Summary of Attractions
Just half an hour from Girona Airport, Lloret de Mar is one of the most economical and accessible holiday resorts on the Costa Brava. Visitors are drawn by the Blue Flag beaches, which are undoubtedly top-tier: They vary from the vibrant sandy bay adjacent to the resort’s apartment complexes to serene and less frequented coves accessible only via coastal pathways.
Families will appreciate Lloret for its excellent amenities and attractions, which include a water park, an expansive adventure playground, and numerous innovative excursions and activities available nearby.
Let us delve into the best activities to partake in Lloret de Mar:
1. Lloret Beach
The perfect remedy for a long night is a few hours of relaxation under a parasol, coupled with occasional refreshing dips in the sea.
Adjacent to the most bustling section of the resort, Lloret Beach allows for ample relaxation on its fine golden sands, providing more than enough space to create your own comfortable spot.
If energy permits, various water activities are available at the far end near the headland. Furthermore, should you feel hungry, crossing the road offers an extensive selection of cafes and eateries.
2. Fenals Beach
Separated from Lloret Beach by a headland adorned with pines, Fenals Beach stretches 700 meters and offers a slightly smaller yet notably less commercialized atmosphere.
At the upper edge, a modest cluster of apartments houses bars and restaurants, but as one progresses downward, the scenery becomes increasingly natural.
Eventually, at the lower end, one is surrounded solely by a lush green canopy and the delicate pines behind.
While Lloret caters to youthful revelers, Fenals Beach serves families and couples seeking increased privacy while still having good amenities within reach.
3. Water World
No genuine family resort would be complete without a water park, and Lloret de Mar’s facility is notably expansive.
Parents who are tasked with lounging on a sunbed for the day will find comfort in the park’s beautiful surroundings, featuring palm trees and mature pines, complemented by lush grass that surrounds every pool and slide.
With 20 rides and pools to choose from, thrill-seekers will particularly enjoy the Kamikaze, a heart-pounding slide that reaches 77 meters in height and speeds nearing 40 mph.
4. Santa Clotilde Gardens
You may find respite by leisurely wandering through these cliffside gardens adjacent to Fenals Beach. Almost a century old, they were designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí.
The gardens feature staircases embellished with marble sculptures and flanked by cypress trees fashioned into slender columns. Hedges are meticulously trimmed to right angles, and at intervals, one is treated to expansive views of the Mediterranean.
5. Parish Church of Sant Romà
This vibrantly adorned church is hard to overlook. The original structure dates back to the 15th century and exhibits Catalan Gothic architecture, as evidenced by the stunning vaulting within the nave.
The exterior underwent significant renovations in the early 20th century, which included the application of bright-colored tiles on the spires and domes.
Additionally, lower sections of the church were designed with a combination of neo-Mudéjar horseshoe arches and contrasting stripes utilizing Catalan Modernist tiles, resulting in a distinctive appearance.
6. Santa Cristina Hermitage
One means of reaching this remote hermitage is by boat, departing from the resort’s beachfront and navigating along the coast before docking at Santa Cristina beach.
After disembarking, one may ascend to this tranquil 14th-century chapel, nestled within a pine forest. An alternative option is to walk. On the feast day of St. Cristina, July 24th, a large contingent of Lloret’s residents often makes this pilgrimage along the coast to visit the shrine.
The local Catholic Fisherman’s Brotherhood traditionally prepares a fish stew in her honor beneath a large pine tree at this location.
7. Castell d’en Plaja
Situated at one end of Lloret Beach, this mansion was constructed by local industrialist Narcís Plaja during the 1930s and 40s. His inclination for medieval design is evident, for the building boasts turrets and crenellated walls reminiscent of a fairytale.
One might almost expect to see Rapunzel letting her hair down from one of the towers! Although entry to the building is prohibited, many visitors trek up the steep path to the top of the headland for breathtaking panoramic views of the resort.
8. Modernist Cemetery
An extension of art nouveau, the Catalan Modernism movement flourished at the turn of the 20th century, providing towns and cities with architecture that is truly unique.
This is certainly true of Lloret’s Modernist Cemetery, which opened in 1901. Some of the movement’s most prominent figures were responsible for the mausoleums, shrines, and monuments here, including Josep Puig i Cadafalch, whose works are treasured throughout Catalonia.
The cemetery boasts contributions from Indianos, the descendants of entrepreneurs and traders who amassed fortunes in the New World.
9. Gnomo Park
Lloret de Mar distinguishes itself as a family-friendly destination, evidenced by its abundant attractions for children. Gnomo Park further enhances this appeal, serving as an active outdoor amusement park designed for children up to 12 years of age.
There is a plethora of activities available: Young adventurers will relish the climbing zones, ball pit, craft workshops, and cartoon screenings. Older children can engage in the obstacle course, arcade games, and organized adventure tours.
For adult attendees, participating in a round of mini-golf at the landscaped course through the forest is an option.
10. Puig de Castellet Iberian Ruins
Dating back 2,300 years, these ruins possess both historical significance and offer breathtaking views of Lloret and Blanes from the hills behind.
Puig de Castellet rises 200 meters above sea level, located a couple of kilometers inland from the coast. For those willing to undertake the hike, a well-marked trail leads to the site, however, many choose to take a bus to the summit during summer months.
Upon reaching an elevated boardwalk, visitors can view the intricate foundations of a fort constructed in this strategically significant location during the 3rd century. These structures were abandoned during the Punic War a century later and remained hidden until their discovery in 1943.
11. Water sports
There is a prominent water sports center located on Lloret beach, making it incredibly convenient to try any sea-based activity you may have always wanted to explore.
Guided kayaking tours are available to provide a closer encounter with Lloret’s rugged coastline, offering memorable views framed by the evergreen mountains. Snorkeling excursions are also organized from this beach.
During these tours, participants venture to the headlands adjacent to each of Lloret’s main beaches, where caves and sheltered coves boast crystal-clear waters perfect for observing marine wildlife.
12. Nightlife
Lloret de Mar attracts numerous tourists from the UK and Northern Europe, resulting in a plethora of pubs and bars reminiscent of those found back home.
Summer months can be rather lively, but local authorities maintain strict control over unruly individuals. For those seeking a more elevated experience, various clubs such as Londoner, Colossos, Moef Gaga, and Tropics are available.
Alternatively, for individuals desiring a more tranquil evening, sampling Catalan wines and cava at a bodega, complemented by delectable tapas, is highly recommended.
13. Country walks
One remarkable aspect of the Costa Brava is the way rugged limestone mountains meet the coast.
A serene stroll through the Mediterranean landscape, passing through pine and holm oak forests, is a must for any traveler.
For visitors in spring or autumn, the trail leading to the Iberian settlement of Montbarbat is a five-hour excursion worth undertaking. Additionally, long-distance trails along the coast, such as the GR92TR11 leading to Tossa de Mar, are also available, extending approximately three hours away.
14. Girona
Devote a day to fully appreciate this stunning city located half an hour to the north. It is unfortunate that many individuals flying into the Costa Brava utilize Girona’s airport without taking the time to explore its medieval Jewish Quarter or walk along the intact defensive walls.
Additionally, the iconic postcard view of Girona features the Onyar River, where a charming assortment of painted houses vie for space next to the water.
The city’s churches are also remarkable, with the Collegiate Church of Sant Feliu being particularly noteworthy due to its striking spire.
15. Tossa de Mar
Located just a short distance up the coast, Tossa de Mar is another excellent resort. The beaches here are undeniably appealing, but the real highlight is the Vila Vella, a waterfront citadel situated to the west of the main beach.
This is a rare sight in Spain, where most coastal fortifications have long been dismantled. Within these 14th-century walls lies an entire neighborhood, complete with towers and battlements.
As visitors wander these winding streets, intriguing sights, be it Roman relics, the remains of an early Christian church, or captivating views over the pine-fringed coast, abound.
If the landscape seems familiar, it may be due to scenes from season 6 of Game of Thrones being filmed here.
