Blanes Holidays

Where the Costa Brava officially begins, Blanes is the chilled-out charmer that's been a favourite with Catalan families for generations. Four kilometres of beaches, one of Europe's best botanical gardens perched on a cliff, and a fireworks competition so legendary it pulls in 150,000 spectators a night. Less hectic than neighbouring Lloret but still brilliantly connected – you've got the best of both worlds here.

Good to Know

☀️ Weather: Hot summers averaging 28°C with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Sea temps hit 24-26°C in peak season – proper swimming weather.

💶 Prices: Around €3-4 for a pint and €12-18 for a seafood rice dish – this is working-class Catalonia, not tourist-trap territory.

🎆 Fun fact: Sa Palomera rock marks the official start of the Costa Brava – climb it at sunset for the best view in town, and in July watch it explode with fireworks.

Highlights

• 🎆 Fireworks capital of Spain – The International Fireworks Competition (23-27 July) draws 150,000 spectators nightly. Five pyrotechnic companies battle it out over Sa Palomera rock. Unmissable.

• 🌺 Marimurtra Botanical Garden – Over 4,000 plant species clinging to cliffs above the Med. The Temple of Linné viewpoint is pure postcards-come-to-life.

• 🏖️ Four kilometres of beaches – From the buzzing main beach to S'Abanell's 2.3km stretch and hidden coves like Cala Sant Francesc surrounded by pines.

• 🏰 Castle views and old town charm – Climb to Sant Joan castle for 360° panoramas, then wander down to watch fishermen auction their catch at the port.

• 🐬 Day trip heaven – Water World (Europe's biggest water park) up the road, Marineland dolphins at your doorstep, Barcelona an hour by train.

Where to Stay

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Blaucel Well-reviewed hotel just 50m from the beach with both indoor and outdoor pools. Nightly entertainment including live music and flamenco keeps the whole family happy. Buffet dining caters for fussy eaters.

Pimar Hotel and Spa 4-star hotel directly on S'Abanell beach – literally 10m from the sand. Spa, gym, outdoor pool, and live entertainment three times a week. Family rooms available, plus video games room for when the kids need a break from the sun.

Stella Maris Peaceful 3-star in the Los Pinos residential area, about 300m from the beach. Outdoor pool with separate kids' pool, sun terrace, and games room with table tennis and billiards. Good value family option.

💑 Couples

Hotel Horitzo Blanes by Pierre & Vacances Right on S'Abanell beach promenade with 110 rooms, many offering sea views from the balcony. Perfect spot for sunset drinks – you can watch the fireworks from your room during competition week if you book early.

Checkin Blanes 4-star hotel 100m from the beach with sea-view and pool-view rooms. Outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, tennis court, and mini golf. The rooftop views are brilliant for a romantic evening.

🏕️ Self-Catering & Apartments

Pierre & Vacances Blanes Playa Studios and apartments sleeping 2-8 guests, just across the street from the beach. Kitchenette with dishwasher, microwave, and hob – perfect for families who want flexibility. Check in at Hotel Horitzo, 5 mins walk.

Europa Apartments Bright apartments 350m from the beach with pool and kids' pool. Full kitchen facilities, furnished terrace, and tour desk at reception for booking day trips to Barcelona and beyond.

Solmar Camping Chalets, apartments, and bungalows with a massive pool complex featuring waterfalls, bridges, and a mushroom shower for kids. Tennis, paddle, football pitch, and a kids' club with daily activities.

⭐ All-Rounders

Esplendid Big 400-room hotel right in the centre of Blanes, 200m from the beach. Indoor pool, outdoor pool with bar, large gardens, and easy access to restaurants and nightlife. Good mix of facilities and location.

Costa Brava Blanes Budget-friendly 2-star option 600m from the beach with outdoor saltwater pool and sun terrace with views. Buffet restaurant, central location near shops and bars. No frills but does the job.

What to Do in Blanes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🌊 Hit S'Abanell Beach – at 2.3km it's the longest in town with plenty of space even on busy days. Calm waters, lifeguards in season, and beach bars for ice cream emergencies.

• 🎢 Day trip to Water World – Europe's biggest water park is just up the road in Lloret. Slides, wave pools, river rapids, and a dedicated kids' island.

• 🐬 Marineland dolphins – Sea lion shows, dolphin displays, and a reptile house. Perfect half-day out for animal-mad kids.

• 🏰 Climb to Sant Joan Castle – the ruin itself is modest but the 360° views are brilliant. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

💑 Couples

• 🌺 Wander Marimurtra Botanical Garden – 16 hectares of exotic plants clinging to cliffs above the sea. The Temple of Linné viewpoint is proper proposal territory.

• 🌅 Sunset at Sa Palomera – climb the rock that marks the start of the Costa Brava. Watch the sky turn pink over the fishing boats. Magic.

• 🍷 Seafood supper at the port – watch the fishermen auction their catch, then eat it an hour later at one of the harbourside restaurants. Fideuà and arroz caldoso are the local specialities.

• 🚶 Coastal path to Cala Sant Francesc – a gorgeous walk through pines to a secluded cove with crystal-clear water. Bring snorkelling gear.

🎉 Groups

• 🎆 Fireworks competition week (late July) – 150,000 people pack the beaches nightly. Book hotels months ahead, claim your spot on the sand early, and prepare to be dazzled.

• 🍺 Bar hop along the promenade – from beach bars to cocktail spots, Blanes has a more relaxed vibe than Lloret but still knows how to have a good time.

• 🚌 Day trip to Barcelona – just over an hour by train. Explore the Gothic Quarter, hit La Boqueria market, catch a Barça match.

• 🚤 Boat trip along the coast – kayak to hidden coves or take a pleasure boat to Tossa de Mar's medieval walls.

🏛️ Culture Vultures

• 🌺 Jardí Botànic Pinya de Rosa – lesser-known than Marimurtra but equally stunning. Impressive cactus and succulent collection from around the world.

• 🏛️ Old town wander – the Palace of the Viscounts of Cabrera, the Gothic fountain on Carrer Ample, and the Santa Maria church all within easy strolling distance.

• 🎣 Watch the fish auction – head to the port in the afternoon when the fishing boats come in. The daily auction is fascinating and very local.

• 🚂 Day trip to Girona – medieval Jewish quarter, cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world, and Game of Thrones filming locations. 40km away.

When to Visit Blanes

☀️ Summer (June–August) | Highs of 28-30°C

Peak season and fireworks time. The International Fireworks Competition (23-27 July 2025, 53rd edition) is the absolute highlight – five nights of 20-minute pyrotechnic displays launched from Sa Palomera rock, drawing 150,000 spectators nightly. This coincides with the Festa Major de Santa Anna (late July), the town's patron saint festival with parades, concerts, and traditional celebrations. Beaches are buzzing, hotels book up months ahead for fireworks week.

🌸 Spring (March–May) | Highs of 15-22°C

Marimurtra is at its most beautiful as Mediterranean plants burst into bloom – the Drosanthemum floribundum turns the Epicurus stairs pink in spring. Perfect weather for hiking the coastal paths and exploring without the crowds. Sant Jordi's Day (23 April) sees book and rose stalls throughout Catalonia. Sea's still cool for swimming but warming up by late May.

🍂 Autumn (September–November) | Highs of 18-25°C

Brilliant shoulder season – sea stays warm into October (around 23°C), beaches empty out, and prices drop. Wine harvest season is perfect for day trips to inland Empordà. The Prawn Festival celebrates Blanes' famous local catch in late September/early October. Quieter for exploring the botanical gardens and old town.

❄️ Winter (December–February) | Highs of 10-15°C

Blanes is properly quiet in winter – many hotels close, but mild temperatures (rarely below 8°C) make it pleasant for walking the coastal paths and visiting Marimurtra without crowds. Christmas markets in Barcelona are an easy day trip, and the Three Kings Parade (5 January) brings festive cheer to the old town. Carnival (late February) has parades before Lent.

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring more of Costa Brava? These brilliant spots are all within easy reach:

• Lloret de Mar – just 10 minutes up the coast, this is Costa Brava's party capital with 5 Blue Flag beaches, Water World aqua park, and 300+ bars and clubs. Brilliant for groups wanting nightlife alongside their sun.

• Malgrat de Mar – next-door neighbour to the south, connected by the coastal promenade. Three beaches, a charming old town with the St Nicolau church, and a more laid-back vibe. Great for families.

• Tossa de Mar – 20 minutes north, this medieval walled town is one of the prettiest on the whole Costa Brava. Cobbled streets, clifftop castle, gorgeous coves. Perfect for a romantic day trip.

• Santa Susanna – 15 minutes south by train, family-friendly resort with long sandy beaches and hotels with kids' clubs and water parks galore.