Sometimes known as the “gateway to the Costa Brava”, Blanes is the most southerly town on the Costa Brava.
Blanes from afar. Photo by Alex Alishevskikh.
Blanes is a charming seaside town with pristine beaches, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage. As the closest Costa Brava resort to Barcelona, Blanes has long been popular with Catalans from the city who have second homes there. The town has a wide promenade with restaurants and bars with many apartments looking out to sea.
Get away from the seafront and you’ll still find the heart of the fishing village Blanes once was. A bit of old world charm with all the convenience of modern amenities close by. It’s the perfect holiday destination for those looking for an idyllic Mediterranean experience.
As well as the beach, Blanes is also famous for its botanical gardens which attract thousands of visitors every year and the harbour has been refurbished after massive storm damage sustained in 2008 after years of neglect. Every year Blanes hosts a firework competition (Els Focs de Blanes), which coincides with its festa major. The competition lasts four around four days, ending on 26th July to celebrate Santa Anna.
You can zoom in or click on the icons for more infoOne of the main reasons to choose Blanes over other areas of the Costa Brava is its perfect location. Situated just a short drive from vibrant Barcelona, Blanes offers the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. You can easily spend a day exploring the city’s famous landmarks and museums, and then return to the tranquillity of Blanes to unwind and soak up the sun. It also has good public transport links with the Catalan capital if driving isn’t an option for you.
The majority of tourist accommodation here consists of apartments and villas. There are a number of hotels, although nowhere near the number or variety found in nearby Lloret de Mar. There are numerous campsites though, clustered towards the Tordera river that marks the border of the Costa Brava.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in Blanes, with an array of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local and international cuisine. From fresh seafood dishes to traditional tapas, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the famous Catalan seafood stew known as suquet de peix.
For those seeking adventure, Blanes offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy everything from windsurfing and kayaking to jet skiing and parasailing. Land-based activities include hiking and cycling, while culture lovers can explore the town’s rich history and visit its many museums and art galleries. There are a number of golf courses within driving distance too, including PGA Gold Catalunya near Caldes de Malavella.
Blanes is also home to several cultural events throughout the year, including the renowned International Fireworks Competition, which takes place every summer. This spectacular event draws crowds from all over the world and features dazzling displays of fireworks set to music.
The town’s history dates back to Roman times, and evidence of this ancient past can be found throughout Blanes. On the hill overlooking the town is an 11th century castle with a circular watchtower from where they would keep an eye out for pirate raids, while the historic town centre features narrow streets lined with charming buildings.
Overall, Blanes is a wonderful holiday destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the town’s rich cultural heritage, or enjoy some exciting water sports, Blanes is the perfect place to do it.
Beaches
With a long sandy beach it is little wonder tourists Blanes is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. The sand is fairly coarse and cleaned every day during the high season with all the facilities you’d expect. There are also a number of more secluded cloves if you’re feeling more adventurous.
Sa Palomera rock marks the start of the Costa Brava in Blanes. Photo by Albert Torelló.
The 3km stretch of sand is divided in two distinct beaches by the Sa Palomera rock, the main beach of more than 500 metres near the town’s nucleus and Platja de S’Abanell which runs from Sa Palomera down to the Tordera river. There are plenty of facilities available along much of the length of the beaches, including showers, sun loungers, and parasols. During the high season, the beach can get quite busy, but there is still plenty of space for everyone.
For those looking for a more secluded spot, Cala Sant Francesc is a small sand beach located to the north of the town also known as Cala Bona. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, giving it a more natural, unspoiled feel. Facilities here are limited, but there is a small restaurant where you can grab a drink and a snack. Cala Sa Forcanera is cove with a small shingle beach between the convent and the Marimurtra botanic gardens. Also known as Platja de Santa Anna or Platja dels Capellans, it is surrounded by cliffs but there are no facilities.
Finally, Platja de Treumal and Santa Cristina are secluded beaches on the border with the municipality of Lloret de Mar. The beaches are surrounded by pine trees and there are a number of restaurants available. However, the path down to these beaches is steep and not be suitable for everyone.
Where to stay
Blanes offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, rental properties, and campsites. Some of the popular hotels in the town include the Hotel Blaumar, Hotel Beverly Park & Spa, and the Petit Palau Hotel. But don’t rule out establishments like Hostal Regina in the historic town centre from where you can easily explore the town of foot. Read more about hotels in Blanes.
For those looking for more flexibility, there are numerous apartments and villas available for rent as well as several campsites for anyone looking for a more budget-friendly option. A whole area at the edge of town near the Tordera river is taken over by campsite after campsite with hundreds of pitches available and offering a range of facilities, including pools, restaurants, and entertainment programs.
Eating in and eating out
Blanes is famed for its seafood and prawns in particular. It is also well known for the Suquet de Peix de Sa Palomera that takes place every June, just when the season is getting into full swing. For €25 to €50 per head you can try the typical of Costa Brava seafood stew called suquet de peix in a number of participating restaurants in Blanes. Don’t worry of that’s not your thing though as you’ll also find more standard tourist restaurants in Blanes too. Some of the most popular restaurants in the town include Racó Sa Palomera and Can Flores, a well known seafood restaurant dating from 1958, but really you’re spoilt for choice. Click here for more.
The town has several supermarkets where you can purchase groceries and supplies, including the popular chains Condis, Caprabo and Lidl. In addition, there are several smaller shops selling fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
What to see and do
While the beach is an obvious draw, there’s plenty more to see and do during your stay in Blanes. Blanes has a fair selection of things to see and do while you’re visiting. As well as the long sandy beaches and smaller coves there are plenty of opportunities to participate in water sports, including sailing lessons, windsurfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking, all of which are available to rent along the beachfront. There are also a number of other activities such as boat tours that run from Blanes. Read about it all here.
Blanes is a town steeped in history with an economy was traditionally based on fishing and agriculture. Dating back to before the Romans settled in Catalonia, you’ll find buildings dating back to the middle ages. There are also some examples of houses built for the indianos who, after returning from the American colonies, wanted to flaunt their newfound wealth. These are constructed in the Noucentisme and Catalan modernist styles. Read more about the history of Blanes here.
One of the most impressive historic sites is the castle of Sant Joan, which sits atop a hill overlooking the town. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history. Another site worth visiting is the Gothic church of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 14th century and is located in the heart of the old town.
For those who love the outdoors, Blanes has two botanical gardens to explore. The Pinya de Rosa Botanical Garden is home to over 7,000 species of plants from around the world, while the Marimurtra Botanical Garden offers stunning views of the coastline and a wide variety of exotic plants.
Finally, visitors to Blanes can enjoy a range of fun activities for all ages, including mini-golf, go-karting, and amusement parks. There are also plenty of shops and markets selling everything from souvenirs to handmade crafts, making it a great spot for some retail therapy.
Overall, Blanes is a diverse and exciting town with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or outdoor activities, you’re sure to find it here.
How to get to Blanes
Reached from Lloret by road, Blanes is also near the N-II and the C-32, which runs all the way down to Barcelona. The town is popular with locals due to its proximity to the Catalan capital, which can also be reached in less than 90 minutes by train.
But while it can take a little over an hour to drive to Blanes from Barcelona airport, that time can increase dramatically in the summer. Friday afternoon’s and evenings are particularly bad, as is the road into Barcelona on Sundays. Girona-Costa Brava airport is 35 minutes away by car, but again, your journey time can vary dramatically if you get the timings wrong.
To get there from the French border, you can take the AP-7 motorway heading south towards Barcelona until it meets the A-2. Follow this road as it becomes the N-II past Tordera and on to Blanes. If you’re coming from Barcelona, take the C-32 heading north then follow the GI-600 road until you reach the town.
If you’re flying into Barcelona Airport, you can take the airport train to Barcelana-Sants and then the frequent R1 train to Blanes, which takes around 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Sagalés bus from the airport to Blanes, which takes around 2 hours and runs several times a day in the summer season.
For those flying into Girona Airport, take the Sagalés bus from the airport to Blanes, which takes around 45 minutes. The bus also runs several times a day.
