Activities and tourism in Blanes
What to see on the Costa Brava

Blanes has been the ideal family destination on the Costa Brava for many years. Tourism in this seaside town began in the 1950s and, in 2007, Blanes was the first tourist destination on the Costa Brava to receive the Family Tourism Destination certificate from the Catalan Tourism Agency.

The award was given in recognition of the excellent provision that this beautiful beach town has for children. In addition to playgrounds along the promenade and in public squares, there are water parks and activities organised especially for children by museums or other service providers. Around 70 restaurants in Blanes have also received the family-friendly award because they offer children’s menus, highchairs, as well as other facilities. The town has excellent amenities and you can find all types of family accommodation, such as our Hotel in Blanes.

Almost all the beaches in Blanes are ideal for families with children. Most of them have shallow, calm and crystal-clear waters, and are ideal for paddling and building sandcastles. The centrally located golden sandy beaches have first class facilities such as showers, toilets, beach bars and lifeguards, and there are even deck chairs and pedal boats for hire.

Blanes has a wonderful beachfront promenade with comfortable terraces, a cycle path and small stalls that invite you to go for a stroll. You and your children can enjoy a pleasant ride along the coast on the tourist train or even take a boat trip.

The harbour, home to both fishing boats and yachts, is also worth a visit. Experience the hustle and bustle of the fish market and, if you dare, discover how fish and seafood are sold at one of the daily auctions (Monday to Friday at approximately 16:00). 

Blanes offers attractions, street markets and events throughout the year. On the Noche de San Juan, Blanes hosts the most impressive fireworks festival on the Costa Brava. You can also enjoy lots of live music and family traditions, such as folk dancing, giant figures parading through the city and nightly shows with fire-breathing dragons.

Breathtaking views from Castell de Sant Joan

The Castell de Sant Joan stands on the hill of the same name. The location of the castle, at an altitude of 173 metres, offers a fantastic panoramic view of Blanes, the port, the beaches and the coast.

If you are visiting in summer, make sure you bring enough water for the hike and choose to go early in the morning or in the evening, when it is not too hot. If your children are still too young for hiking, you can also drive up to the castle as there is free parking at the top.

Blanes Botanical Garden

Marimurtra, in Blanes, is considered one of the best botanical gardens in Europe. Set on a hill, this colourful garden offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque rocky coves at the foot of the park. It is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00.

A day tailored to your children

There are many activities in Blanes for a pleasant afternoon with children. You can try your luck at the bowling alley, which also offers children’s activities, play mini-golf at Garbí Mini Park or have fun on the go-kart track.

Water World in Lloret de Mar and Aquadiver in Platja d’Aro

Both parks belong to the same company, so there are offers where you can buy a ticket for one park that also includes entry to the other. The parks have facilities for all ages including wave pools, hydrotherapy pools, paddling pools, playgrounds, picnic areas and much more.

Costa Brava Parc d’Aventura, Pals

Costa Brava Parc d’Aventura is an adventure climbing park near Pals, an hour from Blanes. The park includes more than 80 high altitude adventure activities for you and your little ones including zip lines, rope and suspension bridges, nets, tunnels, Tarzan jumps, etc.