Day Trip to Blanes from Barcelona: Complete Guide + Tips

Planning a day trip to Blanes from Barcelona? You’re in the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve taken the train to Blanes and experienced firsthand why this Costa Brava town has become a TikTok favorite. 

From scenic beaches to stunning botanical gardens, it’s a fun escape from the city that’s been popping up all over my FYP page!

In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to Blanes from Barcelona, what to do once you’re there, where to eat, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re going for the views, the photo ops, or just some coastal vibes, this post has everything you need to know. Let’s get into it!

Is a Blanes Day Trip Worth It?

I think a day trip to Blanes from Barcelona is worth it–if you’re planning to visit the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens.  

The gardens sit right on a cliff overlooking the sea, with an oceanfront pavilion and a hidden cove that’s been all over TikTok. It costs about €12 to get in, and honestly, that part alone makes it one of the best day trips from Barcelona. 

But if you’re not planning to visit the gardens, I might skip it. The town itself is fine, but nothing amazing–the beaches are kind of narrow and the buildings aren’t super cute or photogenic. 

Also, what no one tells you on TikTok is that the train station is a solid 35-40 minute walk from the beach, so getting into town is a bit of a hassle.

How to Get to Blanes from Barcelona

Here are the best ways to get from Barcelona to Blanes:

Take the Train

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get to Blanes from Barcelona is by train–this is a commuter train which is operated by Renfe Rodalies.

You can catch the R1 line from a few central stations, including Barcelona Sants, Plaça de Catalunya, and Arc de Triomf. 

Barcelona to Blanes trains typically run about every 30 minutes throughout the day, and a one-way ticket costs €7.60 (€15.20 round trip).

Just hop on a train heading toward Blanes–it’s the final stop on the line, so you don’t have to worry about missing it. 

The ride takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and it’s actually really scenic as you’ll be riding along the coast for most of the trip.

I personally went from Arc de Triomf, and it was super straightforward. Just make sure to double-check the screens to see which platform you need to go to for Blanes. 

You can buy tickets at the station from the orange machines or use the Renfe Cercanías app to buy tickets and check schedules.

Tip: When using the automated ticket machines, press the British flag button (🇬🇧) to switch the language to English. 

Drive to Blanes

If you have a rental car, driving to Blanes takes around 55 minutes. 

Parking can be tricky, but it gives you more flexibility if you want to explore nearby areas or some of the more secluded coves.

Take a Taxi or Uber

A taxi or ride-hailing app will get you there in about 55 minutes, but it’s definitely the most expensive option. 

A taxi from Barcelona to Blanes might cost around €110-€150 each way. Uber isn’t very reliable in Barcelona, so I recommend using FreeNow or Cabify instead.

Taxis in Blanes are also extremely limited so it might be hard to get one for the return trip.

How to Get from Blanes Train Station to Downtown Blanes

This is probably the most important thing to know about visiting Blanes–and the part they definitely don’t mention on TikTok! 

The Blanes train station is located way outside of the town center, and it’s about a 35-40 minute walk to the beach. In the heat, or if you’re short on time, that can feel like a lot.

There is a local bus (L4) that connects the station to downtown Blanes, but it only runs every 30 minutes or so and is cash only (€2.70 each way). 

The bus was completely packed, and a bunch of people were getting turned away because they didn’t have cash. 

There’s also a small taxi line outside the station, but taxis are really limited and it was very unorganized–one seemed to show up every 5-10 minutes, max. 

I ended up taking the bus (thankfully I had some coins), but if I were to do it again, I’d head straight for the taxi line to save myself the stress.

Getting Back to the Blanes Train Station

Now, getting back to the train station at the end of the day was even harder. 

There were no buses running at that time, and I had to walk the entire way uphill–which wasn’t exactly the relaxing end to the day I had planned! 

If you manage to get a taxi, ask for the driver’s number so you can call or message them later. 

You can also try to request a taxi on the FreeNow app, but rides are hit or miss in Blanes. 

Honestly, with how many people take the train here, it’s surprising that the local transportation options aren’t more efficient.

Things to Do in Blanes Spain

Now, once you’ve actually made it into the city center, here are some of the top things to do in Blanes:

Visit the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens

If there’s one thing you do in Blanes, let it be this! 

Marimurtra Botanical Gardens sit high on a cliffside with sweeping views of the Costa Brava coastline, a gorgeous oceanfront pavilion, and a tucked-away cove that’s gone viral on TikTok.

The Marimurtra Botanical Gardens entrance ticket costs around €12 and aside from the famous photo spot, you’ll get to wander around the rest of the gardens and see tons of cool and vibrant tropical plant varieties.

I’d recommend booking your ticket online in advance to secure your spot because there was a long line when I arrived.

Visit the Pinya de Rosa Botanical Gardens

For a quieter and more off-the-beaten-path garden experience, head to the Pinya de Rosa botanical gardens. 

Entrance is just €5, and while it’s less dramatic than Marimurtra, it has a peaceful vibe and an impressive cactus collection. 

It’s also way less crowded, so you can wander around at your own pace. If you’re into unique plants or just want a break from the busier spots, this is a great stop.

Hit the Beach

Blanes has several beaches to choose from, but two of the most popular are Platja de Blanes and Platja de S’Abanell. 

Platja de Blanes is right by the marina, while S’Abanell is much longer and tends to be less crowded. 

The beaches here aren’t as wide or dramatic as others on the Costa Brava, but they’re still great for a relaxing swim or laying out on the sand. 

You can also head to the more secluded Cala Bona if you want to escape the crowds.

Have Lunch at a Seaside Restaurant

You’ll find tons of casual beachfront spots in Blanes where you can grab lunch with a view. I personally stopped at Txuleto for a sangria and a simple bocadillo, which totally hit the spot. 

If you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal, don’t worry–I’ll recommend a few good options in the next section. 

Whether it’s seafood, tapas, or something quick and casual, eating by the water is a must.

Shop and Explore the Town Center

Blanes’ town center isn’t extremely charming but you’ll still find some good places for shopping if you want to take a break from the beach. 

You can pop into small souvenir stores, browse clothing shops, or just wander and take in the slower pace.

Climb La Palomera

La Palomera is the rocky mound that juts into the sea right off the beach and marks the symbolic start of the Costa Brava. 

You can climb up the path for some nice views over both sides of the coastline and snap a few photos. 

Try Out Some Water Sports

During the summer months, Blanes offers a few water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. 

You’ll find rental stands along the beachfront, especially near Platja de S’Abanell. 

Walk Along the Coast

One of the best things to do in Blanes is just walk along the seaside promenade. 

It runs between the beaches and the marina, and it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll with ocean views. 

Places to Eat in Blanes

Here are a few recommendations for places to eat in Blanes:

• Sa Lola: This fun and creative tapas spot is right by the water and serves up small plates with bold flavors and cool presentation. 

• Sa Classic Pizza: This is a cozy little pizza place that’s all about wood-fired pies and fresh ingredients. They’re only open for dinner so better if you’re staying later in the day.

• Es Blanc Restaurant & Lounge Club: This stylish beachfront Mediterranean restaurant is perfect for a laid-back lunch or drinks. 

• Txuleto: This is a casual spot right on the seafront where you can grab a sangria and a quick bite. It’s not fancy, but it’s nice for relaxing with a drink and enjoying the view.

Best Time to Visit Blanes

Blanes is busiest in the summer months, especially July and August, when locals and tourists flock to the beaches. 

If you’re hoping to snap those Insta-perfect photos of the botanical gardens and coastline, try to visit on a sunny day–clear skies really make a huge difference. 

Spring and early fall are great options too, with nice weather and fewer crowds. 

And even in the winter, Blanes can still be a peaceful escape–the gardens are open year round though some restaurants and services may be limited.

How Much Time to Spend in Blanes

Plan to spend a full day in Blanes, especially if you’re visiting the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens and want time to relax at the beach or grab lunch. 

Keep in mind that getting to and from the train station adds extra time–it’s a 35-40 minute walk each way, unless you catch a taxi or the local bus.

Trains back to Barcelona depart roughly every 30 minutes so it’s easy to spend a whole day in Blanes.

Tips for Visiting Blanes from Barcelona

Follow these tips to make the most of your Blanes experience:

• Plan for the travel time from the train station: The train station is about a 35-40 minute walk from the beach and then it’s about a 20 minute walk from the beach to the Gardens. Local transport is most likely going to be a hassle so be prepared for this!

• Bring cash for the local bus: If you want to try and take the local bus, make sure to bring cash (in euros).  The cost is €2.70 each way and credit cards are not accepted.

• Buy your Marimurtra Botanical Gardens tickets online in advance: Make sure to buy your Marimurtra Garden tickets online in advance.  This lets you skip the main line by entering through the gift shop entrance, which is a huge time-saver when it’s busy.

• Be prepared for uphill walks: If you don’t take a taxi, be prepared for uphill walks in Blanes.  It’s about a 20 minute walk uphill from the beach to the gardens.  And then if you end up walking back to the train station, it’s uphill for most of the way.

• Be prepared for a line to take photos at the gardens: There was a pretty long line of people waiting to take photos in the pavilion!

• Go to the gardens later in the day to save money: If you really want to save money, Marimurtra offers reduced admission for just €10 instead of the usual €12 from 2:00–6:00PM.

• Pack sunscreen: Whether you’re walking around the gardens or lounging at the beach, the sun can be very intense, especially in the summer months. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen or protective clothing.

• Bring beach gear: If you plan to spend time at the beach, don’t forget a towel, swimsuit, and maybe even water shoes since the sand can be a bit coarse in spots.

• Go from the Arc de Triomf station: I’d recommend leaving from the Arc de Triomf station in Barcelona as it’s a convenient central station, easy to navigate, and less crowded than Barcelona Sants.

• Download the Renfe Cercanías app: Download the Renfe Cercanias app so you can use it to check train times and even buy your tickets in advance. 

Visiting Blanes: FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about taking a day trip from Barcelona to Blanes:

Final Thoughts: Barcelona to Blanes Day Trip Guide

I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared for your day trip to Blanes from Barcelona! 

I’m definitely not trying to scare you off from going–but I do think it’s important to know that getting to and from the train station can be a bit of a pain. 

As long as you’re ready for that part, the rest of the day can still be really worth it. 

The Marimurtra Gardens are absolutely stunning, and there’s enough to see and do to make it a fun little escape from the city.

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