Blanes is a coastal town and old fishermen’s village and now a major tourist resort in Costa Brava, where Costa Brava formally begins, located on the north eastern coast of Spain, about 87 km. from Barcelona Airport and 31 km. from Girona Airport. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and charming town center, Blanes is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, relaxation, and culture.
What to Expect?
The long stretch of strand of Blanes flanked by its lovely seaside promenade is the Sa Palomera Rock that is the symbol of the town. Holidaymakers may find numerous quality hotels, apartments and holiday accommodations in Blanes.
The most impressive attraction of Blnaes is the Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden and Castillo de San Juan that is situated on the slopes of Mt. Sant Joan offering a stunning view of the sea. The garden hosts wide range of botanical species that make it unrivaled.
A visit to the Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden in your Blanes holidays is a must. Also there is one other botanical garden the Pinya de Rosa Garden situated between Blanes and Lloret de Mar that worth a visit and see.
Things to Do & See in Blanes…
Things to do and see in Blanes are endless. Popular attractions and sights in Blanes include;
- A great day out at the Blanes beaches and make water sports,
- Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden,
- Castillo de San Juan,
- Pinya de Rosa Garden,
- outstanding sea views,
- small inlets and the coves of Sant Francesc and Boadella,
- cycling, hiking,
- strolling around the Blanes centre.
The popular beaches in Blanes include; the Blanes, s’Abanell and Sant Francesc beaches. Blanes beach is the popular beach on Blanes Costa.
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Top Attractions & Sights in Blanes for you…
Blanes beach
Blanes beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in the town of Blanes. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular views of the surrounding hills. The beach is approximately 4 km long and is divided into several sections, including Platja de Blanes, Platja de S’Abanell, and Cala Sant Francesc. All of these sections have golden sand, calm waters, and a variety of facilities, including showers, restrooms, and rental equipment for water sports.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also enjoy a range of water activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. There are also several beach volleyball courts and a playground for children.
Beyond the beach, Blanes has much to offer visitors. The town is known for its beautiful botanical gardens, including the Marimurtra Botanical Garden and the Pinya de Rosa Tropical Garden. There are also several historical landmarks, such as the Gothic-style Church of Santa Maria and the 13th-century castle of Sant Joan.
Food lovers will enjoy the town’s delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which features fresh seafood and local ingredients. There are also several shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, as well as a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs.
The Old Town
The historic center of Blanes is a charming maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with beautiful buildings and quaint shops. Take a stroll through the town center and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful Catalan town.
Sa Palomera
This rocky outcrop is one of Blanes’ most iconic landmarks and is a popular spot for visitors to take in the stunning coastal views. The outcrop is also home to a small lighthouse and a monument to the local fisherman.
Castillo de San Juan
The Castillo de San Juan is a medieval fortress located in the town of Blanes. It was built in the 11th century and was originally used to defend the town from pirate attacks. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding area. It is an impressive structure that has been well-preserved over the centuries and is one of the main tourist attractions in Blanes.
Visitors to the castle can explore its various rooms and towers, including the lookout tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline. There is also a museum inside the castle, where visitors can learn about the history of the fortress and the town of Blanes.
Throughout the year, the castle hosts a range of cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances. These events provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the castle in a unique and memorable way.
The Monday Market
Every Monday, Blanes hosts a bustling street market where visitors can browse local handicrafts, fresh produce, and other goodies. The market is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant Catalan town.
Festivals
Blanes is famous for its festivals, which include the Festa Major de Santa Anna, a week-long celebration in late July that includes fireworks, parades, and concerts. Other popular festivals include the Fira de la Cervesa, a beer festival held in August, and the Blanes Flower Festival, which takes place in May.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular activity in Blanes due to its scenic coastal roads and hilly terrain. One of the most popular cycling routes in Blanes is the coastal road that leads to Lloret de Mar. The route is approximately 15 kilometers long and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyclists can also enjoy the picturesque towns along the way, including the beautiful beach of Santa Cristina.
Another popular route for cyclists is the climb up to the Blanes Castle. The climb can be challenging, but the panoramic views of the city and the coast make it worth the effort. The castle itself is a historical landmark that dates back to the 11th century, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
For those looking for a longer ride, the Girona Greenway is an excellent option. The route starts in Girona, located about 35 kilometers from Blanes, and runs along a former railway track through beautiful countryside, quaint towns, and historic sites.
Blanes also hosts several cycling events throughout the year, including the Costa Brava Gran Fondo, a popular race that attracts cyclists from all over Europe.
Water Sports
Blanes is a popular tourist destination on the Costa Brava that offers a wide variety of water sports activities. The crystal-clear waters and long sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for all types of aquatic adventures. Here are some of the top water sports to try in Blanes:
- Jet Skiing: Rent a jet ski and ride the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Jet skiing is a thrilling activity that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
- Kayaking: Paddle along the coast and explore the beautiful coves and cliffs of Blanes. Kayaking is a great way to get up close to the stunning natural scenery of the area.
- Parasailing: Get a bird’s-eye view of Blanes and its surroundings with a parasailing adventure. Soar high above the sea and take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
- Windsurfing: Blanes is known for its consistent winds, making it a popular destination for windsurfing enthusiasts. Rent equipment and hit the waves for an exhilarating experience.
- Stand-up Paddleboarding: This fun and relaxing activity is perfect for exploring the calm waters of Blanes. Rent a board and paddle along the coast at your own pace.
Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden
The Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden is a stunning garden located in Blanes. The garden covers an area of approximately 15 hectares and features a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world. The Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden was founded in 1921 by the German businessman Karl Faust, who transformed an old cork plantation into this wonderful garden. It is a perfect place for nature lovers, botany enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to spend a relaxing day surrounded by natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the garden’s various sections, each with its unique characteristics and charm. The garden’s main attraction is the collection of more than 4,000 species of plants, including exotic plants, cacti, succulents, and Mediterranean plants. There are also several ponds, streams, and fountains throughout the garden, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden also offers a range of cultural events and activities, such as exhibitions, concerts, and guided tours. The garden is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy its beauty during any season.
Pinya de Rosa Garden
Pinya de Rosa Garden is a botanical garden located in Blanes. The garden spans an area of around 50,000 square meters and features a vast collection of cacti, succulents, and other tropical and subtropical plants. The garden was founded by engineer Fernando Riviere de Caralt in the 1950s, who was passionate about botany and nature. He acquired the land in 1945, and over the years, he transformed it into a botanical paradise.
The garden is divided into several areas, each featuring a different theme and plant collection. Visitors can wander through the cactus garden, the palm garden, the orchid house, and the bamboo forest. There is also a section dedicated to Mediterranean plants, including olive trees and lavender.
The highlight of Pinya de Rosa Garden is its collection of cacti and succulents, with over 7,000 species from around the world. Some of the specimens are rare and exotic, making it a must-visit destination for plant enthusiasts.
Apart from admiring the flora, visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the town of Blanes. There are several paths and benches where you can sit and relax amidst nature.
Water World Water Park – in Lloret de Mar
Water World Water Park is a popular attraction located in Lloret de Mar. The water park is one of the largest in Europe and offers a variety of water rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
One of the main features of Water World is its numerous water slides, including the Kamikaze, which is a thrilling free-fall slide, and the Black Hole, a fast-paced enclosed slide with special lighting effects. For visitors looking for a more relaxed experience, the park also has several wave pools, lazy rivers, and a children’s area with smaller slides and splash pools.
Water World also offers a variety of food options, with several restaurants and snack bars located throughout the park. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the park’s sun loungers and shaded areas for a break from the sun.
Address: Ctra. de Vidreres, km 1,2, 17310 Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava
Tel.: +34 972 368 613
Web: www.waterworld.es
Food & Drink
Blanes is a great destination for food lovers. The town offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve both local and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Catalan dishes such as paella, fideua, and esqueixada, as well as fresh seafood caught from the Mediterranean Sea. There are also many bars and pubs that offer refreshing drinks and cocktails.
Daily Tours & Excursions
Shopping
Blanes has a bustling shopping scene, with plenty of shops and markets that sell a variety of products. Visitors can explore the town’s charming streets and alleys and find local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The weekly market, which takes place every Monday, is a great place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce.
Nightlife
Blanes has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs that cater to different tastes. Visitors can enjoy live music, DJ sets, and dance shows in venues that stay open until the early hours of the morning. There are also many beach bars and open-air terraces where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the sunset.
Lodging
Blanes offers a wide variety of lodging options to suit all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. There are also many campsites and holiday resorts that offer a range of facilities and activities.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport to Blanes is Girona-Costa Brava Airport, located about 30 kilometers away. The airport is served by several low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet, connecting it to various European cities. Another option is the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is about 75 kilometers away from Blanes. This airport is served by major airlines and is well connected to various international destinations.
By Train
Blanes has its own train station, which is connected to the national rail network. You can take a train from Barcelona or Girona to Blanes. The journey time from Barcelona to Blanes is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while from Girona, it takes about 40 minutes.
By Bus
Blanes is well connected to other towns on the Costa Brava by a network of local buses. There are also several long-distance buses that connect Blanes to major cities in Spain and other European destinations.
By Car
Blanes is easily accessible by car via the AP-7 highway. The journey time from Barcelona is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while from Girona, it takes about 30 minutes. There are several car rental companies available at both airports and in the city center.
