Spain’s Costa Brava is a much-loved holiday destination, popular with travellers of all kinds. Its gorgeous beaches, fascinating history, wonderful natural attractions and well-maintained culture mean that there really is something to appeal to everyone. If you’ve decided to visit this cosmopolitan town for a week (or more), fear not – there’s plenty to keep you occupied! If you’re a first timer, though, it might be helpful to see what an average day could look like…
Head to the Beach
The beach really is the most obvious place to start when extolling the virtues of Lloret de Mar. There are eight main beaches (just for starters) and each has its own personality. If you’re feeling like a bit of “me-time” and some relaxation away from the crowds, try somewhere out of the way like Cala Boadella or Cala Banys. But if you’re looking to try some watersports or enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy resort beach, then the better-known Playa Fenals or Playa de Lloret are your best bet.
Beaches in Lloret de Mar in a beautiful summer day, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
Get Into Nature
If getting up close and personal with nature on holidays is something you enjoy, a visit to one of the region’s beauty spots will fill your heart. The town’s location, set between the mountains and sea, means there’s plenty to love. The century-old Santa Clotilde Botanical Gardens are renowned as some of the most beautiful Mediterranean gardens in existence. You can wander through their lush surroundings, which are dotted with exotic flora and sculptures, and take in truly spectacular views over the ocean.
Another way to get out and about in nature is to set off on the historic Caminos de Ronda, which runs right along the Costa Brava, taking in a total of 583 kms. The section around Lloret will take you on a leisurely, picturesque walk from the bay of Sa Caleta, past Turo Rodo, an interesting archaeological excavation, and on to Cala Trons (a gorgeous secluded bay) and the Punta de Garbi. Once again, the views are to die for.
Santa Clotilde gardens in Lloret de Mar at Costa Brava of Catalonia Girona Spain
Visit Some Castles
There are two castles of note in the town: Castell de Sant Joan and Castell d’en Playa.
Castell de Sant Joan sits high on a cliff (around 60 metres), dividing the main beach from Fenals Beach. Dating back to the eleventh century, it was built as a fortification to protect the town from marauders approaching by sea. While it came under many attacks over the centuries, the worst was in the early nineteenth century, from the British. Since then the castle has been partially restored but, while impressive, not much of its original glory is on display – however, the views more than make up for that.
Castell d’en Playa sits at the northern end of the town, near Sa Caleta, and is one of its iconic symbols. It may surprise you to discover that, despite its appearance, it’s not in fact a mediaeval castle – far from it! It was actually constructed from 1935 onwards, under orders of a wealthy businessman. Even though it is Castell de Sant Joan that is the genuine mediaeval castle, it is this one that appears in countless pictures and postcards promoting the region.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Marsol: With an unbeatable position right on the beach in Lloret de Mar, this fabulously appointed hotel is right in the heart of the action. The stylishly decorated rooms are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The hotel’s amenities include a rooftop pool and sun terrace, as well as an onsite restaurant for dinner and buffet breakfast.
Rosamar & Spa: In an ideal location overlooking the beautiful beach, the impressive facilities of this quality hotel will make your stay all the more enjoyable. With an onsite (paid) spa and wellness centre, spacious well-appointed rooms and four swimming pools (including an adults-only), it positions you just a stroll away from everything in the town.
Hotel Roger de Flor by Sequetta: With an outdoor pool and panoramic sea views, this lovely hotel blends the traditional and modern to perfection. The rooms feature classic elegant decor with modern appointments, including private bathrooms, air-conditioning and relaxing balconies. Set on a hill in a quiet part of town, everything is just a 10-minute stroll away.
How to Get There
It’s not hard to get to Lloret de Mar from the UK, so your holiday will start in the most relaxed way possible. The best option is to fly into Barcelona Airport (BCN), a flight that will take around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Once you land, you can get a quick and easy pre-booked transfer from Barcelona Airport to Lloret de Mar with Shuttle Direct. An experienced local driver will be there to meet you and then you’ll get to your accommodation in Lloret de Mar in under an hour.
Overview
UK to BCN Flight Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
BCN to Lloret de Mar Distance: 75 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour
Types of Lloret de Mar Airport Transfer Services
A Barcelona airport transfer doesn’t have to take a one size fits all approach, as there are several options from which to choose, depending on your individual preferences. Below are the main ones.
Taxi: If standing around in a queue waiting for a ride isn’t your idea of how to start your holiday, then one idea is to take an airport taxi. Barcelona to Lloret de Mar taxis are available to pre-book, so when you arrive you can get straight in and skip the annoying queues.
Shuttle Bus: A shared shuttle service is an excellent option to get to your accommodation from the airport easily. It’s a more affordable airport transfer than a taxi service because it’s shared with other passengers.
Private Transfer: For those who want maximum convenience, the answer is to pre-book a private transfer. Barcelona to Lloret de Mar is an easy and very relaxing trip when you’ve got a luxury comfortable ride in a door-to-door private service.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a large group of family or friends and carrying the accompanying luggage, then booking a larger vehicle would be wise. A minibus will have room for multiple people and luggage and the cost can be spread amongst yourselves.
Choosing the Right Lloret de Mar Airport Transfer
When it comes time to book your Barcelona Airport transfer, rather than rush right in, it’s a good idea to consider what’s most important to you. Is it cost or is it convenience?
Cost: Make sure that if you’re budget-conscious you check all the services that are offered, so you can make an informed choice suited to your personal preferences.
Convenience: If convenience is the higher priority for you, then bear in mind that while a shared shuttle from Barcelona Airport to Lloret de Mar will be cheaper, a private car will provide a door-to-door service with no waiting around for other people.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct has been getting travellers from airports to their accommodation for many years. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly shared shuttle or a luxury private transfer from Barcelona, we’ve got the solution to your needs. Our professional local drivers know the area like the back of their hands and will always get you to your final destination in the quickest and safest way possible.
