Blanes is the 'Gateway to the Costa Brava' a beautiful coastal town in Catalonia, Spain. In addition to long white, sandy beaches and quaint local shops, Blanes boasts not one, but two Botanical Gardens.
Marimurtra is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, established in the early 20th Century by a German botanist, and sits on top of a cliff overlooking the town.
The gardens have three climatic areas and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
You can travel to the gardens via bus or mini-train, the latter collecting holidaymakers from outside some of the larger hotels.
The Pinya de Rosa Gardens are situated two kilometres from Blanes and is home to more than 7,000 different types of plants, some of which are best seen at dusk as the petals begin to open.
For something different, head an hour up the coast for a relaxing day in the picturesque town of Tossa de Mar.
Visit the only remaining medieval walled town and castle on the beach.
Why not spend time wandering the narrow streets and artisan shops before visiting the secret cove and rock pools.
Many ferries to Tossa will stop off at coves along the way, so you can enjoy the mediterranean reef and marine life through the transparent hull.
Enjoy this unique and quiet getaway with Easy Jet, return flights to Barcelona this August from £110 per person.
Tilly Karabina
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