Where the province of Barcelona ends, we find the first town of the Costa Brava: Blanes. Famous for its botanical garden overlooking the sea, this city has become one of the most popular destinations on the coast. Just 76km from Barcelona and easy to reach by any means, if you have not been there yet, this is the right time.
HOW TO GET TO BLANES:
The nearest airport is Girona, where 50% of Ryanair flights will land. From here to Blanes, if you have decided that you do not want to rent a car (which I always recommend for the Costa Brava trip). There are two companies that do this service, Sarfa and Sagalés for both € 10 one way ticket price. Times can change depending on the season, I advise you to take a look at this web.
If you have landed in Barcelona, there is Segales bus (603/614) that leave you in the Blanes bus station, price 8 €. In Barcelona, you will need to take a bus from Estacio del Nord and in 1.20h you will be in Blanes, € 13 return ticket, schedules and online tickets on Moventis web, tickets are always available. Another option is the R1 line of Rodalies, check the timetable, price € 13 return ticket too.
Other distances:
Calella de Palafrugell – Blanes 70km
Tossa de Mar – Blanes 19km
Figueres – Blanes 80km
Cadaques – Blanes 115km
HOW TO MOVE:
Once you get to the train station you can take a bus to the center, just 15min. Otherwise, the bus is 10min from the beach so you do not need to take another bus. Line: 5.8 and 9 one way ticket € 1.00. To get to the botanical garden there is no public bus, but it is just 1km from the principal beach.
WHAT TO SEE IN BLANES:
The Blanes botanical garden is the main attraction of the city. Considered the best botanical garden in Europe, used to celebrate many marriages, like that of the football player Iniesta.
The garden has some 4,000 plant species for the purpose of studying, teaching and botanical research. The enclosures open to the public totalize about 5 hectares. Entrance 7 € every day from 9:00 h to 20:00h.
San Juan castle is another excuse to visit Blanes, it is a Spanish fortress located on the top of Cerro San Juan. from the city and the region of the forest, on the south, on clear days, you can see the silhouette of Montjuic in Barcelona.
BEACHES:
Apart from the main beach of Blanes, Cala Bona is one of the most famous beaches of Blanes, to reach it is possible thanks to the “Camino de Ronda” reopened last March after various renovations.
Cala Forcanera is the most beautiful of the beaches, unfortunately, it is only possible to get there by boat or kayak. Take a look to rent a kayak for a day.
MAP:
Keep following people, next stop: Tossa de Mar. And then: Palamos, Calella de Palafrugell, Cadaques.
