5 things to do in Lloret de Mar

The Costa Brava is one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations. Located an hour from Barcelona, and not far from the French border, this chain of holiday resorts gets full marks for accessibility, and is renowned for its long sandy beaches and clear blue water.

Last summer, I was fortunate enough to spend a few days in one of the towns on this coast: Lloret de Mar. For a majority of this trip, I was looking after a little French girl (we’d driven down from her home near Toulouse), but whenever I had time off, I would go out to explore my surroundings. Here, then, are five things I enjoyed doing on this short holiday, and which I’d encourage you to do, too, if you ever find yourself in this place.

Go to the beach

Lloret de Mar is right next to the sea, and I’d hazard a guess that the majority of its visitors visit this town for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches. Situated right next to the town centre, the Platja de Lloret De Mar is the longest of these, and a great place to unwind after a morning of sightseeing. A promenade runs along this sandy strip, so if you're not in the mood for a refreshing dip, you can still enjoy the sea from a distance. Look to your left, and see if you can spot the medieval-style Castell d'en Plaja.

Slightly further west, you’ll also find the Platja de Fenals, another popular beach among holidaymakers, thanks to its golden sand and gentle waves. Make sure, after your sunbathing or swimming session, to take a stroll along the coastal path on its lefthand side: you’ll get some lovely views of the glistening blue sea, and you'll be able to find plenty of rocks on which to pose for photographs.

Finally, if you’re willing to walk slightly further from the centre, be sure to check out the Platja de Sa Boadella. Follow the dusty, tree-lined path down from the city to the shore – try to get there on the early side, so you can bag the best spot! – and enjoy a few hours soaking up the sun in this scenic bay.

Wander round the Santa Clotilde Gardens

While you’re in this part of town, be sure to pop into the clifftop Jardines de Santa Clotilde. This Italianate garden is cheap to enter, but priceless in its beauty: one moment you’re standing by an idyllic fountain, edged with shrubs; the next, you’re gazing down at the sea from the top of a staircase lined with mermaid statues. This is the sort of place you’ll want to stay and explore all afternoon, so make sure to pack some snacks, and to take advantage of the fresh water fountains on site.

Visit the Castle of Sant Joan

The Castell de Sant Joan de Lloret de Mar is another of the town’s unmissable sights. Not much remains of this eleventh-century hilltop construction, but it is still possible to climb the tower for fantastic views over the surrounding area. Back on the ground, spend some time wandering around the castle’s old foundations: these rough fragments of brick all that survived a bombardment from the British Navy in the early nineteenth century.

See the Parish Church of Sant Romà

The Iglesia de Sant Romà is perhaps Lloret de Mar’s most iconic building. Originally completed in the early sixteenth century, it has undergone a number of changes over the centuries, such that it is as much an example of modern architecture as it is of the Gothic style. Marvel at the structure’s quirky exterior, then pop inside to see some extraordinary artwork.

Shop till you drop

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, trying to spice up your wardrobe, or just fancy browsing some boutiques, Lloret de Mar is there to satisfy all your shopping needs. It will take you a good few hours to get through all the outlets, so make sure to set aside a whole afternoon for this.

If second-hand goods are more your thing, head to Avinguda del Rieral for the weekly flea market (held on Tuesdays from 9am-1pm). Here, you’ll find a whole array of clothing stands – some offering great quality garments for less than a euro! – as well as stalls overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Book your ticket today!

So there we have it: five things to do in Lloret de Mar. If you’re looking for a town where you can enjoy great beaches, interesting cultural sights, and fantastic shops, this is the place to travel to. Just mind you don’t forget your sunscreen!

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