If you’re looking to escape the buzz of Barcelona for a day, Blanes is the perfect coastal retreat. Just over an hour by train from the city, this charming seaside town marks the gateway to the Costa Brava and offers a quieter, more authentic taste of Catalonia.
Blanes has a laid-back atmosphere that immediately feels like a breath of fresh air, literally. The salty breeze, the sound of waves lapping at the shore, and the slower pace of life here create the kind of day that feels both restorative and inspiring.
I went with my friend for a day, we only had 3 main things that we wanted to do: the botanical garden (of course), walk around the old part and at the end go on a hike (camí de ronda) and eventually enjoy at one of the beaches.
How to get there
I took the train from Plaça Catalunya directly to Blanes ( R1 Blanes). This train also stops at Barcelona-Sants and Arc de triomf. It takes about 1,5 hours to get there with the train, you can buy the tickets at the trainstation. It was about 15 euros for a round trip.
Another way to go to Blanes from Barcelona is by car, it takes about an hour.
Things to do
Wander around
Start your day with a stroll along the palm-lined promenade beside Platja de Blanes, the town’s main beach. It’s wide, clean, and much less crowded than Barcelona’s urban beaches. After a leisurely coffee at a beachfront café, head into the old town—a maze of narrow streets filled with local shops, colorful houses, and small squares where locals gather. It’s worth taking your time here, simply wandering and soaking in the village charm.
If you’re visiting on a Monday, don’t miss the weekly market, where vendors sell everything from seasonal fruit to artisanal goods.
Admire the views at the Botanical Garden
Blanes is home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, Jardí Botànic Marimurtra. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, this botanical garden is a haven of Mediterranean and exotic plants, with breathtaking views over the turquoise waters below. It’s an ideal spot for photography lovers or anyone who just enjoys a moment of peace surrounded by nature.
Founded in the 1920s by Carl Faust, a German botanist and philanthropist, the garden was envisioned as a center for scientific research and botanical study. Today, it houses over 4,000 plant species from around the world, particularly those native to Mediterranean, subtropical, and tropical climates.
What makes Marimurtra special isn’t just the plant diversity, but how beautifully the landscape is designed. Pathways wind through terraced gardens, shady groves, and bright bursts of flowering succulents. One moment you’re admiring a palm tree from South Africa, the next you’re surrounded by cactus species from Mexico, with the sea glimmering below.
Don’t Miss:
- The Linnaeus Temple (Templet de Linnaeus): This iconic white pavilion overlooks the sea and is one of the most photographed spots in the garden. The view from here across the turquoise coves and rugged coast is breathtaking.
Visitor Info:
- Opening Hours: Generally open daily, though hours vary slightly by season (typically 10:00–18:00 in spring/summer). But check their website for more detailed information.
- Entrance Fee: winter season 10 euros, summer season 12 euros.
- Getting There: From Blanes town center, it’s a 20–30 minute uphill walk or a short ride by local taxi.
Hike Camí de Ronda
From the botanical gardens, connect with the Camí de Ronda, a coastal hiking trail that hugs the rugged cliffs of the Costa Brava. The section from Marimurtra toward Cala Sant Francesc is especially scenic. It’s an easy to moderate hike, offering spectacular views of hidden coves, pine-covered hillsides, and the glittering sea.
What to Expect:
- Trail Type: Coastal path, mostly well-maintained stone or dirt trail with some steps and mild inclines.
- Duration: About 20–30 minutes from Marimurtra to Cala Sant Francesc at a relaxed pace.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate—suitable for anyone with basic fitness, though good walking shoes are recommended.
- Scenery: Pine-covered cliffs, dramatic sea views, wildflowers, rocky coves, and occasional lookout points perfect for photos.
Want to Go Further?
The Camí de Ronda is part of the longer GR-92 trail, which runs the length of the Catalan coast. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can extend your route north past Cala Sant Francesc toward Lloret de Mar (though this becomes more rugged and takes several hours), or explore shorter stretches from the beach in either direction.
Enjoy the beach
The beauty of the Camí de Ronda is that it leads you straight to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Cala Sant Francesc, also known as Cala Bona, is a serene cove ideal for a swim and a rest after your hike. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and pine trees, it feels like a little Mediterranean paradise.
Stretch out on the sand, take a dip in the clear water, or just enjoy the sun before heading back toward town.
Travelwithbodien 