Spainfo: Be surprised by… Lloret de Mar!
Like many others, when I heard the name Lloret de Mar, I thought mostly of nightclubs, discotheques and party-going youngsters sleeping off their hangovers on the beach. Until I came back by accident, more than 25 years after my first visit. Under very different circumstances, admittedly. Because this time I did not stay in the centre, in a cheap hotel with saggy beds and mouldy sanitary ware, but I explored the area from a luxury holiday villa, located in the surrounding green mountains. At first, I wondered about the many families with young children who populated the boulevard, the beach and the terraces and who were apparently enjoying themselves. But at the end of my holiday, I was sold: in this central town on the Costa Brava, young and old can have a fantastic holiday! Read on and let yourself be surprised!
Beach hopping. What could be more adventurous than discovering a different beach every day? In addition to its large, sandy beach, Lloret de Mar offers many smaller beaches that you should definitely visit. Take for example the beach of Canyelles, 3 kilometres east of the centre. While your children can’t seem to get enough of splashing about in the clear seawater and clambering on the rocks, the two of you enjoy a glass of sangria on a terrace. Do you like water sports? Then visit Fenals beach, west of the centre. Here you will find cosy catering establishments and various water sports. Do you think pedal boats are for cissies? Then parasailing is something for you! A little further on, in the middle of the greenery, is the small but certainly no less fine Sa Boadella beach. You won’t get sand blown in your face here, because thanks to the two rock walls that enclose the beach, it is very pleasant to linger here even on windy days! On Santa Cristina beach, you’ll imagine yourself in paradise. This beautiful, child-friendly beach provides you with all the ingredients for a wonderful day of relaxation. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel!
Water fun in Water World and Marineland. Anyone visiting Lloret de Mar with children will not go home before spending a day at the gigantic Water World water fun park. Screaming with pleasure down into the X-Treme Mountain, at 60 kilometres per hour from the almost 80-metre-high Kamikazes; an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Fortunately, you can always retreat to Kiddie Island, the water playground for the little ones and not-so-brave parents!
Marineland Catalunya, located between Blanes and Malgrat de Mar, is also a must. Enjoy the shows with dolphins and sea lions, and marvel at the colourful, exotic birds. Have you started feeling hot? Then just take off your clothes and slide!
Fantastic flora. A visit to the Santa Clotilde Gardens makes a nice change. These historic botanical gardens, located on a cliff, were constructed in 1919 on behalf of a well-to-do marquis with a passion for botany. Walk the paths, admire the natural beauty, the springs, statues, fountains and ponds, and enjoy the serene silence and the breathtaking view of the sea. You will feel completely ‘Zen’ on your return – guaranteed!
Walking passion. Are you fit enough for a brisk walk? Then exchange your flip-flops for running shoes and climb the paths and steps to Castell d’en Plaja, located on the small bay of Sa Caleta. The castle is private property; you can’t go inside. But the beautiful view makes up for everything else! Fancy some more miles? Walk to the atmospheric Tossa de Mar and take a boat trip back. Or walk in a southerly direction along the large beach to Cala Banys, where you can see the fairy-tale Castell de Sant Joan between the pine trees. Via the small bay of Sa Caravera and Fenals, you can walk straight to Blanes. There are always more walks to discover here!
Lively Lloret. If, after all these activities, you are still buzzing with energy, then you are in the right place of course here in Lloret de Mar. From disco party to pool party, it’s one big party here. St. Trop’ is the largest club; Tropics is the most well-known. Go crazy at the performances of Afrojack and Sean Paul, or get sprayed with paint during the weekly Neon Splash Party.
Are large crowds not your scene? Then settle down in one of the smaller cafés, like The Box or Cooldown. Choice aplenty!
Excellent base. Lastly, Lloret de Mar is the perfect base from which to make a day trip to the historic town of Gerona or the vibrant city of Barcelona. I will tell you more about this next time.
Interested? Then take a look at our video here and get ‘in the mood’ completely!
Are you also pleasantly surprised, as I was, by what Lloret de Mar has to offer? And would you also like to discover this lively city at your leisure from a comfortable holiday hideaway? Then look here for a luxury villa with private pool.
We are interested in your experience of Lloret de Mar. Do you have any tips to share? Leave your reaction here.