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Blanes, Spain: Gateway to the Costa Brava
More articles on this topic: While popular with Spanish and international holidaymakers, Blanes is more relaxing than its touristy neighbors to the north, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar.
The resort’s 4 kilometers of wide, golden-sanded beaches are popular, yet not overcrowded.
Blanes is where it all begins. The Costa Brava starts at Sa Palomera, a rocky promentory halfway long the beach and continues north all the way the France.
Once used for shelter by the town’s fishing fleet, the promontory has the remains of an old fire-tower – a primitive lighthouse – at its summit and is still lit up by fire each year during the Costa Brava’s international fireworks contest in July.
Climb on to Sa Palomera, passing the fishing boats which are washed up on the shingle beach, for some of the best views of Blanes.
South of here the beach stretches on, as far as the eye can see, passing hotels, campsites and the mouth of the river Tordera at the start of the Costa Marema.
To the north, a wide promenade with gardens, play areas and restaurant tables on the street leads around to the town’s attractive, and still busy, fishing harbour.
Blanes is still a working fishing port, where the arrival of the fleet each evening is followed by an animated auction in the fish market – you can witch it all happening from the upstairs bar.
Fishermen mend their nets, old men sit on the sea walls and the sailors’ chapel of Nostra Senyora de L’Esperança is adorned with nautical themes.
Blanes may be one of the Costa Brava’s largest resorts, but with a population of more than 20,000 it has managed to absorb the tourists without losing its soul.
The Old town, just behind the seafront, has survived almost unscathed, with Gothic chuches, medieval houses, fountains, shrines and a lively daily produce market.
Out of season this is a real Catalan town, best experiences during the sunset promenade when everyone from grandmothers to tiny children put on their best clothes and stroll to the sea.
- The AA Essential Guide to the Costa Brava
Blanes offers miles of easy-to-reach clean, sandy beaches as well as beautiful coves nestled among the magnificent rock formations characteristic of the Costa Brava.
Though the beach front has over the past few decades been tranformed by high-rise buildings, the downtown area – found just a block from the beach – still reflects Blanes’ origins as a fishing village and ship-building center. It features characteristic buildings, shops, restaurants and tapas cafes.
To-date, Blanes still derives much of its income from its fish auction. If it’s fresh sea-food you like, you’ll enjoy watching the local fishing fleet return to harbor, seeing the fish auctioned, and eating the catch of the day at one of the harbor-front restaurants.
Speaking about food, from early in the morning untill late at night you can dine at one of the many eateries and restaurants that line Blanes’ beach-front promenade. Lined with palm trees and benches, this is a great place relax and gaze out over the ocean. At night you’ll find the locals doing just that. Or you might find them dancing the traditional Sardana to the tunes of live music.
On Monday mornings, this boulevard is transformed into the district’s largest outdoor general goods and clothes market – a great place to find souvenirs and bargains. Keep an eye out for specialty markets near the end of the promenade closests to the port. It features the work of local artisans, baked goods, meats, souvenirs and/or fashion items.
In addition Blanes’ vibrant shopping district offers a wide variety of restaurants with both local and international dishes.
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