Playa de Blanes Blanes
Blanes, the gateway to Costa Brava, offers beautiful beaches, stunning botanical gardens, and historic castle ruins, making it a perfect day trip from...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds at gardens
Playa de Blanes Blanes
Best Time
Beat the crowds at gardens
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Blanes, the gateway to Costa Brava, offers beautiful beaches, stunning botanical gardens, and historic castle ruins, making it a perfect day trip from Barcelona.
"Beautiful beach lined with colorful houses and rocky formations."
Bring your own beach gear
Chairs and umbrellas aren't available for rent, so pack your own for comfort .
Explore the coastal paths
Walk the 'Camí de Ronda' for stunning views between Blanes and Lloret de Mar .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa de Blanes
Town center
A long, golden sandy beach with clear, gentle waves and colorful houses lining the promenade.
Jardín Botánico Marimurtra
Coastal cliffs
Europe's most beautiful botanical garden with stunning Mediterranean views and diverse plant species.
Castell de Sant Joan
Hilltop overlooking the bay
Historic castle ruins offering panoramic views of Blanes and the Costa Brava coastline.
Cala de Sant Francesc
Near the botanical garden
A picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by pine trees and residential areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Blanes from Barcelona
Best Time to Visit Blanes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own beach gear
Chairs and umbrellas aren't available for rent, so pack your own for comfort.
Explore the coastal paths
Walk the 'Camí de Ronda' for stunning views between Blanes and Lloret de Mar.
Visit gardens early
Arrive at Jardí Botànic Marimurtra right when they open to avoid crowds.
Enjoy local dining
Plenty of cafes and restaurants near the beach offer great views and Catalan cuisine.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own beach gear
Chairs and umbrellas aren't available for rent, so pack your own for comfort.
Explore the coastal paths
Walk the 'Camí de Ronda' for stunning views between Blanes and Lloret de Mar.
Visit gardens early
Arrive at Jardí Botànic Marimurtra right when they open to avoid crowds.
Enjoy local dining
Plenty of cafes and restaurants near the beach offer great views and Catalan cuisine.
Consider a day trip
Blanes is a popular and easy day trip destination from Barcelona.+2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de Blanes is praised for its beautiful golden sand, clear waters, and picturesque promenade lined with colorful houses. Visitors enjoy the gentle waves and the convenience of being close to town amenities. However, some reviews note issues with trash on the beach, and the lack of rental chairs and umbrellas requires visitors to come prepared.
"Beautiful beach, unfortunately there’s a lot of trash. Gentle waves and clear water"
Rosie Cantara
"Beautiful beach lined with colorful houses and rocky formations. There are no chairs or umbrellas to rent on the beach, so you have to bring your own. But it’s right in town, so there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants near by."
Dasha Elgart
"Gorgeous beach with a stunning view of the cliffs. Lots of boats in the harbour to look at too."
Bethan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train on the R1 line from Plaça Catalunya, taking about 1.5 hours.+2 Buses are also available.
The train ride offers scenic coastal views.
Yes, Blanes is a very popular and accessible day trip from Barcelona, often recommended for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere.+3
The train journey from Barcelona to Blanes typically takes around 1.5 hours.+2
Yes, the R1 line from Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona goes directly to Blanes.
Most travelers recommend the train for its convenience and scenic route.+1 Buses are also an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa de Blanes is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Jardín Botánico Marimurtra. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and opening hours.
Access to the Castell de Sant Joan ruins is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the historical site and enjoy the views.
No, there are no chairs or umbrellas available for rent directly on Playa de Blanes, so it's advisable to bring your own.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Jardín Botánico Marimurtra website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Nature
Playa de Blanes is the main town beach, known for its length and amenities. Other beautiful options include Cala de Sant Francesc and Cala Bona.
Many visitors describe the water in Blanes as clear and crystalline.
One review mentioned trash on the beach, though others highlight clear water and beautiful surroundings.
The Camí de Ronda is a coastal path offering beautiful walks and views, connecting coves between Blanes and Lloret de Mar.
Blanes is home to the Jardín Botánico Marimurtra, featuring thousands of plant species, and offers stunning coastal scenery with cliffs and pine trees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade near Playa de Blanes, offering great views and Catalan cuisine.
One restaurant, @esblancblanes, is highlighted for offering a completely gluten-free menu with beach views.
Expect to find delicious Catalan cuisine, with many beachfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and local dishes.
While the focus is on the gardens, there are usually cafes within or near the botanical gardens for refreshments.
The dining scene is varied, with many options along the beachfront promenade catering to tourists, as well as local eateries in town.
📸 📸 Photography
Key spots include the panoramic views from Castell de Sant Joan, and the colorful houses along Playa de Blanes.
Absolutely! The diverse plant life, stunning sea views, and architectural elements like the gazebo make it a photographer's dream.
You can capture beautiful shots of the golden sand, clear water, boats in the harbor, and the picturesque promenade lined with colorful buildings.+1
The Castell de Sant Joan offers a fantastic vantage point for sunset photos over the town and the Mediterranean Sea.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and gardens, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details in the botanical garden or distant coastal shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Jardín Botánico Marimurtra for an educational and visually stimulating experience. While it requires walking, the diverse plant life and stunning views can captivate younger minds. For a more secluded beach experience, Cala de Sant Francesc offers calm waters and a beautiful natural setting that families can enjoy.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive restaurants, consider grabbing picnic supplies from local markets and enjoying a meal with a view on the beach. Many of the smaller coves, like Cala de Sant Francesc, are free to access and offer beautiful natural scenery without any cost. Exploring the Castell de Sant Joan is also a free activity that provides historical insight and stunning vistas.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capture the vibrant colors of the flowers against the deep blue of the sea.Playa de Blanes itself offers picturesque scenes, from the golden sand and clear waters to the colorful buildings lining the promenade and the boats in the harbor.
Don't miss the charming coves like Cala de Sant Francesc for intimate coastal photography.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Jardín Botánico Marimurtra
Created by Carl Faust, it boasts over 4,000 species of plants from around the globe, meticulously arranged across different zones. The garden's dramatic cliffside location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a truly unique experience.Visitors rave about the garden's beauty and tranquility. The iconic Mediterranean gazebo provides a perfect photo opportunity with its white columns framing the azure sea.
Beyond the plant collections, the garden is a testament to horticultural passion and offers a peaceful escape. It's easily accessible and provides a refreshing contrast to the beach activities, making it a highlight for many visitors to Blanes.
Blanes Beaches: Beyond the Main Strand
It's accessible via car or a scenic walk along the coastal path.Other notable coves include Cala Bona and Cala Treumal, both offering beautiful sandy stretches and clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxation.
These smaller beaches often provide a more intimate experience compared to the main town beach. The Camí de Ronda coastal path connects many of these coves, offering a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and enjoy stunning sea views along the way.Remember that beach amenities like chairs and umbrellas are not readily available on most of these beaches, so it's wise to come prepared with your own gear.
Getting to Blanes: Train vs. Bus
Buses are also an option for reaching Blanes, though they might take slightly longer and offer less direct routes compared to the train.
Upon arrival, Blanes is described as walkable, with its main beach and promenade easily accessible from the town center.
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