Cala Sant Francesc, en Blanes, Girona, Costa Brava

Cala Sant Francesc has a length of 220 meters and a width of 35 meters, so it is of medium size. Its surface is made of fine golden sand, and it is equipped with excellent facilities as you’ll find showers, skate and hammocks rentals, Red Cross lifeguards, and snack bar.

Cala Sant Francesc, in Blanes, Costa Brava, is a very familiar cove, with interesting possibilities for the children

In fact it is a semi-urban cove, surrounded by a pine forest, but also of villas and apartments that form the urbanisation of the same name. For this reason Cala Sant Francesc is well connected to Blanes center, either by the city bus and through the tourist train that runs through the streets and beaches of the village. It is also likely that you find a sightseeing cruise service that helps you get closer to other nearby beaches of Lloret de Mar.

On the right side of Cala Sant Francesc starts a coastal path

This cove also has a free parking, although in the summer months it risks to be filled. In that case there is another underground one next to the creek, to be paid.

Summer sunset in Cala Sant Francesc, Blanes, Costa Brava, Spain

The scenery of Cala de Sant Francesc is very nice. As shown in the photographs the beach offers a number of rock groups near the shore that allow snorkeling in shallow waters, with a varied fauna and flora under these clear waters. In the southern part, and located offshore, about 120 meters, you’ll find some rocky shoals called Niells de Cala Sant Francesc. A coastal path begins in the creek and you can reach the rocky cove of Sa Llapissada, in a little difficult access.

Cala Sant Francesc offers nice nooks where blue waters and plants combine

As we mentioned Cala Sant Francesc and the hermitage from XVIIth century, on top of the promontory, that can be reached by a path from the beach, are the settings, every July 28, of the end of the local festival in Blanes, the so-called l’Aplec de l’Amor, where concerts, games and other events of a family nature are organised.

L'Aplec de l'Amor is one of the most beloved and popular parties for Blanes people.

Sant Joan Castle, top of the mountain in Blanes, South Costa Brava, Spain

Just for that beautiful scenic view, which covers 360 degrees, worths the climb up the castle, easily accessible by car. From the old castle, documented in 1002, is preserved the defense tower, about 15 meters high by 8 meters outside diameter, and a fragment of the wall.

Views of Blanes from Sant Joan Castle. Sa Palomera rocks in front of the beach

Like many other castles on the coast at the time, the building was originally built as a defense, especially against attacks from the sea, and more specifically of the pirates. Already in the XIVth century also formed part of the set of castles and fortifications, built with the aim of defending Barcelona to the north, in order that they could communicate (by sound or smoke signals) to reach the city. This group of castles was called the Tordera line (referring to the river which crosses Blanes).

Sant Joan Tower, i Blanes, ancient witness against coastal piracy in the past

The tower has undergone many stories during its history. Before being rehabilitated in 1958, had served as military optical telegraph station during the XIXth century and even as a refuge in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Today, however, the castle shows itself in good condition for visitors.

View from the Castle of Sant Joan archs

The tower is visible from practically any point in Blanes, and road access also allows the beautiful views of the village, its beaches and the sea at our feet. The mountain itself is also home to the Sant Joan Hermitage, which for lack of space was built outside the fortifications, probably in the XIIIth century.

Sant Joan Hermitage, original from the XIIIth century, was built outside of the castle, due to lack of space