Blanes, Costa Brava
November 10th, 2006 by admin
Casa Oliveras is located in Blanes, Spain. Blanes is known as the ‘Gateway to the Costa Brava.’ 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.
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.
- Source: AA Essential Costa Brava Guide
• See Visit Blanes for more information.
• Looking for a hotel in Blanes? We recommend Hotel Stella Maris.