Lloret de Mar is a beautiful coastal town in Catalonia, Spain, perfect for a relaxing and culturally rich vacation. It is a picturesque seaside town located in the Catalonia region of Spain. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, it is a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
During my trip to Lloret de Mar, I had the opportunity to explore some of the town’s most notable places, including the Playa de Lloret de Mar, the Iglesia de San Román de Lloret, the Modernist Cemetery, the Jardins de Santa Clotilde, and the Ermita Santa Cristina.
The best time to visit Lloret Del Mar is from April until November.
How to reach Lloret?
The easiest mode of transport is to take a flight to Girona, the nearest airport. Then take a bus to Lloret (less frequent), or take a taxi to Girona bus station. From Girona, catch a bus to Lloret de Mar bus station. The ticket costs 6€ and is run by Sagales.
Places to visit?
I had 2 days of free time to explore the city before my friend’s big wedding. I decided to walk and explore the city on the first day. The Playa de Lloret is one of the town’s main attractions. This long, wide beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The crystal-clear waters and the soft, white sand make it an ideal spot for a day out in the sun. The beach is also home to a wide variety of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. On each side of the beach lies two castles- Castell d’en Plaja and Castell de Sant Joan with the Catalan flag.
It’s a steep hike to St.Joan but the view of the Mediterranean coast is not to be missed.
Along the hike, you will come across Lloret’s emblematic figures overlooking the coast- a monument for the Fisherman’s wife.
After the hike, it’s best to have lunch at one of the many coastal restaurants that have a wide variety of Tapas. Fish tapas are highly popular because of their freshness and a plate of mixed fish or anchovies is good to go. In the evening, one can explore the many shopping streets and also try out the street foods. Along the beach coast, one can see plaques of Rally Costa Brava winners. I had come across one interesting name- the father of current Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz. Jr.
On the second day, I was prepared to hike to the Modernist Cemetery, the hilltop gardens of Santa Clotilde and the famous Ermita Santa Cristina.
Modernist Cemetery
Modernist Cemetery, which was built in the early 20th century, is home to a wide variety of monuments and tombs, including several striking modernist-style mausoleums and preserves the Indiano legacy. It was interesting to know from another tourist couple that the cemetery is part of the European route of Cemeteries.
Jardines de Santa Clotilde
Located atop a cliff between Cala Boadella and Fenals Beach with incredible sea views, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as several statues and sculptures. It is a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The gardens are part of the European Route of Historic Gardens. The hike to the gardens can be tiring on a sunny day, but there are enough trees and shades in the garden to cool you down.
It is worth spending hours in the garden for the views it has to offer. If you need to get refreshed, you can hop down to the white sandy beach.
Ermita Santa Cristina
After spending hours in the garden, I decided to walk to the Ermita Santa Cristina, a small chapel located within walking distance. It offers panoramic views of the town and the sea. The chapel is dedicated to Santa Cristina, the patron saint of Lloret de Mar.
It is a peaceful and secluded spot that is perfect for a moment of reflection and contemplation. This is the chapel where my friend’s wedding was planned for the next day. The church is not to be missed for the view it has to offer from the church courtyard in the backside.
The inscription on the façade translates to ‘you are from Lloret who adores your protector’.
Parish Church of Sant Romà- Iglesia de San Roman de Lloret
The big day was here and there was excitement in the air. Everyone gathered in front of the hotel to get on the bus to Santa Cristina church and I was excited to learn the Catalan wedding customs. The groom’s family were seated in the church looking forward to the bride making the much-awaited entrance.
The big day- M weds C
The big day was here and there was excitement in the air. Everyone gathered in front of the hotel to get on the bus to Santa Cristina church and I was excited to learn the Catalan wedding customs. The groom’s family were seated in the church looking forward to the bride making the much-awaited entrance.
Once the ceremonies were over, everyone clicked photos with the newlyweds and was getting ready to head back to the restaurant (Restaurant Can Guidet) for a small get-together and dinner.
Everyone was welcomed with a refreshing strawberry fruit punch and Lemon Gin Fizz. I then came to know that the restaurant was owned by the bride’s family for a long time and was one of the best in Lloret as it is famous for the homely food served. It lived up to its fame with the food and snacks that followed.
We had a live version of Paella cooked by one of the chefs. It was wonderful to learn that they had special rice that was used in the Catalan homes and was especially used for Paella.
I was happy to meet some of the family members of the bride and groom. They were keen to know about India and how I found Lloret to be. One of the members was an avid photographer and the pictures hanging in the restaurant were photographed during his travels. We also had a small game with the chillies that were served (one or two out of the chillies were spicier than the others). As the night went on all gathered around the well-arranged dinner table and it was time for some homely meals and delicacies. Before DJ hits the floor, there was a small appreciation from the groom to the bride’s family and welcoming the bride to their family and vice-versa from the bride’s father. As the DJ took the floor, I captured some great moments. Before ending the night there was a traditional German song from the groom’s family. Long live the newlyweds.
Overall, my trip to Lloret de Mar was an amazing experience. The town’s beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and exciting vacation in coastal Spain. Lloret is easy to reach from Barcelona and both places can be clubbed. I would love to visit it again to explore the long hiking route that was recommended by a family member.