit to a tapas bar would be complete without trying these crispy potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce and aioli.

• Calamares a la Romana: These lightly battered and fried squid rings are generally served with just a squeeze of lemon and a side of aioli.

Meat dishes

• Butifarra: Grilled Catalan sausage, drizzled with olive oil, is especially tasty when served with a side of white beans.

• Escudella: On chillier evenings, nothing beats a dish of this substantial Catalan stew, made up of meat, veggies and rice or noodles.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Suquet de Peix: A hearty fish stew with a variety of shellfish, potatoes and a fragrant broth enhanced with garlic and almonds.

• Dorada a la Sal: Sea bream baked in a salt crust, which keeps the fish incredibly moist and flavoursome.

Desserts

• Crema Catalana: A classic Catalan dessert similar to crème brûlée, with a creamy custard base and a caramelised sugar topping.

• Turrón: A popular nougat made with almonds, honey and egg whites, typically enjoyed around Christmas but available year-round.

Local drinks

• Cava: Cava is a sparkling wine that originates from the nearby Penedès area and is renowned for its crisp and refreshing flavour.

• Sangria: Red wine, a touch of brandy, fruit juices and soda water are the main ingredients in this refreshing beverage, which is typically served with a variety of fresh fruits.