Lloret de Mar Beyond the Party Scene: Discover Hidden Coves, Ancient Castles, and the Wild Beauty of the Costa Brava
If you're after a spot that’s got just the right balance of buzzing energy and quiet charm, Lloret de Mar really hits the mark. It’s the kind of place where you can wake up to the sound of the sea, grab a coffee by the promenade, and then let the day take you wherever it fancies.
And there’s no shortage of options—whether you’re in the mood for beach lounging, castle views, or wandering through old town corners that still feel like they’ve kept their secrets.
The main beach, Playa de Lloret, might get the most attention, but don’t miss the little tucked-away coves like Cala Boadella. That one feels like you’ve stumbled on your own slice of the Costa Brava—quiet, with clear turquoise water and just enough shade from the pine trees to stretch out with a book for a few hours. If you follow the coastal path, the “camí de ronda,” you’ll get those proper postcard views that make you stop in your tracks and actually put your phone away for once.
What gives Lloret its charm is the little surprises. Like the gardens of Santa Clotilde—they’re perched high on a cliff, full of statues and cypress trees, and they look out over the bluest sea. It’s peaceful, elegant, and somehow still under the radar for most people. You’ll get that “how is this not packed with tourists?” moment, which is always a win.
The castle-looking tower you see poking out on the cliffs—Castell d’en Plaja—is worth walking up to just for the views back across the bay. It’s not a big museum or anything, but it does feel like a piece of a fairytale that just happens to live on the coast.
Food-wise, go for a little tapas place tucked behind the seafront. The touristy ones are fine, but the smaller, quieter spots in the backstreets serve proper local dishes—think grilled sardines, cold vermouth, and the kind of olives you end up craving long after the holiday ends.
Lloret isn’t just sun and sangria—it’s got layers, and when you take the time to peel them back, it’s honestly lovely.
Top Things To Do In Lloret de Mar
As a popular holiday hotspot, Lloret de Mar has many attractions and things to do and see, including beaches, gardens, churches, and castles.
Here are some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Lloret de Mar:
- Fenals Beach: This is the second-largest beach in Lloret de Mar and is perfect for couples.
- Santa Clotilde Gardens: These are formal Renaissance-style gardens of green shrubs and trees complemented by statuary, created from 1919 onwards.
- Santa Cristina Hermitage and Santa Cristina Beach: These two great spots can be seen in one go and are perfect for couples.
- Lloret Beach: This is a lovely beach that is easy to get to with clean sand and very nice water.
- Water World Lloret: This water park is perfect for families with children.
- Town Hall Square: This is a beautiful square that is perfect for taking pictures.
- Church of Sant Romà: This chapel is really worth a look inside and outside as the architecture is spectacular.
- Avinguda Just Marlés Vilarrodona: This street has many shops and restaurants that are perfect for shopping and dining.
- Castell d'en Plaja: This is a castle that sits on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, built in the 20th century.
- Modernist Cemetery: This is a cemetery that showcases the artistic and architectural style of Modernism, with sculptures and mausoleums of wealthy families.
- Puig de Castellet Iberian Ruins: These are the remains of an ancient Iberian settlement from the 3rd and 4th centuries BC, with defensive walls and towers.
Visit the Santa Roma Church
The Parish Church of Sant Romà is a beautiful building well worth visiting. It is the largest church in the town and is dedicated to Saint Romanus, the patron saint of Lloret de Mar.
Santa Roma is situated on the grounds of a former church that was destroyed by local pirates; the current church was constructed in the 16th century.
With a bell tower erected in the 18th century, the present church is a fusion of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. The church's interior is lavishly adorned with stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures.
The church is open to the public. here are the opening time:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Here are some interesting facts about Santa Roma.
- It is 50 meters long and 25 meters wide.
- It has a capacity of 1,500 people.
- The bell tower is 50 meters tall.
- The organ was built in the 18th century and has 3,000 pipes.
- The altarpiece, painted in the 17th century, depicts the life of Saint Romanus.
- The stained glass windows, created in the 20th century, depict scenes from the Bible.
Enjoy Amazing Beaches
Playa de Lloret is the largest and most popular beach in the area. It is the main beach in front of the town and is close to many hotels, bars and restaurants. The beach offers many facilities, including showers, toilets, and a lifeguard service. Additionally, the beach is a blue flag holder, so you can be sure its cleanliness and services are first-class.
Fenals Beach is the second-largest beach in Lloret de Mar. Due to its proximity to Playa de Lloret, it is a popular location with families. The area is lined with pine trees, which provide shade and a feeling of privacy. Additionally, it offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard service.
Santa Cristina Beach is a beautiful beach located a few minutes from Lloret de Mar. It has a beautiful location with golden sands and clear seas. The beach attracts swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts. A few good eateries and pubs are also nearby, where you can grab a tasty snack or meal between sunbathing sessions.
Cala Boadella Beach is close to Santa Cristina. It is a stunning beach surrounded by a pine forest and is well-known for its secluded and tranquil location. It is popular with the naturist crowd. A highly-rated beach restaurant, Moments Sa Boadell, is perfect for enjoying a relaxing beachside lunch.
Cala Sa Caleta beach is close to Lloret and has a stunning beach well-liked by locals and holidaymakers alike. The beach is renowned for its picture-perfect surroundings and fine sand. There are many good places to eat and drink close.
Cala d'en Trons is a small cove just south of Cala Sa Caleta. It is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, known for its clear water and abundant marine life. The beach is quite rocky and small but is accessible by a short walk from the main road.
Cala Treumal is a long, sandy beach just north of Lloret de Mar. It is nestled amongst pine trees, is a popular spot for hiking and swimming, and is known for its beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is accessible by a long walk from the main road or a short boat ride from Lloret de Mar. There are a few nice beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local gastronomy and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cala dels Frares lies west of Lloret de Mar and is a little isolated. Its clear waters and stunning rock formations make it a small, secluded rocky beach area without much sand and a well-liked location for swimming and snorkelling. It is just a short walk from the main road and parking.
Enjoy Family Fun
There are a variety of theme parks and attractions that cater to kids and families. From thrilling rides to interactive experiences, there are plenty of options to keep children entertained and create lasting memories.
One of the top attractions in Lloret de Mar is Gnomo Park, a family-friendly theme park set in a beautiful natural environment. This park is designed for children aged 2 to 12 and features a range of activities such as mini-golf, zip lines, trampolines, and water games. Kids can also explore the park's gnome village and enjoy live shows and entertainment.
Water World is a must-visit water park in Lloret de Mar for those seeking a splash of excitement. With its numerous water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and children's play areas, Water World offers endless fun and aquatic adventures for the whole family.
Another popular attraction in Lloret de Mar is the Jardins de Santa Clotilde, a stunning garden with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Kids can enjoy exploring the landscaped gardens, discovering hidden paths, and admiring the beautiful statues and fountains. The tranquil setting provides a peaceful escape from the bustling beach areas.
Additionally, Lloret de Mar offers a range of activities that are perfect for families. Mini golf courses, go-kart tracks, and adventure parks provide opportunities for friendly competitions and outdoor adventures. The beaches are also ideal for children, with soft sands and shallow waters where little ones can safely splash and play.
Visit a Modernist Cemetery
The fascinating modernist Cemetery in Lloret de Mar is a unique and captivating attraction that draws visitors with its striking architectural beauty and historical significance.
The cemetery, also known as the Cemetery of Sant Antoni, is a testament to the Modernist architectural movement that swept through Catalonia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It features intricate sculptures, ornate mausoleums, and impressive funerary art that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the Modernist era.
Here, you will be amazed by the stunning marble and granite sculptures that adorn the graves. Elaborate angels, weeping figures, and intricate floral motifs can be found throughout the grounds, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The attention to detail and the skilful craftsmanship of the sculptures make this cemetery a true open-air museum of Modernist art.
5 Interesting Facts About the Region
- The region of Catalonia has its own culture which they are fiercely proud of.
- The town is just a short drive from Barcelona, a city you must visit when in Spain.
- The Costa Brava is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Spain and its name translates to Wild Coast.
- The great Spanish painter Salvador Dali was born in Catalonia in the town of Figueres a short drive from Lloret.
- Lloret de Mar is considered to be the party capital of the Costa Brava and has a buzzing nightlife which puts many other resorts to shame.
Nearby Places to Visit
Barcelona
The history, the beach, the shopping and Gaudi’s world-famous architecture, including the stunning Sagrada Familia church. Barcelona has been heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
A visit here is more of an experience than anything else and it's rude to come to this area and not make room in your itinerary to take a trip to ‘Barca’.
Girona
The stunning city of Girona is best known for its medieval architecture. It has the attributes of a large city, the ambience of one much smaller and is a brilliant place for a day trip.
Once the gateway to the area before the construction of Barcelona’s international airport, Girona retains that regal air that mass tourism has obliterated in so many other cities.
The Local Gastronomy
Lloret de Mar has a rich and varied gastronomy influenced by Mediterranean, Catalan, and Spanish cuisines.
Some of the most popular dishes and foods are eaten in the town and the region includes:
- Paella: This rice dish is cooked with saffron, seafood, meat or vegetables. It is one of the most emblematic dishes of Spain and can be found in many restaurants in Lloret de Mar
Tapas: These are delicious small plates of food, small portions eaten as a snack or a main meal. The most popular tapas use ingredients such as prawns, cheese, ham, olives, anchovies, croquettes, tortillas, patatas, bravas, calamari and more. They are usually accompanied by bread and a drink.
- Suquet de Peix: This is a fish stew made with potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, onion, parsley and saffron. It is a traditional dish of the Costa Brava and can be prepared with different types of fish and shellfish. It is usually served with bread or rice.
- Crema Catalana: This dessert is made with milk, eggs, sugar, lemon, or orange zest. It has a creamy texture and a caramelized crust on top. It is similar to crème brûlée but with a citrus flavour. It is a typical dessert of Catalonia and can be found in many pastry shops and restaurants in Lloret de Mar.
If you want to taste authentic Spanish cuisine in Lloret de Mar, there are several good quality local eateries, including:
- La Lonja: This cosy and friendly restaurant specializes in seafood and paella. It has a terrace overlooking the sea and offers a daily menu and à la carte options.
- Al Toque Gastrobar: This is a modern and stylish restaurant that serves creative tapas and dishes with local products. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a good wine selection.
- Morro Chico: This family-run restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary touch. It has a terrace with views of the old town and serves homemade desserts.
Getting to Lloret de Mar and Transport Options
Lloret de Mar is a well-connected resort town that offers various options for public transport. Here are some of the main ways to get around Lloret de Mar and beyond:
- Flying: If you fly to Lloret de Mar, you have several airport options.
Girona (GRO) airport is the closest to Lloret de Mar, about 23 km south. It is a small airport that mainly serves low-cost airlines and charter flights. The drive from Girona Airport to Lloret de Mar is about 30 minutes.
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) is the leading international airport in Catalonia, located about 78 km south of Lloret de Mar. It is one of the largest in Spain and serves many airlines and destinations. The drive from Barcelona Airport to Lloret de Mar is about 75 minutes.
Reus Airport (REU) is another smaller Catalonia airport located about 153 km southwest of Lloret de Mar. It mainly serves low-cost airlines and charter flights. The drive time from Reus Airport to Lloret de Mar is about 2 hours.
- Bus: The bus is the most common and convenient way to travel within Lloret de Mar and to nearby towns and attractions. There are local buses operated by Lloret Bus that run to different neighbourhoods, beaches, clubs, and sights in Lloret de Mar. A single ticket costs €1.35, and a ten-ride card costs €10.60¹. Regional buses operated by Sarfa run to other destinations on the Costa Brava, such as Tossa de Mar, Blanes, and Girona.
- Taxi: Taxi is another option for private transport in Lloret de Mar. Several taxi stands are in the town centre and at the bus station. The fares vary depending on the distance and time of day, but you can expect to pay around €10-15 for a short ride within Lloret de Mar.
- Train: Lloret de Mar has no direct train station, so you need to take a bus or taxi to Blanes, the nearest train station. From Blanes, you can take a regional train (R1) to Barcelona, which takes about 80 minutes. You can also take a high-speed train (AVE) from Girona to Barcelona, which takes about 40 minutes.
- Other forms of transport: Other forms of transport are available to you in Lloret, including bike and scooter, and car rental. You can find bike and scooter rental shops in the town centre or near the beach.