| Hi 24°C Lo 23°C |

Lloret de Mar
Overview: History may have given way to high-rise hotels, and fishing to foam parties in this former Catalonian trading port, but the region’s fiery spirit is still evident, which is why Lloret de Mar is regarded as the liveliest holiday spot on the Costa Brava. As a resort the town caters for the 18-30s and families with children. There are seemingly hundreds of British bars, discos and clubs to choose from, and the days are packed with programmes of beach frolics and fun. The resort has five rough sandy beaches, a massive water park, aquatic zoo and a theme park. For a taste of the real Spain visitors can revel in the local cuisine or gather in the town’s Placa de la Vila on Saturday evenings to join in when locals dance the traditional Catalonian Sardana dance.
Shopping: There are a multitude of shops and markets to choose from in Lloret de Mar, and plenty of time to browse in. The main shopping enclaves, from malls to small kiosks, are centred in the streets behind the waterfront. Wares tend to be touristy items, from souvenirs to bathing suits, and prices are generally reasonable although quality may be lacking. Some of the smaller shops close in the early afternoon hours and on Sundays, but in general visitors can shop happily from around 9am until late at night any day of the week during the busy summer season. The traditional local market is held every Tuesday on the Carrer dels Mestres, and there is a municipal market every weekday in the Carrer Senia del Rabic and Carrer Verge de Loreto.Restaurants: Diners in Lloret de Mar will find a wide variety of cuisine available in a plethora of restaurants and fast-food outlets, from the best of British to traditional tapas, at very reasonable prices and generally good quality. Favourites with holiday-makers are strawberries and cream, Sangria (fruited sparkling wine) and delicious dishes of paella (seafood risotto). Many of the local restaurants in the old town offer a "menu of the day" deal including two courses, dessert, bread and even wine for a few Euros. There is also tex-mex, Chinese and various other flavours to indulge in. For fun take a 15-minute stroll to the Disaster Cafe in Fenals, where the food may not be wildly exciting but the themed setting with realistic thrills like earthquakes make up for the cuisine.
Nightlife: Nightlife in Lloret de Mar is exhilarating, its hundreds of bars and 30-odd nightclubs pulsating all night, particularly along the Avinguda Just Marles I Vilarrodona strip of the old town. Night owls who stroll along here in the late evening are accosted by touts offering free tickets and drinks vouchers for the clubs, and partying here can be as cheap as it is lively. Among the more popular clubs and pubs are Bumpers, renowned for its Caribbean cocktails and glass dance floor; Moby's, where karaoke is the popular entertainment; and Tropics, the biggest and best night-spot in town where guest DJs rock the night with a mix of house, rock and trance music enhanced with laser lights and foam. Families opt for friendly "home-style" pubs in the suburb of Fenals, where kids are entertained and the favourite English soap operas are screened
Activities: Days are usually spent enjoying Lloret de Mar's seafront and the shingly beach that slopes sharply into the sea, making ideal conditions for a variety of water sports from lazily pedalling boats, skimming the surface on a windsurfer, or diving into the depths. Other diversions include a host of holiday fun like go-karts, bungee jumping, a mini-train, bowling alley and horse riding. For a change of scene visitors can head off to the Waterworld aquatic park, or play a round of golf at nearby Santa Cristina de Aro. Most visitors opt for one or more sightseeing excursions during their stay; local operators, hotels and package tour companies offer a wide variety of outings from exploring Old Girona to coastal cruises and wine tasting in the Catalan countryside. Most popular are trips to the huge theme park at Salou and Marineland near Blanes, both a few hours drive away. Those who wish to get away from it all can opt for one of a series of mapped walks along the coast or to traditional villages inland.
Negatives: The beach is comparatively small and becomes very over-crowded in the height of the season.
Attractions
Banyoles
The historic lakeside town of Banyoles just north of Girona is well known for hosting international rowing events, but it is also a fun, attractive and interesting place to visit and perhaps work off some energy in a pedal-boat or on a bicycle.... see full details
Salvador Dali Museum House
The busy fishing village of Cadaques draws plenty of visitors, but they do not come for the local beach, which is narrow and stony. Rather the resort town’s attractions are its picturesque natural harbour, some excellent restaurants, numerous galleries, fashion and art and craft... see full details
Girona
The city of Girona, on the route from the Pyrenees to Barcelona, is one of the most important historical sites in Spain, founded by the Romans and later a Moorish stronghold. Sitting astride the confluence of the Onyar and Ter rivers, this quaint... see full details
Vall de Nuria Rack Rail
About two hours from the coast are the southern slopes of the western Pyrenees, where in winter skiers skim the sides of the valleys, and in summer time nature-lovers enjoy the tranquillity of the Alpine environment. A popular excursion for holidaymakers on the Costa... see full details
Explore Spain on foot or by bike with a small intimate group of
like-minded adventure seekers.
Research hotels in Spain at Tripreport.com. Thousands of impartial tips and
reviews from fellow travellers.
Planning a holiday in Spain? Visit Alpharooms for the best deals on hotels and
apartments.
Looking for a cheap holiday in Spain? Visit thomson.co.uk. £100 online booking discount at
their website.
Enjoy our 3 and 4-star hotels in Lloret de Mar on the beautiful
Costa Brava coast. Ideal for families and couples
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small
group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track,
interacting with the locals and having real life experiences
throughout Spain.