Charming Mar del Plata

The downtown sights and buildings in the City of Mar del Plata are not new. They have been nestled in this metropolis forever and they are part of its scenic beauty. Lovers of this seaside resort assert that these attractions look more and more stunning every day, just like the entire local seashore.

One example is the huge 3-block mass that shelters the Casino, the municipal sports venue and the Provincial Hotel, which takes us back to the early days of this city by the sea. This icon of Mar del Plata was designed by the famous architect Alejandro Bustillo. We got past it countless times during our stay and looked at it as if we did not know it at all. Its impressive image has appeared on the cover of all tourist mass media.

The same thing happens while strolling down the promenade. Crowded with people and pubs, this is an ideal stop during the early morning, when the sun is still soft on our skin.

Once and again, we returned to the viewpoint known as Torreón del Monje (the Monk’s Turret). It stands there overlooking the sea. It is intact, just like when it was raised in the early 1900s. Year after year, it houses different entities. It has been a cultural and recreational venue and it has a special kind of magnetism and a privileged location that lets visitors get out into the water territory.

We were repeatedly delighted by the very moment in which we found ourselves in front of the sea. Entering through Constitución Avenue, we were impressed by the sudden sight of the ocean and the whole set of shores and beaches in the shape of a semicircle, including breakwaters and representative buildings.

We had the same feeling when we accessed the area through Colón Avenue. As we went uphill towards Paseo Jesús de Galindez, which runs parallel to the sea, we opened up our eyes so as to grasp the whole generous scene. In both cases, this may have been a game we let ourselves play as adults.

Having time to spare and wearing comfortable clothes, we went out around Paseo Jesús de Galindez. Quite long and neat, it promised to take us to the port as we enjoyed the strong waves hitting against the rocks and the taste of salt on our faces.

In the last few years, Mar del Plata has amazed everyone with overambitious constructions to fight the strength of the sea and preserve the sandy beaches. The result of this effort and technology was the incorporation of breakwaters. This has caused the beach surface to increase, thus providing more comfort and safety to visitors.

The city has always considered the youth and given them the chance to savor nightlife and discos. This offer remains and is completed by infinite water, land and air adventure sports. People of all ages walk, jog, cycle and take part in organized competitions. Even skating enthusiasts have their own space, as a special deck has been built at one end of the rambla.

We left behind all outfit protocols and got deep into the comfort of beach clothes and sandals. A hat or cap is mandatory to deal with the doubly damaging action represented by UV rays and a salty environment.

The list of sights to see and the ones we will continue to visit is long. Every time we return to this city, we discover new things, good vibes and friendly people willing to have a good time. Maybe that is the reason why it is known as "the happy one".