This week we’re saying a big beachy hello to Lloret de Mar – the charming coastal town located along the Costa Brava. Home to over 9km of coastline, four Blue Flag beaches and an average of 3000 hours of sunshine per year, this little Spanish town is an absolute corker of a holiday destination. That’s right, we know our stats. The important ones, anyway. If lazy beach days, cocktail-fuelled nights and colourful summer festivals tickle your fancy, then keep reading. Here’s everything you can look forward to on a holiday to Lloret de Mar…
All the beaches
Forget having to lay down a towel at the same spot every day – with five beaches under its belt (9km of coastline), you can take your pick in this coastal town. Lloret Beach is the biggest of the lot, with golden sand stretching for about 1.5km, a variety of watersports to try your hand at, a refreshments kiosk serving drinks and ice cream, and even a mini club to keep the younger guests occupied. If that one’s a bit busy, then Fenals Beach is a great second option – it has most of the same facilities (including the mini club and ice cream) – it’s just a little smaller! For something a bit quieter, we recommend Treumal Beach – a small cove sandwiched between rocky headlands, or Sa Caleta with its sheltered location beneath the iconic D’en Plaja Castle. Instead of being packed with tourists, you’ll find lots of coloured fishing boats along the shore here, which only adds to that authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Clifftop gardens
If you’re all beached out (we can’t relate, but each to their own…) and you fancy an alternative setting for your romantic stroll, then Santa Clotilde Gardens won’t disappoint. Nestled between Boadella Cove and Fenals Beach, these gardens run parallel to the sea, so you can still soak up some pretty amazing views of the Med while you’re exploring. With mythological sculptures, impressively-shaped topiary and staircases brimming with plants to give the effect of waterfalls, these maze-like gardens are like something from a fairytale. Plus, they generally open at around 10am, so it’s the perfect pitstop for a morning walk with your other half.
Underwater adventures
Sometimes exploring every inch of a destination on land just isn’t enough. You need to really…dive beneath the surface. Literally. That’s why some of the quieter coves are the perfect place to grab your snorkel and go for a dip. Cala Banys beach is particularly well known for its various species of rockfish, but there are loads of snorkelling trips available to book in Lloret de Mar – and they accept children as young as six years old, so it’s the perfect family activity! You can either rent equipment or bring your own, and the guides will show you everything you need to know while giving you a bit of background on the area’s marine life. Every day’s a school day.
Summer festivals
Nothing says summer like an open-air festival, and Lloret de Mar is home to one of the best. Lloret Outdoor Summer Festival takes place every year, with free entertainment in the form of tribute acts to some of the best artists around. This little coastal town also offers a variety of lively festivals and activities throughout the year, so look out for circus performances, concerts and dance shows during your stay for a night you won’t forget.
Yummy food
You’re never far from a seafood rice dish, typical of the Costa Brava, with local fish. Of course, if you’re like us and you can’t just pick one dish, then we recommend trying a tapas menu so you can have a bit of everything. There are plenty of tapas restaurants in the resort, and with tasty courses and drinks flowing all night, it’s the perfect romantic setting. You’ll find all kinds of restaurants to explore in the area, from beachfront cafes to fine-dining venues surrounded by pretty gardens. Date night never looked so good.
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