Travel Tips

Mar del Plata was originally named costa galana by Juan de Garay, the founder of Buenos Aires, who visited our region in 1581.

Time turned Mar del Plata into the main beach destination in Argentina.

Golden sands, white foam, cliffs, millennial rocks, parks and promenades stretch over 47 kilometres (29 miles) along the Atlantic coastline.

A current from Islas Malvinas gets to our shores and a warm current from Brazil moderates the water temperature that reaches an average of 14º C (57º F) during summer.

Mar del Plata´s medium to fine sand grains are made up of quartz (transparent), feldspar (redish), minerals like nacre or heavier like hematite, ilmetite and zircon. The latter are darker, movable and concentrated over the shore in larger quantities during stormy days.

Wave size, height and stregth are directly related to the beach gradient and winds.

Our beaches often experience rip currents and swimmers may unexpectedly be pulled away to deeper zones. It is advisable to watch for the flags which indicate the daily state of the sea or to ask the lifeguards about it.

In Mar del Plata visitors find beaches which satisfy every taste and the privileged trilogy air, sun and sea challenge their senses to enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Camet

They extend from Camet Park to Constitución Ave. The T-shaped groynes moderate waves forming small bays. They are semi-urban beaches with fine greyish sand, easily reachable through Felix U. Camet Ave.

Acceso Norte

The T-shaped groynes continue from Constitución Ave. up to Independence Ave. Visitors find modern facilities like comfortable restrooms and showers, restaurants, solariums, parking lot, parasol and tent hire, etc. Sand is thicker and turns golden. Good waves make these beaches attractive to surfers.

La Perla

It comprises several beaches connected by boardwalks built in different levels with facilities like bars, restaurants, restrooms and showers, parasol and tent hire, telephone booths, shops and lifeguard protection. Due to their urban location they are crowded and often visited by families with children because of the different recreational activities: gym classes, play areas for children, minifootball pitches, volleyball courts, bodyboarding, etc. They are extensive beaches with semi-coarse golden sand and important breakers.

Punta Iglesia, Bahía Playa Bristol and Paseo Hermitage

Paseo Adolfo Dávila is a rocky zone ideal for recreational fishing. From Alberdi St. to ”Torreón del Monje” along Bv. Marítimo Patricio Peralta Ramos, a wide bay provides an excellent view of the city.
The refilled of sand turned the area into a wide expanse of course sand with a smooth gradient and quiet waters to enjoy bathing.
The “Rambla” is the ideal location to go for a stroll or to have sea food “picadas”, typical appetizers. “Paseo Hermitage” offers a food court, shops and an outdoor stage where the most relevant shows take place during high season.

Varese

The beach area south of “Torreón del Monje” up to Cabo Corrientes offers a wide bay with fine sand, no gradient and smooth waves. The rocks are ideal for sun lovers while the area is enhanced by water sports.

Playa Chica

Mar del Plata is located on the foothills of the Tandilia System. A rocky headland with adjacent terraced grassy spots juts into the sea in this area. It is the ideal place to sunbathe near the waves which beat at the rocks. A magnificent view of “Playa Grande” and the harbour enhances the area.

Playa Grande

Playa Grande Complex extends from General Roca St. as far as the Northern pier. Exclusive resorts with a 1000 car capacity parking lot, restaurants, bars, shops and a 100 m2 (1076 square feet) swimming pool.
Huge beach product of the refilled of sand with the best waves which attract surfers and bodyboarders.

Punta Mogotes

24 beach resorts located in a 4 km (2.5 miles) bay after the harbour. They are connected to the Harbour Natural Reserve by lagoons.
Nature and tourist services merge to offer fine sand beaches, tent and parasol hire, parking lots, restaurants, bars and excellent places to engage in sports such as beach volleyball, football, squash, tennis and swimming.

Punta Cantera – Faro
Between Punta Mogotes and the lighthouse, modern and traditional buildings comprise the area called Punta Cantera where resorts offer restaurants, solariums, tent and parasol hire and fresh water swimming pools by the sea. One of the highlights of the area is the panoramic view of the city.

Southern Beaches

The beach area south of the Punta Mogotes lighthouse is surrounded by pine trees and sand dunes which a few miles ahead turn into imposing cliffs that reach 22 metres (72 feet) over sea level.
They are beaches with fine sand ideal to go for a walk along the coast.
Private beach resorts which offer tent and parasol hire, swimming pools, play areas for children, minishops, an exclusive spa and the option to stay in apartments or cabins.
It is important to mention that nautical facilities are available for the practice of water sports like launch sites and the possibility to reach the shore driving 4x4 vehicles.
Restaurants, bars and clubs where people dance till dawn are among the main attractions.
Young people usually gather in these resorts where renowned brands launch and promote their products during parties and shows.

Chapadmalal

They are located 19 km (12 miles) from the lighthouse roundabout. The wide beaches with cliffs are recognized due to the 9 hotel complex. It´s a beautiful parkland area with a lake and a small chapel.

Theme Beaches

Three alternatives for those who enjoy the sun with no conventions and require more privacy. A naturist beach located 25 kilometres (16 miles) from the city centre. An exclusive gay beach club near the lighthouse with three small pools, restrooms, deck-chairs and a dancefloor. And for those women who are into topless the right beach is near Santa Clara del Mar on Road 11.