Puig Castellet iberian settlement offers impressive views over the Lloret the Mar and the sea

Research and excavations that have taken place during the twentieth century on this promontory located on the urbanization of Roca Grossa allow us to ensure that the Puig Castellet mainly served as a place to watch out. So it must be, because the views over the Tordera river from its mouth  to Lloret de Mar are excellent, so that its inhabitants could warn other larger Iberian village located inside, Montbarbat, 6 kms away from the arrival of invaders.

Puig Castellet should be a little village inside a fortress like this drawing

This small walled city was not inhabited for a long time. It was created because of the insecurity before the Punic Wars between the Romans and Carthaginians along the coast, so we know it was occupied for a very delimited period of time: from 250 BC to 210 BC.

It was inhabited by vigilant warriors and their families. The remains we now find, subsoil excavated in the mid-twentieth century (especially between 1975 and 1986) show a pentagonal wall and defense towers, on a terrain about 650 m2, which contains eleven rectangular stays in which an area was dedicated to private affairs and the other to work. Each of these rooms is attached to the wall to make maximum use of space.

Puig Castellet iberian settlement, in Lloret de Mar, is well arranged to enjoy a historical visit

In addition to the homes, in the central area of ​​the enclosure you can distinguish communal areas as holes in the rock mass, to collect rainwater or to filter the water pumped out from the underground, septic waste, stores, ovens for baking bread or for pottery, etc.

The Iberians were the inhabitants who occupied the peninsula before the Roman arrived, at least from the s. VI BC. Divided into tribes, one that occupied what we now know as the Ampurdan region were indiketas, who, among other cultural hits, minted its own currency and maintained commercial ties with Greek and Phoenician peoples.

Ancient home and food store on the Puig Castellet iberian settlement, in Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava

The site of Puig de Castellet is part of the local thematic route “Iberian route,” one of the most interesting cultural routes along the Costa Brava.

Scenic view of Cala Canyelles, in Lloret de Mar, Girona, Costa Brava

Cala Canyelles has the distinction of having, at its right end, to the south, the only harbour that you find in Lloret. This is a small pier that accommodates only small vessels, most sport boats. Associated with him is the Yacht Club Cala Canyelles.

Cala Canyelles harbour, in Lloret de Mar

The sand of the cove is thick and golden coloured. Its length is over 400 meters and has a width of about 40 meters. Canyelles is an urbanized cove and is equipped with all the amenities you would expect of a large creek. So in addition to bins, showers footbaths, cleaning services, parasol and hammocks rental, kiosk and restaurant, it has surveillance and first aid services during the summer season. It also has a small playground where children can play when they want to switch the water games.

Canyelles beach has excellent services, and a children park among them

To Cala Canyelles arrives the tour boat lines, many of them with underwater views, that allows to tour the coastline of the Costa Brava from Blanes to Sant Feliu. On the beach there is a point of information and ticketing.

Cala Canyelles is divided by two big rocks with pines on them

As can be seen in the photographs Cala Canyelles is divided by a set of two large rocks in its center. Many swimmers love to extend the towel in the shade of these rocky outcrops that have the particularity to host pines on their summits, about 10 meters high. The rocks also reach the sea and children and adults love snorkeling in search of tiny life forms around them. From this part of the beach on the left side, where the snack bar, the number of bathers is generally lower, as it is located a little further away from the main entrance of the creek, the park and the marina.

Between the two rocks there is a perfect space to snorkel

Access to Cala Canyelles is really easy, just have to take the road of Tossa de Mar and swerve right at the moment you see the indication of the cove. Creek also has parking, so hopefully if you go to this beach high occupancy, even in high season, you can park.

Another of the excellent services in Cala Canyelles offered is kayak rentals

Thus, the Cala Canyelles, in Lloret de Mar, awarded with the blue flag, is one of those great beaches of the Costa Brava with a lot of services and perfect to meet the needs of a large family beach day.

In the left side of Cala Canyelles there is a typical beach bar (chiringuito) oriented to the sea and with chillout ambiance

Cala Treumal, in Lloret de Mar, next to Blanes, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

This cove is truly paradise. After going down to the beach from the public car park, on a well-conditioned trail, you can check its beauty. It is about 200 meters long and 25 meters wide. Remark the deep slope in sand, about 10%. This could make waves to be perceived with greater intensity, but when sea is calm Cala Treumal is an excellent place to bath inside its transparent waters.

Descent to Cala Treumal is a through a well-conditioned trail

The quality of this beach is warranted by Blue Flag. That means that in Cala Treumal we find excellent facilities, as the bar restaurant that has the same name of the cove, showers equipped with footbaths, sunbeds to hire, pedalos to hire, and even a rescue post in the middle months of summer.

Cala Treumal is a quiet familiar beach next to another one: Cala Santa Cristina, with excellent facilities

A rocky creek separates Cala Treumal and Cala Santa Cristina into two, making them look even more savage. This huge rocky cliff anchored in the sand allows the passage perfectly through it.

Crossing the rocky cliff in the left side we can reach Cala Santa Cristina from Cala Treumal, in Lloret de Mar, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Not only that. The tropical Botanical Garden Pinya de Rosa allows more alternative activities for those wishing to spend the day in this unique beach and surroundings, very familiar in summer. Another interesting visit near it is the Santa Cristina Hermitage, a beautiful fishermen’s sanctuary located at the top of the hill in a pine forest, and which can be accessed by walking through a path from Cala Treumal itself.

Cala Treumal, in Lloret de Mar, is separated from Cala Santa Cristina by nice rocks in the middle of the beach

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

Old Carrilet railway station, in Santa Cristina d'Aro

During its 77 years of life this little train, narrow gauge, that was opened in 1892, was an important hub of communication between the interior of Ampurdan and Costa Brava. For industry-cork traders, so flourishing at the years the beginning of the road, meant the possibility to transport their goods efficiently.

Carrilet railway station in Santa Cristina d'Aro is today the Tourist Information Office

The Carrilet took about 2 hours to complete the journey of about 37 kms. The good news is that today, and since the late 90′s, all the road, almost flat, which the carrilet crossed has become a very nice cycle route, which runs, in addition to Sant Feliu and Girona, Castell Platja d’Aro, Santa Cristina d’Aro, Llagostera, Cassa de la Selva and Quart. Once past Girona the bike path continues until Ripoll.

Cyclo touristic journey goes across Sant de Feliu de Guíxols and Girona

Carrilet Castell d’Aro station was the penultimate of the journey, before arriving at Sant Feliu de Guixols. Located just outside the village center, this renewed building is now the village tourist office. It is one of the best preserved of all route stations. Explanatory panels in the environment tell us about the history of the former railway line and the potential of the new cycle route.

Ancient Carrilet railway cyclo touristic journey is almost flat

Thus, from this station, we can start a comfortable family bike circuit that will take us along quiet stretches of La Selva and Baix Empordà counties, across the valleys between the Gavarres and Ardenya mountains.

Excellent stretches and quietness. The Carrilet route is available for all in the family

Cala Salionç, in Tossa de Mar, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

The urbanisation, of the same name as the cove, has all kinds of services, so that in front of the creek we found a restaurant, a supermarket, showers, public phone, etc. Cala Salionç has thick, golden sand. Its dimensions are small, only 80 meters long by 50 wide, but its geographical position makes it a cove very well protected from the wind stakes. In the center of the cove we can guess a little stream, always dry in summer, that comes from the Cadiretes massif.

Cala Salionç is a golden sand cove surrounded by pines, even on the rocks next to the shore

On both sides of the beach there are rocky outcrops ideal for scuba diving and enjoying the underwater. In addition, to the left of the cove, always looking out to sea, we find a coastal path very well conditioned where we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk.

On the left side of Cala Salionç starts a brief but very interesting coastal path

Thus, we find a small entrance of transparent sea water in the rock that can be crossed by a beautiful wooden bridge. In this hidden place you can have a nice bath. Following the coastal path we see that some rocks have a greenish color: it’s the result of iron oxidation, in which these rocks are rich. The end of the coastal path, just 500 meters away (you cannot go further), leads us to contemplate part of the other northern coves that we can find before arriving to Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Little but modern wooden bridge that is part of the coastal path in Cala Salionç

Cala Salionç is therefore an interesting cove within the set of coves that lies between Tossa de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols but has the disadvantage that, being located in a private urbanisation that doesn’t allow motor vehicle entrance for non-residents, makes your visit more difficult. We’ll leave the car next to the road and walk down along a paved road (no danger) with slope for about 2 km. Return will be harder, because you’ll have to ascend.

The end of the coastal path is a nice scenic viewpoint to watch some of the northern coves before arriving to Sant Feliu de Guixols

Cala Canyet is in Santa Cristina d'Aro, Girona, Costa Brava

To get there we have to take from the GI-682 road, another road that leads to Rosamar urbanization, so that we can approach to the creek easily in a private vehicle. Once inside you’ll see that the left is the beach itself. With clear and transparent water, Cala Canyet has a length of 70 meters and a width of 15, and is made of very fine sand. Given its proximity to the above urbanization it has all the services you can expect from a good beach as showers, restaurant, bar, a nautical club which organizes courses, etc.

Scenic view of Cala Canyet, near Tossa de Mar. Over the big rock, the rocky bridges over the shore of the cove

La Cala Canyet, as mentioned, is in an urbanized area resort where, for example, we can find a tennis court. In this area we are surprised by the presence of a beautiful  Ava Gardner statue. It is another tribute from the town of Tossa de Mar that the actress visited in 1950, when she shot the film “Pandora and the Flying Dutchman,” with James Mason as main actor.

Ava Gardner statue next to Cala Canyet, in Rosamar urbanization, in Tossa de Mar

During that visit to Spain Ava Gardner had a notorious affair with the torero Mario Cabré. It was polemic because the actress still kept a relationship with her husband, the famous singer Frank Sinatra.

Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra & friends in Tossa de Mar, in the 50's

On the right side of the creek there is a large rock. On the other side of it there is a coastal path that leads to a rocky area with a beautiful rocky setting, where stands a little stone bridge over the water: they are the “puentes de Canyet” (Canyet bridges). In this nice area it is also possible to swim, so we recommend the bathers to walk to it from Cala Canyet and discover the landscape beauty it offers.

Canyet, bridges over the beach, in Cala Canyet, Costa Brava

Cova d'en Daina, in Romanyà de la Selva, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Reaching Romanyà de la Selva is simple, since taking the road linking Llagostera with Santa Cristina d’Aro, we just have to take the good state road to the left that indicates Romanyà de la Selva village direction, up into the mountains. The monument is located about 650 meters from the center of town, in whose cemetery, by the way, is buried one of the writers of Catalan literature more universal Rodoreda, author of Diamond Plaza.

Scenic view of Cova d'en Daina, one of the most important monuments in Catalonia

The megalithic site is protected by a cromlech, a series of granite stones arranged in a ring of 11 meters in diameter surrounding the monument. The dolmen itself is 7.60 meters long by 1.70 wide. Its height is 1.50 meters.

Cova d'en Daina megalith, in Romanyà de la Selva

Already during the XIXth century the former owner of the land began to investigate its contents, but it was in 1957 when excavations made by Cruañas revealed bones, teeth, about 7 arrowheads made with silex, collars pieces, fragments of knife and ceramic remains.

Archeological excavations, realised inside the monument, revealed important findings

The complex was declared a National Monument in 1931, and both by the appearance and by the nice location where it is (in the middle of a nice forest) family visit is interesting to discover an ancient relic open and available to everyone.

Interior of the dolmen Cova d'en Daina, Romanyà de la Selva, Costa Brava

Cala Boadella, in Lloret de Mar, Girona, Costa Brava, Spain

Cala de Sa Boadella is about 200 meters long by 25 meters wide. Situated between Cala Santa Cristina and Punta d’en Sureda (a little rocky cape), it is a long narrow beach where granitic rocks that compose it draw a clear division in two, forming another cove as long as we keep going to the south direction.

Back of the beach you will see rock formations. As you dive into the waters you’ll verify that the sea gets deep quickly. Water is clean, transparent, since the beach is open enough to not stay in the area any foreign body for much time.

Cala Boadella panoramical view, in Lloret de Mar, under Santa Clotilde Gardens

The idyllic and romantic atmosphere that makes this creek so special in the Costa Brava is also largely due to the surrounding environment. The cove is surrounded by a forest of white pine, very curious, with the curved trunks going towards the sea. Moreover, the cliffs surrounding the beach have some reddish color rocks, so particular in the area.

Cala Boadella is a perfect cove to spend a summer day in familiy

And, of course, any visitor to Cala Boadella should know that just above the cove are the Renaissance gardens of Santa Clotilde, Italian-designed ones designed in 1919 by Nicolau Rubió i Tudurí. The garden can be seen from the outside, but it is highly recommended to check timetables for getting lost inside.

Boadella Creek is a beach that has all the amenities you would expect from a beach of its features: showers, toilets, bar-restaurants, security, etc.

Cala Sa Boadella waters are clean and transparent

To reach the beach from Lloret de Mar you’ll have to take the GI-682 that goes to Blanes. One kilometer from Lloret you’ll find a roundabout (A point on the map) that shows direction towards Santa Clotilde urbanization. Take this oone towards the mountains. At one point you’ll see that there is a footpath to the left, while vehicles are directed to the right where you parked. From there to the beach is a 300 metres path through a lush forest. If you go in summer you won’t descend alone, because many Lloret de Mar visitors love this place.

On this map you can see Cala Boadella location in Lloret de Mar coastline