Ideally located between Tossa and Blanes, 1 hour from Barcelona and 1h30 from Perpignan, Lloret de Mar happily unveils the Mediterranean charm and the gentle way of life of the spots on the Catalan coast. His landscapes, its outdoor sports activities, its gastronomy and its proximity to France make it a popular spot for French tourists. Zoom in on a seaside resort that has more than one trick in its bag
A nature getaway
The coast of Lloret de Mar has five coves and beaches, no less than 9 km long. Labelled "quality blue flag", they have the charm of Mediterranean sandbanks and are ideal for family holidays. While... located in the city centre, Lloret beach is the largest in the area with about 1.5 km of fine sand. Along the maritime paseo, it offers many bars and restaurants. To its left, Sa Caleta, is a small cove dominated by the Castle of Platja, a visual symbol of the city and often converted into a postcard. Still on the same side, the beach of Canyelles is the furthest from the centre and hosts the only marina in the Catalan city. To the right of the large beach of Lloret, the beach of Fenals, the second largest, is located just after the castle of Sant Joan. Note that on the main beach and on the Fenals beach there are MiniClubs for children open all summer long. There are many activities and sports to keep the children busy at a time when mom and dad are taking a nap. Then come two beaches that are more isolated because they are more difficult to access: the platja de Sa Boadella, accessible by the road leading up to the gardens of Sainte Clothilde and then by a 200 m dirt road, and the Santa Cristina beach
There are two ways to walk along this coastline: the beach walking circuit, from Canyelles beach to Santa Cristina, a walk of more than 3 hours, and the "brave lives", a network of paths parallel to the coastal paths, signposted and marked. What a great way to get away! As in the gardens of Sainte Clothilde, one of the most beautiful green spaces on the Costa Brava. Built in 1919 by the young landscape architect Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí, at the request of the Marquis de Roviralta, these gardens are perched at the top of a cliff, with an impressive view over the sea. They were built on the Italian Renaissance model and perfectly represent the Art Nouveau movement in Catalonia, noucentisme. They have been classified as "historic gardens of national interest". Unmistakable!
Many sports activities
Sports enthusiasts will also be served in Lloret de Mar, as there are so many options. While the city obviously gives pride of place to the various water sports activities, the interior is also a godsend for those who would like to get active
Hiking enthusiasts will be able to take their boots and cameras out on fairly accessible trails. In particular, two sections of the GR92 along the Mediterranean Sea, GR92TR11 and GR92TR12. 14 km long and lasting 3h30, they will delight walkers. Section 11 passes through Tossa de Mar, Cala Canyelles and Lloret and section 12 through Lloret, Sant Joan Castle, Blanes and Tordera. The coastal paths (the famous "camino de ronda") also offer some splendid views, between coves and forests, to walkers.
The city also offers many tours for mountain bike enthusiasts. For example, you can go to Sant Pere del Bosc, a Benedictine monastery, rebuilt in the 19th century by Puig i Cadafalch, via a 13 km circuit of about 1h30. Notice to amateurs!
In June and July, the city organizes many activities in the heart of nature: snorkeling with a guide to discover the underwater fauna and flora, sea kayaking, Nordic walking in the forest or on the coast and puzzles to solve with the family in the gardens of Sainte Clothilde. In short, the program will be full!
Going back in time
And since a little culture never hurts between two sports sessions, Lloret de Mar's heritage is very rich. We will start by climbing to the castle of Sant Joan, perched on a hill. After many destructions due to battles, bombardments, storms and earthquakes, only the foundations of the original fortification's dungeon remain. This does not prevent it from being recognized as a "property of cultural interest" as early as 1949
The historical centre of Lloret also allows you to go back in time and discover various remains of the colonial period, including the chapel of the church of Sant Romà. With its colored mosaic domes, it is one of the most representative buildings in the city. Built between 1509 and 1522, it is in Catalan Gothic style and initially had only one nave. It was during the 17th century that other outbuildings were built. The two side chapels, that of the Blessed Sacrament and that of the baptismal font, built in 1916, are in the modernist style. The latter houses the altarpiece made by Pere Serafí between 1545 and 1549, 9 paintings, 5 on the life of Jesus and 4 on that of Saint Romain, all gilded with fine gold. Note that the Museu del Mar and Can Font, a typical 19th century stately home, combine well with a visit to the church to make it a very interesting Indiana route. Because the Indianos Lloret is a must. A little further from the historic centre, the Indianos Modernist Cemetery is also worth a visit. It houses the remains of former settlers who returned after the conquest of America. Impelled by families at the end of the 19th century, its realization will allow the participation of renowned architects such as Puig i Cadafalch and some of Gaudi's students. The idea being to transcribe the urban planning trends of large cities, it is organized into avenues, promenades, small squares, islets... respecting social hierarchies
Finally, Lloret has archaeological sites from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD. Very close to the centre of Lloret, the Turó Rodó site leads to the sea at Sa Caleta beach. The one in Montbarbat, at the top of the mountain of the same name, is located in the northwest of the territory, on the border of Maçanet de la Selva
Festivities in a mess
Finally, in Lloret de Mar, many events mark the life of the city throughout the year. While in summer travellers can discover the "Lloret Outdoor Summer Festival" during the mild summer evenings, other events are also organized throughout the year such as the "Americanos Festival" in June, to revive the artistic heritage inherited from the Indianos, the "Lloret Night Shopping" in September or the Medieval Fair in November. For the gourmands, another meeting is held in October, "La Cuina del Peix de l'Art" (the cooking of fish caught by trawl), offers to get to know this typical Lloret dish better. We're salivating in advance!
Smart info
When? When? The climate of Lloret de Mar is obviously Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry and winters are very mild (about 10°C). Overall, the best times to visit are spring and autumn, as the temperatures remain very pleasant and the few tourists are appreciable.
Useful. To prepare your escapade as well as possible.
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