The Costa Brava boasts three historic gardens: Mar i Murtra, in Blanes; Santa Clotilde, in Lloret de Mar; and Cap Roig, in Calella de Palafrugell. You can visit all three of them in a weekend because they are only an hour away from each other by car.
MAR I MURTRA GARDEN (BLANES) The Mar i Murtra Botanical Garden contains Catalonia's most magnificent collection of plants and because of this, and on account of its considerable size, it is one of the most outstanding botanical gardens in Europe. This historic garden is also noted for its abundant array of cacti and Mediterranean plants, as well as a large variety of other plants from all over the world. These days, not only can you enjoy a walk through this spectacular garden, you can participate in some of the talks, concerts, courses and workshops that are held there.
THE SANTA CLOTILDE GARDENS (LLORET DE MAR) The Santa Clotilde Gardens, located on a cliff of great beauty, and commanding marvellous views over the sea, is considered to have sprung from the
Noucentisme cultural movement that took place in Catalonia during the early part of the 20th century. They were laid out by the architect, Nicolau Rubió i Tudurí, a disciple of Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier. As you stroll through these gardens, pausing, perhaps in a little
plaça, along your way, you will be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the coastline.
CAP ROIG GARDENS (CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL) In 1927 the exiled Tsarist colonel Nicolai Woevodsky and his wife Dorothy Webster built a castle on top of a cliff in Cap Roig surrounded by idyllic botanical gardens, considered to be amongst the Mediterranean's best. Today the Cap Roig Gardens also contain sculptures by contemporary artists. Don't forget to visit the castle during your visit. From there you can enjoy splendid views of the Cala d’en Massoni, known locally as the
Banyera de la Russa, or Russian lady's bathtub, since it was here that Dorothy Webster would go for a swim.
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