Blanes

Blanes is a town with 39 660 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2013) in the Spanish province of Girona at the southernmost point of the Costa Brava, about 60 kilometers north-east of Barcelona.

Blanes is a much-visited resort in the typical Catalan style. Countless restaurants where fish, paella or chicken dishes are prepared, bars, shops and especially the wide sandy beach of four kilometers in length, some features of this place. Blanes is also known as the commercial center of the southern Costa Brava. South then huge RV, cottage and camping sites have been set up, which are among the biggest seasonal holiday resorts in the Mediterranean. Thus, the city in the summer season grows slightly to over 100,000 people.

The old town with its narrow streets shows the fishing almost as it was before the tourist invasion in 1960. Every working day takes place the fish auction in the harbor. The hotel district is located on the southern edge of the center, which initially rather simple hotels have since been complemented by upscale homes of the categories.

Botanical Gardens

In Blanes, two of the most important botanical gardens in Europe.

The German Karl Faust was the founder and owner of the Jardí Botànic Marimurtra. He created before his death in 1952, the Foundation Jardí Botànic Marimurtra (, Botanical Garden and sea myrtle '), which he generously handed over the garden and his considerable fortune.

The Foundation has a scientific nature and serves the international study of botany. She also wants the numerous visitors from many countries closer to bring the diversity and beauty of the plants and the wisdom in the reign of nature. This botanical garden was founded in 1921 and is located on the southeast slope of Sant Joan on the sloping mountain in the Mediterranean steep slopes. The garden with beautiful views of the sea is 16.5 hectares.

In Jardí Botànic Marimurtra the rugged natural landscape was enhanced by artful garden architecture. The adult specimens of cacti and other plants that have been bred here feature the harmony of their colors and shapes. Due to the uniform Mediterranean climate, the plants thrive, the whole collection is privately owned. There are more than 3,000 different trees, shrubs and flowers to discover. Many plants can also be available for purchase on site.

The second botanical garden, Jardí Botànic pinya de Rosa, with about 7000 different plant species lies just outside Blanes. It was founded by the Catalan engineer Dr. Ferran Riviere de Caralt 1945 and later declared a natural landscape of national interest.

Culture and tradition

The annual competition of fireworks is one of the most important in Spain and Europe. It lasts seven days and takes place during the Festa Major in honor of the patron saint Sant Joaquim held during the week of July 26.

For the preservation of buildings of Blanes see the list of cultural monuments in Blanes.