Blanes: Gardens, Coast and History

Jardí Botànic Marimurtra is located on the sea cliffs of Blanes on the Costa Brava. It offers coastal panoramas and mainly showcases exotic plant species; at the same time, it is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the Mediterranean. During a self-guided visit, the garden is toured without an official garden guide.

Nature and Coast

Jardín tropical Pinya de Rosa is located in the Paraje Natural de Interés Nacional de Pinya de la Rosa. It is home to one of Europe’s most interesting and species-rich cactus collections, with more than 7,000 species from around the world. Cala Treumal is the northernmost beach in the municipality of Blanes and is surrounded by the unique landscape of Pinya de Rosa, which is designated as a Paratge Natural d’Interès Nacional.

History and Culture

At the Blandae Ciutat Romana Interpretation Centre, knowledge about the ancient civitas Blandae is conveyed through archaeological excavations. Blandae was a city founded by the Romans in Catalonia; its history extends from its foundation in the 1st century BC to its development into medieval Blanes. Castell de Sant Joan was built in the 13th century; its privileged location made it a first-class viewpoint.

El Convent was built in 1583. Font Gòtica is an octagonal fountain built in the 15th century. It features six gargoyles with human figures and a central medallion bearing the Cabrera coat of arms. Ruta de las ermitas is a circular route that links the hermitages of Blanes and explores their stories, legends and distinctive features. Casa Saladrigas is now a well-restored municipal exhibition space.

The different sites make history visible in various ways: the Interpretation Centre uses archaeological excavations, while at Font Gòtica the focus is on individual architectural features and the Cabrera coat of arms. Castell de Sant Joan combines the period of its construction with its privileged location as a viewpoint, while El Convent is contextualised through its construction date of 1583.

Festival

The Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales de la Costa Brava is a fireworks festival with a century-old pyrotechnic tradition. Every July, it presents light, colours and smoke on the beaches of Blanes and attracts tens of millions of spectators.

Local Cuisine

Suquet de Peix is rooted in the cuisine of Blanes: fishermen prepared the stew with a picada and the fish caught that day. In 2024, the municipal fish stalls at Plaça dels Dies Feiners sold exclusively fish from the Llotja de Blanes.

For a stay in Blanes, you can search for a holiday apartment in the area.

Further Destinations

Find more destinations at: Sant Martí De Llémena, Das, El Port De La Selva, Albons, L'Alt Empordà, Macanet De Cabrenys, Riudellots De La Selva, Llambilles.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.