Lloret de Mar, Spain

Lloret de Mar is a Mediterranean coastal town in Catalonia and one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa Brava. It is 40 kilometres from Girona and 75 kilometres from Barcelona and therefore easily accessible. With a population of 39,363 (to date 01/01/2009) it is the second largest town in the Selva comarca (county) of Catalonia.

For decades Lloret de Mar has attracted summer visitors on package tours and is considered as one of the most important resorts on the Costa Brava. Lloret de Mar's main beach (length: 1,630 m; width: 45 m; white sand) is one of the most popular Costa Brava beaches and is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.

Lloret’s nightlife attracts an 18-30s crowd mainly from the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, The Netherlands, Denmark and other, mostly European, countries.

History

There are historical remains of Iberian and Roman civilizations at various archaeological sites. The first written references to Lloret de Mar can be found in documents from 966 as Loredo from the Latin word "lauretum" (bay laurel). Like many Mediterranean coastal towns, Lloret was frequently invaded by the Saracens in the Middle Ages. It is said that the traditional Ball de Plaça (the Dance in the Town Square) dates from this era.

Until the 15th century, the town’s centre was located one kilometre inland, next to the Chapel of Les Alegries (the town’s main church before the Church of Sant Romà was built) to protect itself from attacks from English, French, Turkish and Algerian pirates. Lloret’s port became commercially important in the 18th century. It no longer exists but the Garriga Houses built by Americanos, rich returning Spanish immigrants to the Americas, remind us of this affluent era.

Sites of Cultural Interest

• Castle of Sant Joan: Medieval castle from the 11th century used to defend Lloret against any attacks from the sea such as that of the Genovese fleet in 1356 and during England’s war on Spain and France in 1805. The fortress is said to have been operational until the 17th century. Only the castle’s tower remains (restored in 1992) and offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.
• Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife: Bronze sculpture found at the end of Lloret beach erected in 1966 to commemorate Lloret de Mar’s Millennium. It is considered to be one of the town’s most emblematic symbols. Legend states that touching the sculpture’s foot while looking out at the horizon will make your wishes come true.

Pictures

View more pictures at Flickr.