Blanes (pronounced Blan-es) is a coastal town at the southern end of the Costa Brava in Catalonia and is often regarded as the gateway to the region. Located north of Barcelona, the town combines long beaches, a working harbour, residential districts and several botanical gardens. Compared with smaller Costa Brava villages further north, Blanes is larger and more urban in character, though it still retains sections of traditional waterfront and fishing activity.
Blanes is also known for having some of the best beaches on the Costa Brava, ranging from long sandy urban beaches to smaller coves surrounded by rocky headlands and pine woodland. Platja De Blanes and Platja de S’Abanell provide wide sandy stretches close to the town centre, while nearby coves such as Cala Sant Francesc and Cala Treumal offer more sheltered surroundings and clearer water. Several additional beaches can be reached along the coastline towards Lloret de Mar.
The coastline around Blanes is divided between broad sandy beaches and rocky headlands. Platja De Blanes forms the main central beach and stretches along the promenade near the town centre. Smaller coves including Cala Sant Francesc and Cala Sa Forcanera are located around the rocky sections of coastline to the north. The marina and fishing port remain active and contribute to the town’s year-round atmosphere outside the main tourist season.
One of the best-known attractions in Blanes is the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, located on cliffs overlooking the sea. The gardens contain Mediterranean and subtropical plant species together with panoramic coastal views.
Blanes also provides access to sections of the Camí de Ronda coastal path, which follows the shoreline towards coves and neighbouring resorts. During summer the town hosts festivals, outdoor markets and regular boat excursions along the coast.
Although Blanes is more developed than many central and northern Costa Brava destinations, it offers a practical combination of beaches, transport connections and access to coastal scenery. Its location close to Barcelona also makes it a common starting point for exploring the wider Costa Brava region.
Official tourism website: https://www.blanescostabrava.cat/en/
The Best Things to Do in Blanes
Blanes Beach (Platja de Blanes)
Located directly beside the marina and town centre, Platja De Blanes is the main urban beach in Blanes and one of the most accessible beaches on the southern Costa Brava. The beach consists of a long sandy shoreline bordered by a promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and apartment buildings. Conditions are generally suitable for swimming during summer and the central location makes it popular with families, day visitors and people staying within walking distance of the waterfront.
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Marimurtra Botanical Garden
Marimurtra Garden occupies a clifftop above the sea. Founded in the early 20th century, it contains Mediterranean and exotic plant species arranged in terraces. The garden also provides panoramic views of the coastline. It is regarded as one of the most important botanical gardens in Spain, illustrating both scientific interest and landscape design.
Official website: https://marimurtra.cat/en/
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Sa Palomera Rock
Sa Palomera is a rocky promontory that separates the long beaches of Blanes. Considered the symbolic start of the Costa Brava, it has a viewpoint overlooking the town and sea. Historically, it provided a strategic observation point. Today it functions as a landmark and orientation feature, illustrating the geographical beginning of the region’s rugged coastline.
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Coastal Boat Excursions
Regular coastal boat services operate between several Costa Brava towns including Blanes, Fenals, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar. The routes provide an alternative to travelling by road and offer views of cliffs, coves and beaches from the sea. Multiple departures normally operate during the summer season, allowing visitors to combine beaches, coastal walks and nearby towns within a single day trip along the southern Costa Brava coastline.
Official website: https://www.dofijetboats.com/
Santa Maria Church (Església de Santa Maria de Blanes)
The Gothic church of Santa Maria, built in the 14th century, stands in the old town. It features a single nave with chapels and a large rose window. Damaged during the Spanish Civil War, it was later restored. The church represents the town’s medieval heritage and continues to serve as a religious and cultural centre.
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Blanes Promenade
The seafront promenade runs along the beaches, connecting the harbour with Sa Palomera. It contains restaurants, cafés, and leisure facilities. The promenade illustrates the town’s adaptation to modern tourism while retaining views of the port and coastline. It is a focal point of local activity and seasonal events.
Blanes Fishing Port
Blanes maintains an active fishing port, with boats bringing in fresh catches daily. The port reflects the town’s enduring maritime economy. A fish market takes place in the afternoons, where visitors can see traditional trade in action. The fishing port demonstrates how historic livelihoods continue alongside modern tourism.
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Sant Joan Castle (Castell de Sant Joan)
The remains of Sant Joan Castle stand on a hill overlooking Blanes. Dating to the 11th century, it was built for defensive purposes. Its tower provides panoramic views across the coast and inland. Although largely in ruins, the castle illustrates the strategic importance of Blanes in medieval times.
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Blanes Fireworks Competition
Held each July, this international fireworks competition attracts participants from around the world. Displays are launched over the bay, drawing large crowds. The event has been celebrated for decades and is among the most significant cultural festivals in Catalonia. It illustrates how modern events contribute to Blanes’ identity and tourism.
Convent of Blanes (Església de l’Esperança)
This 16th-century convent and church, located near the old town, reflect the town’s religious history. The building preserves simple Renaissance features. Though no longer a monastery, it remains an architectural landmark and part of Blanes’ cultural heritage. It adds to the town’s collection of historic religious sites.
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Cala de Sant Francesc
Approximately 2 km northeast of the town centre, Cala de Sant Francesc is a sheltered sandy cove surrounded by pine-covered slopes and residential hillsides. The beach is smaller and quieter than the central beaches in Blanes and is known for relatively calm water and clear swimming conditions. Access is by road and a short walk down towards the beach. During summer there are basic facilities including restaurants, sunbeds and seasonal watersports.
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Cala Treumal
Situated about 3,5 km from the centre of town between Blanes and Lloret de Mar beside the botanical gardens, Cala Treumal is a compact sandy cove enclosed by rocky headlands and woodland. The sheltered setting helps create calmer water conditions than some of the larger nearby beaches. The beach is popular with families and swimmers and can be reached by road from either Blanes or Lloret de Mar. Coastal walking routes nearby provide access to additional viewpoints and smaller coves.
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Platja Santa Cristina
Located around 4 km northeast of Blanes near Lloret de Mar, Platja Santa Cristina is one of the most attractive larger beaches on this section of coastline. The broad sandy bay is backed by pine woodland and low hills, giving it a more enclosed and natural setting than the urban beaches nearby. The beach is particularly popular with families due to the relatively calm water and protected position. Parking, restaurants and seasonal facilities are available nearby.
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Cala Sa Forcanera
Positioned below the cliffs beneath Marimurtra Botanical Garden, Cala Sa Forcanera is a small rocky bay mainly accessible by boat, kayak or coastal swimming routes. The cove remains less visited than the nearby sandy beaches due to the more difficult access and limited space. The surrounding cliffs and vegetation create a more secluded atmosphere, while the clear water and rocky shoreline attract swimmers and snorkelling enthusiasts during calm weather conditions.
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Platja de S’Abanell
Stretching south of the marina, Platja de S’Abanell forms the longest beach in Blanes and contains wide sandy sections with more open space than the central beach area. The beach extends for several kilometres and is backed mainly by apartment buildings, hotels and a promenade. Due to its size, it generally feels less crowded than smaller coves nearby. Facilities include restaurants, showers, sunbeds and seasonal watersports during the summer season.
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