This calm Costa Brava beach town has a 13th-century castle, botanical gardens with 3,000 plant species, and clear-water coves along its 4km coastline.
Blanes sits at the southern edge of Costa Brava, where Sa Palomera rock juts into the Mediterranean Sea. This coastal town, an hour north of Barcelona, remains a working fishing port where you can watch the daily fish auction or walk through the Marimurtra garden with its 4,000 plant species. You'll find four kilometers of beaches along the town's edge, and in July, the night sky lights up with international fireworks competitions that attract crowds from across Europe.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
A four-kilometer beach runs along the town's wide promenade, where you'll find restaurants and cafes. For a quieter spot, head to Cala Sant Francesc (Cala Bona), surrounded by pine trees and known for its clear waters - perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Lifeguards patrol the beaches from June to September. You'll find showers, toilets, and sun lounger rentals at both beaches. The waters meet Blue Flag standards, and maintenance crews clean the sand each morning during summer.
Botanical Gardens of Blanes
Marimurtra Botanical Garden covers 15 hectares on a cliff overlooking the sea. You can walk among more than 4,000 plant species from around the world on its terraced paths leading to the Linnaeus temple viewpoint. At Pinya de Rosa garden, you'll see one of Europe's largest collections of cacti and succulents - over 7,000 species grow throughout the grounds. Both gardens welcome visitors daily year-round, with guides speaking multiple languages.
Summer Fireworks Competition
Visit Blanes from July 23-26 to see the Concurs Internacional de Focs d'Artifici. Four international teams compete with 30-minute fireworks displays launched from the beach. Watch from the main beach or Sa Palomera rock. Shows begin at 10:30 PM, but come early - around 500,000 people attend the event throughout its run.
Getting Around Blanes
Walk through the old town's narrow streets between Sa Palomera rock and the harbor to find small shops and tapas bars. Most hotels and campgrounds lie in El Pins area, south of the rock. You can walk between main areas in 15-20 minutes along the promenade. Trains connect to Barcelona (90 minutes) and Girona regularly.
Local Food Scene
Local fishing boats bring their catch to the harbor daily, supplying restaurants throughout town. Watch the region's largest fish auction, where traders sell about €1 million worth of fish each month. In the old town, restaurants serve Catalan specialties like Escudella stew and Pa Amb Tomàquet. Morning markets near the town center sell fresh produce and local foods.
Day Trips and Activities
Take boat trips along the Costa Brava coast or visit nearby Lloret de Mar. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at the main beach. Walk 20 minutes up a steep path to reach the 13th-century Castle of Sant Joan, where you can look out over the coastline and surrounding area from its open grounds.
