Blanes: A Hidden Gem on the Catalan Coast

Blanes Sunny Catalonia on the Mediterranean Sea, with its enticing beaches and picturesque mountain views, is renowned for being one of the major tourist regions in Europe. Many people are familiar with Lloret de Mar, which is located there, but not everyone has heard of the smaller yet truly charming town of Blanes. Blanes is just an hour’s drive from Barcelona and is much less crowded than its neighboring, tourist-packed destinations. Although it is a coastal resort with a history rooted in fishing, Blanes has a lot to offer to tourists as well. I invite you to explore Blanes – don’t overlook this town if you’re in the area.

Table of Contents

1 Marimurtra Botanical Garden
2 Santa María Church – A Historical Landmark
3 Blanes Market
4 Pinya de Rosa Tropical Garden
5 Spanish Castle of St. John – Castillo de San Juan
6 Cala de Sant Francesc – A Beach of Dreams
7 The Extraordinary Casa Saladrigas
8 St. John’s Church
9 Sa Palomera Viewpoint
10 Accommodations in Blanes
11 What to See in Blanes?

Marimurtra Botanical Garden

In reality, this place alone is reason enough to visit Blanes. Located on the coast, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is a place that captivates with its diverse plant life and unique architecture. It houses over 4,000 plant species from all over the world. It’s worth visiting the Marimurtra garden at any time of the year – it’s beautiful even in winter. It’s a perfect spot to visit on your own, with a partner, or with children. If you love places that are easy on the eyes and perfect for a peaceful outing or a small picnic, Marimurtra is the right choice! From the top of the stairs that lead up, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town.

Santa María Church – A Historical Landmark

The Santa María de Blanes church dates back to the 12th century but was reconstructed much later. It now takes the form of a Gothic temple. It’s a treat for history enthusiasts, but not only! This church, somewhat austere on the outside, conceals a truly magnificent interior. The high, arched ceilings and intricate wall paintings will inspire those who want to immerse themselves in the historical charm of Blanes. Inside, you can see how the church looked before and after the renovation – photos are displayed in a modest exhibition.

Blanes Market

A less popular but valuable attraction is the weekly market in Blanes, held on Mondays between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You’ll find nearly a hundred different stalls with local products and souvenirs there. Colorful clothing, bags, and jewelry dominate the market, but you can also buy toys for children, household essentials, and snacks, not to mention fresh fruits you must try. Moreover, a significant portion of the items are handcrafted by local artisans, so the Blanes market doesn’t feature so-called “cheap Chinese goods.” After strolling among the stalls, you’ll undoubtedly have something to gift to your loved ones when you return to Poland.

Pinya de Rosa Tropical Garden

I only learned about this garden after returning to Poland, and I know I have a reason to go back! Palms, cacti, agave, aloe – you’ll see all of these in the Pinya de Rosa tropical garden. Some of the plants there are truly enormous and leave a remarkable impression! Unlike the Marimurtra Botanical Garden, this place mainly features desert-type plants, including the largest cactus collection in Europe. Their various shapes and sheer quantity are truly surprising. Succulents also thrive here. Pinya de Rosa covers an area of 50 hectares! You’ll take memorable photos against the backdrop of exotic plants that thrive in the Catalan climate, and you can also see the coastline from the park’s grounds. It’s worth taking a walk and combining both attractions: the park and the coast.

Spanish Castle of St. John – Castillo de San Juan

Castillo de San Juan is a castle dating back to around the 11th century, located on a hill, or more precisely, its well-preserved ruins. It once served as a strategic defensive point for the city. Due to its location, the castle offers a fantastic view of Blanes and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you might even spot Montjuic Mountain in Barcelona! However, to reach the castle, you should be prepared for a steep climb, which can make the hike somewhat strenuous. Nevertheless, it’s worth taking on this challenge to enjoy these impressive views!

Cala de Sant Francesc – A Beach of Dreams

Crystal-clear blue water, greenery, natural rocks, and fine golden sand – what more could you want? That’s precisely what Cala de Sant Francesc looks like, one of the enchanting but slightly less crowded beaches in Blanes. This place provides the perfect relaxation: there’s a place to eat, and you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, or diving equipment. Showers and restrooms are also available. You can confidently spend an entire day at Cala de Sant Francesc without getting bored or needing to go elsewhere for lunch.

The Extraordinary Casa Saladrigas

Casa Saladrigas is located in the old town at the intersection of three streets. The house was built in 1930 by architect Isidre Puig Boada, who was a student of the famous architectural genius Antoni Gaudí. In 2003, the house was renovated, and it later became a publicly accessible municipal exhibition hall, a role it still serves today. Casa Saladrigas is an interesting tourist attraction and architectural gem in one. Who knows, you might come across an exhibition. The building is exceptionally well-preserved. Visiting this house can be combined with a walk to immerse yourself in the oldest part of Blanes.

St. John’s Church

I’ve already mentioned the Castle of St. John, and now it’s time for the church. It was first mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 13th century. In 1959, the church underwent restoration, during which the roof was renewed: at that time, the artist Maria Teresa Bedós from Blanes painted the frescoes visible inside. It’s for these frescoes that you should visit the church during your stay in Blanes – they surround the figure of John the Baptist located in the center. The church can be visited every Sunday and every year on June 24th, there is a mass during which a traditional cake called “coca de Sant Joan” is served.

Sa Palomera Viewpoint

Sa Palomera is a destination for many tourists, and it’s no wonder! From this point, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea and the town, with the church mentioned earlier towering above. Simply approach the rocks, lean on the railing, and admire the view! In the evening, you’ll witness a spectacular sunset from there.

Accommodations in Blanes

When planning your stay in Blanes, I recommend making your accommodation reservation in advance, especially during the summer season when the town is a popular tourist destination. You’ll find plenty of hotels in Blanes, ranging from luxury to mid-range. If you prefer more space and independence, you can rent an apartment in Blanes. This is a great option for families or groups of friends. You can find the best accommodations in Blanes here or on the map below.

What to See in Blanes?

These completely different but equally fascinating places show that in Blanes – apart from the picture-perfect beaches and various hotels – you can find attractions intriguing enough for a day trip! This is a holiday destination worth considering if you enjoy charming towns and stunning views, and you want to experience Catalonia from a slightly different perspective. Did any of these attractions intrigue you? Have you had the opportunity to see Blanes?