Lloret de Mar is best known as the padel hub of Costa Brava — but the town offers far more than courts and coaching. Between sessions, you are surrounded by one of Spain's most beautiful coastlines, medieval villages, world-class restaurants and a nightlife scene that keeps going long after the last match. This guide covers everything worth doing when you are not on court.
The Beaches
Lloret de Mar has five distinct beaches, each with its own character:
- Platja de Lloret — the main 2 km beach. Busy in summer but well-equipped, with sunbeds, water sports and beachfront restaurants.
- Platja de Fenals — quieter, more sheltered, with a natural pine backdrop. Great for families and anyone who prefers a calmer atmosphere.
- Cala Boadella — a small cove accessible by a short forest walk. Calm, clear water and less crowded. Worth the walk.
- Cala Treumal — a hidden gem, pebble beach with crystal-clear water. Some of the best snorkelling on the coast.
Day Trips from Lloret de Mar
Girona (35 minutes by car)
Girona's old town is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe. Walk the ancient walls, cross the famous coloured houses of the Onyar river, explore the Jewish Quarter, and visit the stunning Gothic cathedral. If you have seen it in Game of Thrones — that is because several scenes were filmed here. Half a day is enough; a full day lets you eat well too.
Tossa de Mar (20 minutes by car)
The most picturesque town on the Costa Brava. A walled medieval village on a headland, with crystal-clear water below and whitewashed streets inside the old town. Go for the view and stay for the fish restaurants.
Barcelona (70 minutes by car or bus)
Too far for a lunch trip, but a full-day excursion is absolutely worth it. Las Ramblas, the Sagrada Família, Barceloneta beach, Gothic Quarter, and enough Catalan food to keep you busy. Direct bus from Lloret to Barcelona Sants takes about 90 minutes.
Cap de Creus Natural Park (90 minutes)
The northernmost point of the Costa Brava and the Iberian peninsula. Wild, dramatic coastal scenery. Worth a drive if you have a free day and enjoy getting off the tourist trail.
Food and Restaurants
The Costa Brava has an underrated food scene. Lloret de Mar sits in the heart of a region famous for fresh seafood, truffle dishes from the inland town of Vic, and excellent local wines from the Empordà DO.
- Seafood: Look for fresh suquet de peix (Catalan fish stew) or grilled gambas de Palamós (local prawns). Any restaurant within 100m of the fishing boats is a good sign.
- Tapas and vermouth: The old town has several good spots for pre-lunch vermouth with olives and anchovies — a very local tradition.
- Post-padel recovery: Spain takes post-training nutrition seriously. Most beach restaurants serve excellent cold-pressed juices, fresh fruit plates and light bocadillos by mid-morning.
Culture and Nightlife
Lloret de Mar has a reputation for nightlife, and it is well-deserved — the town runs at a different pace in July and August. But beyond the clubs, there are some genuinely interesting cultural spots:
- Modernist Cemetery: One of the most architecturally remarkable cemeteries in Catalonia. Designed in the Modernista style with elaborate sculptures — an unusual but genuinely impressive visit.
- Jardins de Santa Clotilde: Formal Mediterranean gardens above the sea, inspired by Italian Renaissance design. The views of the coast from here are exceptional.
- Museu del Mar: Small but interesting museum about the history of Lloret's seafaring culture, including the colonial-era trade with Cuba.
Practical Tips for Padel Players
- Best time for sightseeing: Morning sessions on court, afternoon visits. Most coastal towns are quieter before 11am and after 5pm in summer.
- Getting around: A car makes day trips much easier. Rentals are available from Girona airport. For Girona and Barcelona, the bus from Lloret is reliable and cheap.
- What to pack besides padel gear: Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets, reef shoes for rocky coves, a layer for cool evenings in May and October.