Lloret de Mar, Spain is one of the most visited resorts of the Costa Brava, with its pristine beaches, picturesque landscapes and many interesting sights.
General information
Lloret de Mar is a small resort town, whose population barely reaches 40 thousand people, and the total area is about 50 km². Included in the province of Girona, which is part of the autonomous community of Catalonia. Being one of the most visited resorts on the Spanish coast of the Costa Brava, it attracts tourists of different ages and nationalities. So, in the midst of the summer season, with its noisy parties, laser shows and vibrant dance programs, the apple has nowhere to fall from youth. But as soon as autumn comes, the city of Lloret de Mar is filled with people of a more mature age who come here from different parts of Europe.
Attractions and entertainment
Lloret de Mar is a typical Spanish resort with many different hotels, restaurants and cafes, shopping centers and clubs, bars, souvenir shops, shops and museums. Meanwhile, he has a long and rather interesting history, which left its mark on the life and lifestyle of the local population. And most importantly – in addition to the traditional Old Town, which contains the bulk of historical and architectural monuments, in Lloret there are many natural attractions, familiarity with which is included in the mandatory tourist program.
The Church of St. Roman, located in Piazza de l’Esglesia, can be without exaggeration called one of the most recognizable city buildings. The most beautiful cathedral, erected in 1522 on the site of an old dilapidated church, combines elements of several architectural styles at once – Gothic, Muslim, modernist and Byzantine.
At one time, the Parish Church of Sant Roma was not only the main city temple, but also a reliable refuge from possible attacks or attacks of pirates. In this regard, in addition to traditional church elements, it included powerful fortress walls with loopholes and a drawbridge that ran across a deep moat. Unfortunately, most of these structures were destroyed during the civil war, which swept through the territory of Spain in the 30s. the century before last. The only object that managed to maintain its original appearance was the Holy Communion Chapel, which anyone can visit.
But even despite numerous alterations and reconstructions, the appearance of the parish church of Sant Roma remains as beautiful as it was many years ago. The colorful mosaic adorns church towers and domes, Venetian paintings hanging next to the faces of the saints, the main altar and 2 sculptural compositions created by Enrique Monjo (statue of Christ and the Virgin of Loreto).
Currently, the Parish Church of Sant Roma is an active city temple. You can get into it at any time of the year, but the July holiday of St. Christine is considered the best time to visit. Entrance to the church is free, but each visitor leaves a small donation.
Another interesting attraction of Lloret de Mar in Spain is the old modernist cemetery, located near the beach of Fenals. This open-air necropolis museum has become famous thanks to a great many architectural monuments created by the best representatives of the modernist trend.
The cemetery, divided into 6 sections by shrubby fences, terraces and alleys, was founded by wealthy townspeople who made a fortune by trade with America. On its territory you can see the family crypts, chapels and scripts, decorated with stucco and fine stone carvings. Most objects have plates that indicate the author, date of creation and the style used. Among them there are several works created by the disciples of the great Antonio Gaudi. On the central avenue of Modernist Cemetery is the chapel of St. Cyric, in which masses and services are held.
Work mode:
- November-March: daily from 08:00 to 18:00;
- April-October: from 08:00 to 20:00.
The botanical gardens of Saint Clotilde, located between the beaches of Sa Boadea and Fenals, are a unique architectural and park ensemble, designed by the famous Spanish architect Nicolau Rubio. Entering the list of the best landscape sights of the 20th century, they amaze the imagination with their grace and beauty.
As in the gardens of the Italian Renaissance, the entire territory of the Jardines de Santa Clotilde is divided into several separate zones. In addition to decorative plantings with exotic flowers and picturesque terraces connected by stairways, here you can see a lot of other interesting objects. Among them, open galleries, bronze and marble sculptures, arbors entwined with dense thickets of ivy, as well as small natural grottoes and unusual fountains occupy far from the last place.
Due to the abundance of water and vegetation, it is pleasant to be here even in extreme heat. And if you wish, you can safely have a picnic (officially permitted!) Or climb one of the observation platforms arranged right on the cliff. In 1995, the Gardens of St. Clotilde were recognized as a national treasure of Spain. At present, you can get into them both independently and with an organized tour. The latter are held on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10:30. When buying a ticket, each visitor receives an information booklet (available in Russian).
Work mode:
- April to October: Mon-Fri from 10:00 to 20:00;
- November to January: Mon-Fri from 10:00 to 17:00;
- February to March: Mon-Fri from 10:00 to 18:00.
12/25, 01/01 and 01/06 gardens are closed.
Ticket price:
- Adult – 5 €;
- Preferential (pensioners, students, disabled people) – 2,50 €.
If you don’t know what to see in Lloret de Mar and what to do in between visits to historical sites, head to the Water World. The huge water park located in urban areas is divided into several zones, each of which corresponds to a certain level of difficulty (there is for small children).
In addition to many fascinating attractions, the complex has a relax island with a pool, shower and Jacuzzi.
Hungry visitors can grab a bite to eat at the café, which serves light fare and delicious burgers for € 6. For photo enthusiasts, there is a special apparatus at the entrance to the water park that packs mobile phones in waterproof plastic film. In addition, you can find a gift shop with various themed trinkets and a small boutique selling beachwear and bathing accessories.
The water in the water park is fresh. There are a lot of tourists in the high season, and long queues line up for the most popular attractions, therefore it is better to set aside a separate day for visiting the “Water World”. You can get to the water park on a free bus departing from the city bus station. He walks 2 times per hour.
Work mode:
- May 20 – May 21: daily from 10:00 to 18:00;
- June 1 – June 31: daily from 10:00 to 18:00;
- July 1 – August 31: daily from 10:00 to 19:00;
- September 1 – September 22: daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
The cost of tickets depends on the growth and status of the visitor:
- 120 cm and above – 35 €;
- 80 cm – 120 cm and senior citizens over 65 years old – 20 €;
- Up to 80 cm – for free.
When you visit 2 days in a row you can get a good discount. It is also issued by travel agencies located on the streets of Lloret de Mar. Rental of safe and sunbed is paid separately (5-7 €).
Among the most popular attractions of Lloret de Mar is a small chapel, built in 1376 in honor of the main city patroness. A curious legend is associated with the history of this chapel, according to which a young man who was engaged in grazing goats discovered a sculpture of St. Christina on a cliff.
The wooden statue was immediately transferred to the church, but the very next day it was in its original place. Taking this as a sign from above, the parishioners decided to build a small chapel on the side of the mountain, which later turned into one of the most important religious shrines. Nowadays there is a constant exhibition of miniature ships, retablo, ekvoto and other offerings made for the fulfillment of wishes within its walls.
- Ermita de Santa Cristina is 3.5 km from the center.
- Working hours: Mon-Fri from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Free admission.
The best time to visit is considered to be the period from July 24 to 26, when a solemn procession of pilgrims takes place in the city, ending with folk festivals and fireworks in honor of the patroness Loreta.
Beaches
Looking at the photos of Lloret de Mar in the tourist avenues, it is impossible not to notice its beautiful beaches, awarded the Blue Flag. Being one of the main natural attractions of the resort, they annually attract a huge number of vacationers. Today we will talk only about the most popular.
The length of the Playa de Fenals, located in a small picturesque bay, is just over 700 meters. Its entire territory is covered with clean coarse sand that does not stick to shoes or clothes. The sea here is quiet and absolutely transparent, but the descent to the water is steep, and the depth is already a few meters from the coast. True, there are more gentle plots on this beach, which can be recognized by the abundance of vacationers with children.
A natural shade on the coast provides a dense pine forest, in which you can hide from the scorching midday sun. The main feature of Fenals is the lack of a large number of people and a well-developed infrastructure that promotes good rest. On the territory there are shops, cafes, restaurants, secure parking, kiosks with ice cream, a fitness room, changing rooms, a toilet and showers. There is a diving center and a rental station for various sea transport (catamarans, boats, jet skis, kayaks, etc.). For guests with disabilities, a special ramp is equipped with special bathing chairs. In addition, there is a kids club with animators and free Wi-Fi.
Sunbeds and umbrellas at Playa de Fenals are available for a fee. Activities include water skiing, a cheesecake and a banana, parachuting, as well as aerobics, weightlifting and sports dancing. For this, professional instructors work at the sports ground.
Visit: 5 €.
An equally popular natural attraction of the Lloret de Mar resort in Costa Brava is Cala sa Boadella. The picturesque corner, framed by wooded cliffs, can be tacitly divided into 2 parts. In one of them nudists sunbathe and bathe, in the other – the most motley audience, among which there are both naked and dressed vacationers. If you really want to visit this place, but do not want to watch a similar picture, come in the afternoon – at about 2 p.m.
The length of the Playa Cala Sa Boadella, covered with coarse golden sand, is no more than 250 m. On the territory there are toilets, showers, a bar, a cafe, a rental lounge and a guarded parking lot. There is a bathing area for children, but no paths for baby strollers. In a wheelchair, you can’t get here either, because the road to the coast runs through the forest.
Visit: free.
Platja de Lloret is the main city beach located in the central part of the coast. Despite the long (more than 1.5 km) and fairly wide (about 24 m) coastline, finding a “free corner” here can be quite difficult. Lloret is covered with coarse sand. Entry into the water is relatively gentle, but the depth grows very quickly, and the bottom almost immediately turns into a cliff.
The beach infrastructure is represented by various catering establishments, its own bakery, rental point for sun loungers, umbrellas and sunbeds, changing cabins, toilets and showers. There is a first-aid post and a rescue service, there are tables for changing diapers. Throughout the territory it catches Wi-Fi, there is a children’s center with animators.
In addition to traditional water activities, vacationers are offered boat trips on a boat or yacht. Sports and playgrounds are equipped for the youngest visitors. Free car parking is available nearby.
Visit: free.
Playa de Santa Cristina, whose length is about 450 m, is popular not only among tourists, but also among the local population. Coverage – fine sand, shallow entry into the sea, the bottom is soft and sandy. Depth grows fast enough, strong waves and wind are quite rare.
In addition to traditional beach infrastructure, Santa Cristina has a tennis court and sports field. The rescue service is on duty throughout the day, and there is an equipped parking lot near the coast. A narrow path leads to the chapel of the same name.
Visit: free.
Accommodation
Despite its compact size, Lloret de Mar (Spain Costa Brava) offers a wide selection of housing designed for both fashionable and budget holidays. At the same time, the area of residence, in principle, does not matter much, because one way or another you will still find yourself next to one or another beach.
It should also be noted that Lloret is considered a relatively inexpensive resort, so there are always a lot of young people, and with it all the associated entertainment. On the one hand, this is good, on the other – in the city center, even at night it is never absolutely quiet.
As for this or that beach, accommodation on each of them has its own characteristics. So, on Avinguda de Just Marlès Vilarrodona, located next to Platja de Lloret, you can find not only hotels of different classes, but also a huge number of bars, clubs, discos and other entertainment venues. In addition, at the end of the same street there is a local bus station from which you can leave for neighboring cities (Barcelona and Girona). Platja de Fenals is perfect for those who are looking for a more peaceful place. It is located at a distance from popular entertainment venues and offers a quiet family vacation.
If we talk about prices, accommodation in a 3 * hotel is from 40 to 80 € per day, while the cost of a double room in a 5 * hotel starts from 95 € for the same period. Prices are for summer.
Weather and climate – when is it better to come?
The seaside resort of Lloret de Mar is located in the subtropical Mediterranean zone, which is characterized by a mild and pleasant climate. The mountains surrounding the city from almost all sides protect its bays from strong winds and provide excellent conditions for recreation. Moreover, Lloret de Mar is considered one of the coolest resorts in Spain. The air temperature in the high season, lasting from early May to mid-October, rarely rises above + 25 … + 28 ° C, and even those are much easier to tolerate than in other latitudes. As for the water temperature, it warms up to + 23 … + 25 ° C at this time.
August can be called the hottest summer month, and June is the rainiest June – at least 10 days are allocated for precipitation during this period, but even then no significant cooling in Lloret de Mar is observed. With the onset of July, the number of rainy days gradually decreases, and breezes form on the entire Costa Brava, which are the dream of any surfer.
With the advent of winter, the air temperature drops to + 10 ° C, and the water cools to + 13 ° C. However, in the low season in Lloret de Mar there is something to do – this is the best time for sightseeing tourism.
How to get from Barcelona?
There are 2 ways to get from the Catalan capital to the famous resort town. Let’s consider each of them.
The Barcelona-Lloret de Mar shuttle bus, departing from T1 and T2, makes several flights per day. It takes about 2 hours to get to the resort center. One way ticket costs 13 €.
You can take a taxi right at the exit of the terminal. Their services cost not cheap – about 150 €. However, if you take the maximum number of travel companions, you can save some money on travel.
Prices on the page are for November 2019.
Interesting Facts
The history of the resort of Lloret de Mar (Spain) has many interesting facts. Here are just a few of them:
- On the cliff near the central city beach, you can see the bronze sculpture “The Wife of a Sailor”, installed in 1966 for the millennial anniversary of Lloret de Mar. They say that if you look in the same direction as Dona marinera, touch her foot and make a wish, then it will come true.
- There are 2 versions of where the name of this city came from. According to one of them, the old Spanish word “cry” formed its basis (it turns out that the inhabitants of Lloret are crying by the sea), but by the second, a laurel tree gave its name to this settlement, which became its main symbol. Today, small columns with the image of the laurel are installed on almost every street.
- One of the most famous local dances is les almorratxes, a fidelity dance, during which men present clay jugs to a lady, and they forcefully smash them on the ground.
- The city is growing so fast that its merger with neighboring Blanes remains only a matter of time.
Prices in shops and cafes in the resort of Lloret de Mar:
