Parc del Castell

Parc del Castell sits on a hill above Malgrat de Mar, offering panoramic views over the town and the surrounding Costa del Maresme coastline. It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors looking for a quiet break away from the busy beachfront.

What will you see there?

At the top of the hill stands a small 14th-century defensive tower, known locally as the "torreta." It's a remnant of an old castle historically linked to the Castle of Palafolls, documented since 1382. During the Spanish Civil War, the tower was used as a machine-gun position — a chapter of history still visible in the structure itself.

The park as it exists today was created in 1959 around this tower and has since grown into a site of real botanical interest, home to 127 different plant species. That makes it a small but surprisingly rich landscaped garden. Winding paths, benches, and several viewpoints let you take in the rooftops of Malgrat de Mar, the mouth of the Tordera river, and the Mediterranean coastline stretching out below.

Families will find playgrounds scattered around the grounds, and the whole park is free and open to the public — making it just as suitable for a quick stroll after lunch as for a longer afternoon with a picnic.

How do you get there?

The park is located at Carrer de Ponent 58, in the neighborhood overlooking Malgrat de Mar's town center. For visitors who'd rather skip the climb, a lift/funicular connects the lower town to the hilltop park — a genuinely useful option in summer heat. On foot, it's roughly a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from the seafront promenade and the main shopping streets.

When should you visit?

The park is open daily, though hours shift with the season: from June to September it's open from 8 am to 11 pm, which means you can catch a sunset over the sea from up there. From October to May, hours are shorter, running from 8 am to 9 pm. The most pleasant times to visit are morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler and the coastal views are at their clearest.

Who is it for?

Parc del Castell suits anyone who wants a mix of calm and history in one stop — families with children thanks to the playgrounds, nature lovers drawn by the varied plant life, and anyone hoping to see Malgrat de Mar from above without leaving town. It's also a worthwhile stop for visitors curious about the area's medieval past and its more recent 20th-century history.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, access to Parc del Castell and its playground areas is completely free.

Can you reach the top without walking uphill? Yes, a lift/funicular runs up to the park, which is a great help for older visitors, people with strollers, or anyone who'd rather skip the steep climb.

What is the tower inside the park? It's the "torreta," a 14th-century defensive tower historically connected to the Castle of Palafolls, later used during the Spanish Civil War as a machine-gun lookout point.

How long does a visit take? Walking the whole park and taking in the views and the tower usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, though families can easily spend longer at the playground.