Blanes, the Portal of the Costa Brava

Blanes is a beautiful Catalan coastal town located just 70 kilometers from Barcelona, also named the Portal of the Costa Brava, because it serves as an entrance to the Costa Brava from its southernmost part.  

The municipality of Blanes, in which 40,000 inhabitants reside, has a magnificent location, since it is located halfway between the border with France and Barcelona. The latter is known for being one of the most popular international destinations thanks to its incomparable architecture and its unique cosmopolitan style, among many other incentives. It is not surprising that Blanes has become one of the most coveted destinations when it comes to  buying a second residence on the Costa Brava.     

Despite its growth in recent decades, Blanes preserves its character and essence as a Mediterranean fishing village intact. Located in a privileged landscape environment surrounded by the sea and the mountains, it has multiple attractions that are well worth a visit and is one of the most important tourist spots in Catalonia. Likewise, Blanes was the first town on the Costa Brava to obtain the certification as a Family Tourism Destination (DTF), thanks to the quality and diversity of the offer, having everything necessary to live a perfect family vacation .       

The relationship of the villa with the sea is notorious, and the visitor will be able to perceive it from the first moment that they arrive at the extensive promenade of Blanes, the heart of the city and a starting point to enter and discover its charms. In the streets of the old town there are more than a dozen modernist historical buildings that have remained standing and evoke past times, preserving the legacy of the local people from Blanes who emmigrated to the Americas during the 19th century.

There is an official route to learn more about the history and legends that lie behind these buildings strategically located around the seafaring population. It is especially worth also going up to the castle of San Juan, the highest point in Blanes, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastline and the rest of the municipality. On clear days you can even admire the top of the Montjuic mountain in Barcelona.  

Blanes beaches, fun for everyone

One of the main claims of Blanes is, undoubtedly, its extraordinary beaches. The quality of its crystalline turquoise waters invites you to take a dip and enjoy unforgettable days under the sun in the Girona region of La Selva. On the four kilometers of coastline in the municipality of Blanes, there are something for everyone. The beaches are made up of golden sand, rocks, extensive, more collected between vertiginous cliffs, hidden coves, family, nudists ... 

Blanes beach and s'Abanell beach are the most popular and  busy due in part to its proximity to the historic center, and have the advantage of an easy access, since you can park in the same parking lot next to the promenade. Both are made up of fine sand and ideal to go with children and have all the possible services such as hammocks, umbrellas or public showers. Numerous aquatic activities can be practiced and in its outskirts there is a varied complementary offer of bars and restaurants. 

Between the two sandbanks is located Sa Palomera, an imposing islet that juts out into the sea and represents the beginning of the Costa Brava. It is a must see, and the views of Blanes and its surroundings from the viewpoint enabled are spectacular. From there, you can see the fishing boats, as well as several symbolic monuments. In addition, the emblematic Festival of Blanes and the International Fireworks Competition of the Costa Brava take place here every year. They are popularly called Focs de Blanes, one of the most famous in Europe.   

For those who prefer a little more secluded corners where to fully enjoy the disconnection and nature by the sea, there are also attractive beaches very close to the town of Blanes like Punta Cala de Santa Anna, Cala de Sant Francesc and Cala Treumal.     

Thanks to its incredible beaches, pleasant climate and its exquisite quality of life, more and more visitors, after enjoying their holidays in this Catalan municipality, are considering the option of buying a property for sale in Blanes.

The Marimurtra botanical garden, one of the essential places in Blanes

Leaving Blanes without visiting the wonderful Marimurtra botanical garden would be a big mistake. Founded in 1920 by the German humanist Karl Faust, and with an extension of approximately 16 hectares, it welcomes more than 4,000 plant species from the five continents and has been awarded as the best Mediterranean garden in Europe.

It has an unbeatable location on top of a cliff facing the sea that provide wonderful views to the thousands of travelers who visit it each year. French and British tourists, who have historically been great fans of botany and gardens in particular, warn that this open-air natural museum is a must-see. Its incalculable natural value serves as a source of inspiration for naturalists from all corners of the world and important research projects are carried out here to protect different species that are in danger of extinction.

How to access Blanes?

How to get to Blanes by plane: The closest international airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), located just 30 km away.  

Another option is to access through Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), with more air frequencies from multiple destinations and located 86 km from Blanes. 

For those who want to travel from France, Perpignan- Rivesaltes Airport (PGF) is the best alternative. It is located 139 km away. 

How to get to Blanes by car or train from Barcelona: There are two options to access from Barcelona by car and both have an approximate duration of 1 hour. One of them is through the AP-7 toll motorway, and the other is through the C-32 motorway that runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast.  

The commuter train journey from Barcelona Sants station to Blanes train station has approximately 15 daily frequencies and lasts 1 hour and 19 minutes.

How to get to Blanes from France : From the French city of Perpignan, the best way to get to Blanes by car is via the Mediterranean Highway (AP-7). The distance between both cities is 135 km (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel). 

It can also be accessed by train, but the traveler must change at the Girona station (41 minutes) or Barcelona - Sants (1 hour and 22 minutes).

Do you want to buy a property in Blanes to spend a few months of holidays during the year or to settle there permanently? Please contact our real estate agency in Blanes and we will help you find the apartment, house or villa of your dreams.