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Blanes

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Overview

Blanes is an old fishing town that has become an important beach destination on the Costa Brava and the province of Girona. In 2018 it had around 39,000 inhabitants.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia976 words

WBP editorial3

Beyond the Beach – a walk through Blanes’ horticultural heritage

While most visitors focus on the sandy stretch of Plaça and the nearby marina, the town’s botanical legacy often slips under the radar. The Marimurtra Botanical Garden, perched on a cliff, showcases Mediterranean flora that thrives in the sea‑sprayed microclimate; a guide‑less stroll reveals how native rosemary, lavender and cistus mingle with exotic specimens from the Canary Islands. Early morning visits avoid the midday sun and allow you to hear the distant gulls while the garden’s terraced pathways unfurl panoramic views of the Cap de Creus. Pack a reusable water bottle and a light scarf – the garden’s elevation can turn breezy, and the scent of blooming jasmine makes a perfect backdrop for a quiet coffee break.

Local flavour – where to taste authentic Catalan fare

The tourist strip brims with internationally‑styled tapas, yet the true taste of Blanes lives in its modest family‑run eateries tucked behind the bustling promenade. Look for establishments that serve ‘arròs a la brava’, a rice dish cooked in a saffron broth and finished with locally caught rockfish. Pair it with a glass of vermut from a nearby cooperage, a practice revived by older locals as a post‑lunch digestif. Seating is often communal, encouraging conversation with residents who will gladly explain the subtle difference between ‘pa amb tomàquet’ made with ripe, sun‑kissed tomatoes versus the supermarket version. Timing your meal for the late lunch lull, around 14:30, ensures the kitchen is still in its rhythm and the atmosphere remains relaxed.

Seasonal rhythms – why winter months deserve a second look

Common travel guides highlight Blanes for its summer buzz, but the winter season uncovers a different character. The town’s population density falls, leaving the promenade uncluttered and the surrounding hills more accessible for hiking. The Festa de l’Esclat, a fireworks display traditionally held in January, illuminates the coastline without the competing crowds of July. Moreover, the cooler months bring a gentle marine mist that enhances the scent of pine in the nearby Montseny forest, making day‑trips to the inland villages feel like a natural extension of the coastal experience. Pack layered clothing and a sturdy pair of walking shoes to navigate both the town’s stone streets and the surrounding trails comfortably.

Introduction

Not to be confused with Blanes (surname).This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: "Blanes" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Municipality in Catalonia, SpainBlanesMunicipalityOverview of Blanes from the top of the mountain FlagCoat of armsInteractive map of BlanesBlanesLocation of BlanesShow map of CataloniaBlanesBlanes (Spain)Show map of SpainCoordinates: 41°40′34″N 2°47′35″E / 41.676°N 2.793°E / 41.676; 2.793CountrySpainCommunityCataloniaProvinceGironaComarcaSelvaGovernment • MayorÀngel Canosa Fernàndez (2019) (ERC)Area • Total17.7 km2 (6.8 sq mi)Elevation13 m (43 ft)Population (2025-01-01) • Total42,699 • Density2,410/km2 (6,250/sq mi)DemonymBlanenc/caPostal code17300Websiteblanes.cat Blanes (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈblanəs]) is a town and municipality in the comarca of Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule it was named Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava". Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches from Blanes to the French border. The township is 18.29 km2 (7.06 sq mi). Blanes is a popular tourist town, and it is known for the Concurs de Focs d'Artifici during the Santa Anna festival; this event includes many fireworks. Other places of interest include botanical gardens, coves such as the Cala Bona, and beaches that are surrounded by mountains.

History

[edit] The history of Blanes predates the Roman conquest. Iberian activity has been attested in the area. Romanization of Blanes and its surroundings began around the third century BC. Roman remains of the Blandae site lie nearby. After Roman rule ended the area shared the fate of much of the Peninsula, being conquered successively by the Goths, the Moors, and reconquered by the Christians shortly after. In the 13th century, after the Christians regained power, important architectural developments took place in Blanes. Some examples are the palace, Palau Vescomtal, the Església Parroquial church, and the city walls. In the 17th century, during the Catalan Revolt (Guerra dels Segadors), Blanes was practically burned to ashes. The Palau Vescomtal was completely destroyed. The War of the Spanish Succession also affected Blanes. Following this, reconstruction and the expansion of agriculture began.

Fireworks competition

[edit] Blanes' fireworks The Festa major or festival of Santa Anna and Sant Joaquim (on 26 July) is usually celebrated in the third or fourth week of July, from 21 to 27 July, annually. During the eight days, this major festival is celebrated as well as the European Concurs de Focs d'Artifici which attracts more than 500,000 visitors. This is an international competition. Over 500,000 kg (1,100,000 lb) of fireworks are detonated at each event. Most people watch the fireworks from the beach. The first documented date of a firework launch in Blanes is 1906. It was not until 1962 that the launch became an annual event. 1971 marks the first Fireworks Competition, taking place over three nights; this number has fluctuated over the years to as many as seven nights. Since 1958, fireworks launches have always been done from Sa Palomera, a big rock that separates the two parts of the Blanes coast and is symbolically considered the beginning of the Costa Brava. Every night of the celebration, a different firework company presents its work to the public who come to the beach, each spectacle lasting between 20 and 24 minutes. This is rated by the Popular Jury, designated each year, who responsible for choosing the winners. The fireworks competition nearly always runs in the last full week of July. The year 2018 marked the 48th edition of the competition. According to a local radio station, Radio Marina, nearly one million people visited the fireworks competition during its five-day course. Before 2012, the competition ran for five consecutive days. At the height of Spain's financial crisis, it was decided to drop the event to four days to save money. In 2016 enough sponsors were found to restore the fifth day of the event.

2008 storm

[edit] On 26 December 2008 an unusually strong storm struck Blanes' beach on Boxing Day. The port of Blanes was hit hardest. The old seawall was unable to resist the storm. Many boats were damaged and/or smashed onto the beach. Before the storm, plans had been made to upgrade the harbor but repairs were delayed. The poor state of the harbor made it more vulnerable to the storm surges and resulted in the heavy loss in the Boxing Day storm. This storm has been commonly referred to by locals as the worst storm Blanes had seen since the 1950s. Rocky bay in Blanes Overlook of the Sa Palomera Rock from the beaches of Blanes Sa Palomera Rock in Blanes at night New port of Blanes (since 2012), the town centre, S'Abanell, and Blanes' beaches, the mouth of Tordera's River, and the touristic area of Els Pins. Panorama of Blanes taken from Saint John's Castle. The biggest mountain (on the right) is the Montseny.