Situated in Catalonia, Blanes is where Costa Brava begins. A modern summer destination that gravitates around a historic town and splendid gardens, Blanes has been flirting with the Mediterranean Sea for many centuries.
The town has a fascinating history and charms visitors with its authentic Catalan identity and a unique atmosphere. Once a little fishing village, Blanes is now one of the most popular summer resorts in Spain, a vibrant city with much to offer, especially to families with kids looking for fun times in the sun.
Listen to the Old Town’s tales
The city’s Old Town is well preserved and houses an abundance of architectural masterpieces. From the beautiful gothic fountains that adorn the little squares to Casa de la Vila, Blanes’ Town Hall, every corner of the old quarter has medieval stories to tell and secrets to spill. Take a few moments to admire the majestic Fountain of Cristalina Mina that dates back to 1854, and rest awhile in Placa dels dies Feiners.
The Old Town is the city’s heart and cultural hub, an ideal starting point for your journey of exploration in Blanes. If you love religious sites, visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, the oldest church in town and a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture.
Admire fantastic sea views from Sant Joan Castle
Perched on a hill 160 meters above sea level, Sant Joan Castle is a testament to Blanes’ rich and interesting history. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was built at the orders of Grau de Cabrere, the Viscount of Girona. In the 16th century, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor of the Spanish Empire added an imposing tower to protect the coast and Barcelona from pirate attacks. While all that’s left from the grandiose fortress are now just ruins, the watchtower is still standing recalling its days of glory under the Catalan sun. There may be nothing left of the castle but a climb up the hill rewards curious travellers with beautiful sea views that stretch to the Montjuic mountains in Barcelona.
Stop and smell the roses at the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens
Perhaps the most popular attraction in Blanes, the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens await on top of a mountain. Nothing prepares you for the small colourful paradise that unveils itself as soon as you enter the gardens. Adorned with exotic plants and flowers, the garden is home to over 4000 different species and is the result of the hard work of talented architects, landscape architects, and botanists. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century to become an oasis of scents and colours and an excellent viewpoint from where you can admire the coastline and the Mediterranean’s endless blue.
Continue your floral journey at the Pinya de Rosa tropical gardens
Pinya de Rosa is a wonderland for cacti lovers. However, since the garden houses over 7,000 species of plants, you can expect to discover a frenzy of colours and perfumes. Pinya de Rosa was founded in 1945 by engineer Fernando Riviere de Caralt and is a worthy competitor to the Marimurtra gardens. However, we recommend visiting them both because each has its own personality and superb views and are easily reachable with a tour bus.
Discover the towns origin story
It all started with a small fishing village on the Costa Brava. The city takes pride in its identity and has an impressive fleet of fishing boats that bring fresh fish and seafood on the plates of tourists visiting Blanes. The city’s port is massive, and houses from small boats to luxurious yachts are ready to take to the sea and delight passengers with sublime sunrises and loads of fun time.
Every day, at 4 o’clock, the fish auction begins and creates a spectacle you shouldn’t miss. If you love sailing, the port of Blanes is an excellent departure point for your adventures on the sea. And just around the corner awaits the legendary Sa Palomera rock, the city’s emblem, and a beautiful landmark.
Get your vitamin D on beautiful beaches
The beach of Blanes is the city’s main stretch of sand and an ideal place for everyone to enjoy relaxing days in the sun. Covered in fine golden sand, the beach is often invaded by families looking to relax, enjoy water activities like parasailing and boat trips, or swim in the warm water of the Mediterranean.
This Blue Flag beach has a Kids Club and is situated right next to the port and the lovely beach of S’Abanell. S’Abanell is the largest beach on the coast stretching along 2.5 km and offering everything you might need for a memorable day on the Costa Brava. Also a Blue Flag beach, S’Abanell is equipped with modern facilities and provides ideal conditions for practising an extravaganza of water sports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, kite surfing, and jet skiing.
More places
