Yzabelle Bostyn
BRITISH newspaper the Sun has named this seaside town Spain’s cheapest holiday destination.
August is just around the corner and with it, a new flock of tourists will come from the UK in search of summer sun.
Many families save year-round for their summer holidays, but according to the Sun, they don’t have to break the bank.
Using data from travel experts, TravelSupermarket, the Sun analysed package deals of Spanish holiday resorts to find the best average prices.
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Photo: Turisme Blanes
According to this research, Blanes, Costa Brava is the most affordable travel destination in Spain, with an average cost of £450 for a seven night stay.
TravelSupermarket said: “Known as the gateway to the Costa Brava, Blanes is a great introduction to the beautiful beaches and historic towns that this Costa is well known for.
“It’s a family favourite for a laidback seaside stay, often quieter than its resort neighbours, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar.
“It’s great value, too. Taking the top spot as the cheapest Spanish resort, seven-night summer holidays in Blanes average just £445pp.”
In classic British fashion, the Sun highlighted the low price of beer in the area, with an average price of €2 (£1.70).
But a pint is nothing without delicious food to accompany it and luckily, a three-course meal for two can cost as little as €32 (£27.25) at a mid-range restaurant.
While you don’t have to be well off to enjoy Blanes, it is nonetheless rich in activities, with stunning botanical gardens and beaches.
The Jardi Botanic Marimurta is known as ‘one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean’ and even won a TripAdvisor traveller’s choice award last year.
Photo: Turisme Blanes
There,‘you can enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the coastline and get to know more than four thousand plant species, most of them exotic ones, as well as several specimens that are extraordinary because of their age or size.’
If you fancy a dip after wandering around the garden, check out the ‘crystal clear waters’ and ‘excellent snorkelling’ available at Cala de Sant Francesc and Playa S’Abanell.
Photo: Turisme Blanes
Sant Francesc bay is relatively uncrowded, with beach-goers able to enjoy food and drink right on the ‘soft white sand’ from Restaurant Cala Bona.
For history buffs, there’s the Castle of Sant Joan, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
It is described as ‘one of the most emblematic buildings and undoubtedly one of the most characteristic landscape elements of Blanes.’
The castle is known for its dramatic views over the coast and the Serra de las Gavarres mountain range.
In the unlikely event you get bored of Blanes, there are plenty of great, budget friendly day trips nearby, such as a wander around Girona or a visit to the Dali museum in Figueres.
Blanes is easy to get to, with flights to Girona Airport followed by a short, half an hour drive.
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