Mar del Plata means “silver sea” and there’s no better way to describe this Argentine city overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Located 400 km south of Buenos Aires, in the province of the same name, it was founded in 1874 around a site where indigenous peoples already produced salt. The city’s natural setting is clearly intertwined with its sea, so much so that it attracted expert fishermen from Europe (especially Italy and Spain), who built a significant fishing fleet here. Its fame as a tourist destination soon followed, and is still evident today in the architecture of the stately villas along the beach. Discovering Mar del Plata today… in January and February, it’s full summer… means treating yourself to a beach holiday in a captivating setting.
How to get there
Reach Mar del Plata from Buenos Aires by driving on the highway for about 4 hours. You may land at the capital’s Buenos Aires Pistarini International Airport (EZE) and our chauffeured vehicles will be ready to take you wherever you want. Or you may prefer to reach the city by airplane (a one-hour trip), either from Pistarini or the domestic Newbery (AEP) airport, with connections to the small local airport in Mar del Plata.
Silver sea and beaches
The “silver sea” of Mar del Plata evokes pastel-colored sunrises or full moon nights where the light spreads over the waves and mixes with the reflections of the city lights. The panorama of Mar del Plata is always linked to its beaches, the most famous of which stretch along a 16 km coastline.
If you’re a “beach life” lover – and along with a tan you absolutely need some fun – the beaches for you here are Playa Varese and Playa Grande. Very close to the city center, dominated by the skyscrapers of the coast, these two beaches offer every type of service and are close to the best clubs and shops. There’s no shortage of companies offering sports and social activities at any time of day or night. Playa Chica, located in a sheltered corner of a small cliff, in the shadow of buildings and hotels, is also one of the “nightlife” beaches.
For those who prefer tranquility, yet not too far from amenities, Punta Mogotes is the perfect choice; here, the beach is also equipped for families and guarantee a less “trendy” but equally exciting vacation. La Perla and Playa Arena are also great for those who love beaches far from the tourist crowds.
The wildest beaches—if by “wild” you mean silence, peace, and absolute relaxation—are Playa Escondida, Balneario, and Playa Parador. The first is located behind a green promontory, isolated from the noise of mass tourism, and opens freely to the ocean with few amenities and plenty of adventure! At Balneario and Parador, people mostly go for water sports, such as surfing and kite surfing, given the wider exposure to the open ocean and the constant presence of winds that swell the waves. Here too, minimal services allow adventurous tourists to have some assistance, but without ever invading their privacy.
Mar del Plata beyond the sea
If you’re vacationing in Mar del Plata, don’t stop at the beaches. Explore the city, which has so much to offer. Start by admiring the incredible Torre Tanque, a water tower built in 1943, but reminiscent of an ancient medieval bastion! The stone tower rises 48 meters, features crenellations and spires, and today, in addition to still functioning as a reservoir, it serves also as a lookout point.
If you’re looking for even more excitement, treat yourself to a stroll along the harbor. Here, besides the lively warm welcome of the fishermen (almost all of Sicilian origin), you’ll also be surprised by the colonies of sea lions lounging and sunbathing! These animals, usually only seen in TV documentaries, have found a community on these docks that has “adopted” them! Stay downtown and admire the Gothic cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Cecilia: built in 1905, it is famous for its spectacular stained glass windows. A lovely place to relax in the city is the Victoria Ocampo Cultural Center with its beautiful gardens.
For architecture lovers, Mar del Plata is a true gem! Its villas (Villa Normandy, Villa Devoto, Villa Victoria, Villa Ortiz, Casa Alzaga Unzuè, etc.) and so-called “chalets” (Saint-Michel, Magnasco, Marplatense) are an expression of Spanish colonialism devoted to refined beauty.
Nearby…
Mar del Plata is located in the heart of a region interesting for both nature lovers and those seeking unique folklore. For example, we recommend a trip to the Laguna de los Padres, where birdwatching is the main activity. Or you could head to Tandil, a hilltop town reminiscent of an Italian village, especially for its cuisine (excellent cured meats and cheeses!). A three-hour drive takes you to Tres Arroyos, a charming town with a Spanish feel that houses one of Argentina’s most beautiful archaeological sites: many of the prehistoric skeletons unearthed from these quarries are now housed in the city center’s museums. A much closer place to visit is the town of Balcarce, home to an interesting museum dedicated to motorsports, as it was the birthplace of Formula One champion Manuel Fangio.
