November/December 2023


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BRAVO ‘BRAVA 48 HOURS IN LLORET DE MAR


BY SARAH PICKERING


AN abyss of sun, sea and sand sits tucked within the Costa Brava, awaiting its next arrival of first-time visitors; from here, it draws in these visitors and quickly becomes an addicting enjoyment of the best Catalonia has to offer. This is Lloret de Mar. Despite its French name, Lloret de Mar sits


just south of Barcelona and pays homepage to its Lloret trees and is known to locals as simply, Lloret (yor-et). As a first time visitor to the region and area,


it is hard to imagine how busy and exciting this town is. After all, flights to Girona- Barcelona, the closest airport to the town, began this year from Dublin, Shannon, Cork, and from Belfast International. Because of this, visitors can be excused for their lack of knowledge surrounding Lloret de Mar itself- but no more!


Displaying 5 pristine beaches along its peaceful coastline, Lloret de Mar has a little bit of something for everyone. Despite this, the tranquil sounds of the sea can be heard above all as you can find peace and relaxation at any which one you choose - a complete contrast to many coastlines in the south regions of Spain and one that feels like a dream. As mentioned, the town has a little bit of something for everyone and should be high on the list of any traveller, especially those multi-generational families as they seek a care-free yet, enjoyable holiday. With an average climate of 23 degrees, Lloret de Mar can be enjoyed all


year


round, with the off season falling between October and March. The water is the perfect lukewarm for those wishing to cool off from the heat, and the many cafes and eateries scattered throughout the town makes for the best shaded areas. Like many municipalities across Catalonia


and Spain, Lloret de Mar comes with a rich history of its own and is one visitors should indulge in when exploring. Here, you will hear of tales regarding Indianos; the Indianos were local people, mainly men, who left their poverty-stricken homes here in Lloret de Mar and immigrated to America. Upon arrival back in Lloret de Mar, they built magnificent houses, provided money for the care and wellbeing of the people in the town, and helped to build the area to what it now is. Visiting the last remaining ‘Indianos’ house is a fine example of the pride the locals take in their heritage and it gives onlookers a small glimpse of what life could, and would, have been for so many. From an architectural and design prospective, the house is a must-see. Original hand painted ceilings, winding staircases and prized antiques can all be viewed within the home. Tours must be booked to view inside of the home. it is a unique and well- worth visit to start your own story within Lloret de Mar. Northern Ireland is highly accustomed


with the connection to Game of Thrones and the well-known, natural settings which formed the backdrops of the hit tv series. This is shared in common with Lloret de Mar; ‘House of the Dragon’, the prequel to Game of Thrones, was partly filmed in Lloret de Mar. HBO moved in to Jardins de Santa Clotilde or now known as ‘garden of the


dragons’ where it set the scene, and now you too can ‘walk amongst dragons’. Although not a botanical garden,Jardins de Santa Clotilde portrays a renaissance-style beauty not seen in many similar settings. Wonder at the now green statues which protrude from the mediterran … and submerse yourself in the dystopian essence of the gardens. A walk which can be taken at your own leisure will display not only beauty within the garden, but also outside; make your way to one of the many viewpoints and catch a glimpse of Lloret’s very own private beach- the area can only be reached by foot and hosts a 5 star hotel and restaurant, providing some of the best seafood and traditional eats in the area. As you explore the streets of Lloret and


take a walk down the promenade, you may catch a glimpse of a castle; do not be fouled. The Castle is vastly mistaken as the Castle of Lloret, which is located at the opposite end of the promenade (and is not as impressive to marvel at). Despite this, do take take to explore the ‘castle’ which was built to look like this by a local many years ago. The Lloret council recently bought the building over and transformed it to an interactive immersive experience regarding the environment; take this as your opportunity to get within the magnificent building, but also take in the fascinating experience which is heartstring- pulling and educational all in one. Why not stay behind and watch the sunset from the cocktail bar at the back of the castle; with mango daiquiri in hand and a view hard to describe in words, watch as the purples and the oranges of the Lloret sky engulf the coastline and make way for the moonlight to dazzle down on the town. For the active traveller, Lloret boasts a wealth of opportunity to get out and explore the area, both by land and by sea.


By land, grab your walking sticks and try the Nordic hiking trail. Learn first-hand from an experienced instructor the do’s and dont’s of Nordic walking and then you’re off! The coastal walkways throughout Lloret de Mar are maintained to a very high standard and provide spectacular views of the coastline and mountain range. The trails can be arranged to any ability and are throughly enjoyable for all adults and older children.keep your eyes on the water as you walk and see if you can spot jellyfish, small fish and even the odd diver or two! If getting into the water is


more your thing then you’ve came to the right place. Along all the beaches you will find huts promoting kayaking, paddle boarding and water sports. Jumping onboard with Lemon Kayak, travellers can jump into a double-kayak and take to the seas to discover the sights hidden from the roads and paths of Lloret, and get a new- found impression of this already beautiful location. Kayaks can be rented for 1 hour, right up to a full day and you can opt for an instructor for the novice out there or take to the seas with you and your group. For those looking for a fun-


for-all-the-family activity, how does Pitch and Putt sound? A quick tutorial on how to properly swing your golf club from the professionals and you’re ready to hit the green. All ages can join in this fun-in- the-sun activity which is sure to provide enjoyment for hours. The greens at Lloret Pitch and Putt are well maintained and of a very high standard- try your hand at the ‘floating’ holes but be sure to miss the water! A throughly enjoyed activity in the sun which all the family will enjoy; so much so, the area actually is home to a caravan park fully equipped with a play park and bar. Not to stress also as Pitch and Putt provide all equipment needed for the course and you can also buy merchandise if you’ve forgot your sun hat or sun cream. P.s, you will definitely need it!


For those that want to relax and chill out, Lloret de Mar is the place to be. Did you know


Lovely Lloret | 27


a Lloret resident helped to create the famous daiquiri which is world-renowned today? Constantí Ribalaigua i Vert, a Lloretenc, helped perfect the blend for the daiquiri, which was originally created in a Cuban bar. The concept of the frozen daiquiri was completely unknown and therefore stood out as a transformation for the entire cocktail world. Lo and behold, the humble frozen daiquiri was born- simple syrup, Havana rum, lime and ice and voila! The simple, yet tasty cocktail has been regenerated and changed for years and now can be purchased in multiple different forms and flavours, but the original will always sit in the heart of Lloret de Mar. So, find a cosy, traditional, local bar (these can be found in abundance) and settle yourself in for a taste sensation with the Lloret frozen daiquiri.


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