Malgrat de Mar, Barcelona Province
The 13th century town of Malgrat de Mar is an excellent choice of holiday destination as you can combine a relaxing beach holiday with easy access to the regions capital Barcelona. The old town has many old buildings in its narrow streets together with a Romanesque 11th century church. There are plenty of restaurants and bars and shops all easy to access by walking. The pavements are good and all have drop kerbs so wheelchairs can be used with ease. (except some parts of the old town)
The beach, which has a 5 star rating, runs from Santa Susanna to beyond the old town. The beach is wide and has beach bars at various intervals where you can enjoy an ice cold beer and anything from a snack to a full meal. The train service from Malgrat runs to the capital Barcelona from early morning to late at night. The trains are clean, air conditioned and low cost. The area of Malgrat has many features and activities, and for Marineworld and Waterworld there are FREE buses every day. Other local activities include water sports from the beach, bike hire (Malgrat Town is flat) horse riding, walking in the hills behind the town, jeep safari or boat trips along the coast to visit Lloret de Mar or Tossa. On every Thursday the town holds its street market for locals and tourists alike. Everything from clothes to shoes and good leather handbags are on offer at very reasonable prices. The fruit and vegetable market which is in a separate area sells an abundance of local produce at very low prices and is not to be missed. There are some interesting buildings in the old town and a guide can be obtained showing various walking tours at the tourist information office.
There are several restaurants worthy of mention "Roma" near the station is very popular and serves Italian as well as local food. In the summer the roof slides back to reveal the night sky. The "Milano" ice cream restaurant in Carrer Sant Esteve is a must, walk through and sit in the garden at the back and enjoy fantastic ice cream creations.
From the old town you can walk along towards the newer part and Santa Susanna here you will find many restaurants and shops and another street market on Tuesdays.
Written by Brian Garlick - Owner of Property 91703 in Malgrat de Mar, Spain
