Mar del Plata, otherwise referred to as La Perla del Atlantico, was founded in 1874 but started to become a popular seaside resort when the railway arrived in 1886. Later on many wealthy Argentines constructed holiday mansions and it became the most fashionable holiday destination particularly during the 1930s. Some of the original architecture remains, mostly in the barrio of Loma Stella Maris, but much of it has been replaced by tall apartment blocks.

The resort is still very popular among Argentine holiday makers and during the summer months, particularly January and February, it becomes unbelievably packed. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and although it’s lost much of its original charm, the city boasts plenty of entertainment, night-life, and a plethora of seafood restaurants, lively bars as well as a variety of accommodation.

The city also boasts some lovely shady plazas including central Plaza San Martin, while the busiest beach is Playa Bristol along which runs a broad promenade, where you’ll find the popular Rambla Casino. La Perla beach to the north is slightly quieter while Playa Grande tends to be a little more upmarket and has some excellent shops and hotels.

The history of Mar del Plata is recounted through some wonderful old photos in the Archivo Historico Municipal and some lovely old paintings show the resort at the turn of the century in the Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino. The Centro Cultural Victoria Ocampo was formerly Villa Ocampo and had been inherited by the Argentine author and thereafter became a famous literary gathering place.

South of Mar del Plata are several other beach resorts including Miramar and Mar del Sud and to the north there are the exclusive resorts of Carilo and Pinamar as well as the lovely Villa Gesell.