A visit to Llafranc, a glamorous destination on the Costa Brava

Llafranc, a chic and traditional destination par excellence

Llafranc is a small town with a relaxed atmosphere located in the heart of the Costa Brava , in the Baix Empordà region of Girona . Together with the neighboring towns of Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu , they form the coastal nuclei of the municipality of Palafrugell, important and historical tourist destinations on the Catalan coast, which retain intact all their charm and extraordinary scenic beauty.

The main attraction of Llafranc is its wonderful bay , where a large number of recreational boats and fishermen rest anchored in front of its spectacular beach of fine sand and crystal clear water. In front of the Paseo Marítimo de Llafranc , which has a wide range of restaurants, there is also a yacht club with a capacity for more than 140 moorings , making the town an attractive maritime enclave.

With a census population of no more than 300 inhabitants , Llafranc welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world every year , especially during the summer months. Most visitors come from the metropolitan area of Barcelona and European countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom, although in recent years there has also been an increase in the number of travelers arriving from the United States. The city of Barcelona is located 130 kilometers away and the border with France is only 80 kilometers away.

Glamorous destination in the 60's

This beautiful village of seafaring tradition began to receive the first tourists in the mid-30s. Many of the hotels in the area, which have been run for several generations, began their business as taverns where they served fresh fish of the day. The exquisite and quality treatment they offered to customers led them to expand their facilities and decided to start hosting diners. The result was so successful that they still have a loyal clientele, which year after year repeats holidays in this wonderful Mediterranean setting.

However, it was not until the late 50s and early 60s, when Llafranc became one of the most glamorous destinations on the cultural and social scene internationally . Consecrated Hollywood stars of the time such as Kirk Douglas, Liz Taylor, Sofia Loren , Rock Hudson and Ava Gardner , among many others, who came to shoot in Spain, fell in love with the charms of the town.

One of the main forerunners of the arrival of rich and famous people in Llafranc was the charismatic and eccentric businessman, Manuel Bisbe , who together with his two brothers founded the legendary Hotel Llafranc . A great friend of the famous surrealist painter, Salvador Dalí , and nicknamed " The Gypsy of the Costa Brava " by the most universal Catalan dancer, Cristina Amaya, he managed to make his establishment a little more than a hotel.

The celebration and fun until the wee hours of the morning during the summers of Llafranc they topped the front pages of newspapers. In addition to the well-known American film figures, they were also regulars of prestigious Spanish music artists such as Paco de Lucía, Joan Manuel Serrat, Lola Flores and Manolo Escobar , giving a cosmopolitan, sophisticated and universal character to the population that still endures.

Real estate market in Llafranc

Everyone who visits Llafranc for the first time runs the sweet risk of wanting to stay and live here for the rest of their days. It is one of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava and the offer of real estate is very varied. Luxury villas predominate , some almost 100 years old, although there is also an extensive range of multi-family homes .

The area is highly valued for the elegance and quality of life that brings together this idyllic place located between the sea and the mountains. Buying a house in Llafranc is the desire of all those who want to live a unique experience next to the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the tradition and modernity offered by the population.

What to see and visit in Llafranc

One of the essential visits in Llafranc is the viewpoint of the lighthouse of San Sebastián . Listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest , it is one of the most powerful lighthouses in Catalonia, with a range of 32 nautical miles (59 kilometers). Located at a height of 150 meters on a cliff, it has guided the sailors of the region since 1857 and offers wonderful views of the Catalan coast .

On the first Saturday in August, the popular Cantada d'Havaneres takes place every year on Llafranc Beach , without a doubt one of the most famous events in the town. On the other hand, between Passeig de Llafranc and Plaça del Promontori , the Crazy Market is held on the first Saturday in September , a peculiar craft market where you can find all kinds of objects and souvenirs in a fantastic atmosphere.

Exquisite gastronomy in Llafranc

We cannot forget the delicious gastronomy of the region. The Empordanet is a culinary reference par excellence thanks to the quality of its products. The possibilities are many to enjoy a memorable dining experience. Sophisticated dishes that combine the best of the sea and the mountains, rice, fish and seafood, make the traditional Empordà cuisine one of the most recognized in the world and a real pleasure for those who are lucky enough to taste it.

Roundabout

Llafranc is connected to the well-known and beautiful town of Calella de Palafrugell through a pleasant 20-minute walk along one of the most beautiful ring roads on the Costa Brava . It is an essential route that allows you to admire the natural and scenic beauty of the surroundings. Also, to the north there is another spectacular stretch longer and more complicated, but just as beautiful, to the town of Tamariu .

Do you want to buy property in Llafranc to spend a few months of vacation a year or to settle permanently there? Contact our real estate agency in Llafranc to find the apartment, house or villa of your dreams.