Lloret de Mar is a popular coastal vacation destination on the rugged Costa Brava coast of Spain. Approximately halfway between Barcelona and the French border, it’s one of the Mediterranean’s most popular resorts – a diversified fusion of beach town chaos and nightlife with nature, history, and stunning sea views. Its history dates back to 300 B.C. and climate ranges between humid subtropical and coastal Mediterranean.
Lloret de Mar is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona – driving from Barcelona to Lloret de Mar takes only about one hour.
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Lloret de Mar things to do:
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1. Lloret Beach
Once a fishing village, Lloret de Mar is now known for its crystal blue Mediterranean beaches, the longest (approximately one mile) and most popular of which is Lloret Beach. The beach has consistently been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
The golden shore is lined with lots of shops, restaurants, and beach bars where you can stop in for some tapas or sangria. You can chill out under an umbrella or take part in water sports such as tubing, kayaking or parasailing.
At the end of Lloret Beach is the bronze Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife sculpture. Erected in 1966 to commemorate Lloret de Mar’s Millennium, legend states that touching the sculpture’s foot while looking out at the horizon will make your wishes come true.
If you walk south from Lloret Beach you’ll run right into Fenals beach, which is a little less busy.
2. Santa Cristina Beach
Away from the city is the small, calm beach of Santa Cristina. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend time on the prettiest beach in Lloret de Mar, this is where to go.
I stayed at Hotel Santa Marta which was right on Santa Cristina Beach. The views I had from my room were stunning, and the beach was just steps away. It’s a small, boutique hotel with not a lot of rooms, so click here to find availability!
3. Hiking the Coast
More of a walk than a hike, the coastal footpath from Lloret Beach to Fenals Beach is crammed with such visually-stunning scenery, that I can’t recommend more highly.
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a six-mile trail from Santa Cristina Beach to Canyelles Beach. For a more challenging hike, head inland to the well-marked GR92 and hike through forests and past isolated hermitages.
4. Castell d’en Plaja
Castell d’en Plaja is nestled at the top of a hill on the north end of Lloret Beach. Built between 1930 and 1940 as a mansion for local industrialist Narcís Plaja, the fairytale castle was designed with medieval architecture.
You can’t go inside the castle, but the steep walk up to the castle provides some of the best ocean views in the region.
5. Lloret Center
A bit touristy but still fun is Lloret Center, just steps from the beach.
Note to self: put credit card down before taking photos
You can find all sorts of souvenirs here, and of course, some must-have gelato.
6. Iglesia de Sant Roma
Spectacular Iglesia de Sant Romà church, right in the heart of Lloret Center, provides examples of both Catalan Gothic and modernist architecture and is one of the main sights of the city. Built in the 15th-century, you can’t miss the colorful dome roof (redecorated in the 20th-century) and Byzantine architecture of this still-operational church.
7. Puig de Castellet
Looking down on the city, the ancient ruined fort of Puig de Castellet date back some 2,300 years. The Iberian fort was built in the 3rd century by the first people who lived in Lloret de Mar. The ruins, built in a strategic spot with a commanding view of the area from the Tordera estuary to the Lloret coastline, remained hidden until 1943.
8. Santa Clotilde Gardens
Santa Clotilde Gardens is the perfect place for a peaceful respite. The 100-year-old romantic, lush gardens are located on top of a cliff and feature a staircase with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Just west of Fenals beach, the park was designed with symmetry in Italian Renaissance style by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri as sort of an anti-Gaudi movement (unusual for the times). You’ll enjoy strolling through the square with beautifully kept greenery, exotic plants and flowers, orange and cypress trees, fountains, and intricate marble sculptures of mermaids.
9. Modernist Cemetery
Surprisingly, the Modernist Cemetery is a popular tourist attraction. Designed and built during the Catalan Modernism movement, this extravagant cemetery full of tombs, mausoleums, and crypts reminiscent of Anton Gaudi’s architecture as well as Art Nouveau style. The cemetery is both a museum and a resting place.
10. Tapas
You can find everything on the seafront. Tapas with ham, local artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, and traditional tomato bread are abundant, as well as tourist favorite paella.
Oh, and don’t forget to try the cava, the Spanish equivalent of France’s champagne!
Looking for more things to do in Spain?
Snorkel the Medes Islands? Why You Should Try This Chilly Experience
L’Estartit: Spain’s Best Kept Secret
Barcelona Landmarks: Things to Do in Barcelona
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About the Author
Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials.” Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled six continents looking for places and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer (and Gen X!) tribe.
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