Just two kilometers from the center of Blanes, Cala Sant Francesc has the kind of credentials that are hard to argue with: Blue Flag certified every year since 1995, voted one of the 22 best beaches in Europe by European Best Destination in 2022, and flanked by both a major botanical garden and a hilltop medieval castle. Locally, most people still call it by its older name, Cala Bona — and once you’ve spent an afternoon in its clear, sheltered water, it’s easy to see why fishermen once considered this their lucky cove.
This guide covers what Sant Francesc is actually like, the best things to do in and around the water, how to get there and where to park, where to eat (including the cove’s well-known restaurant), and the best time of year to visit.
Where Is Cala Sant Francesc?
Cala Sant Francesc, also known as Cala Bona, sits about 2 kilometers north of Blanes’s town center, in the province of Girona, within a quiet, tree-lined residential area along the GI-682 road toward Lloret de Mar. The cove sits in a small bay sheltered from the wind, near Punta de Santa Anna. Further along the same road, near the boundary with Lloret de Mar, sits the wilder, pine-backed Cala Treumal.
It’s reachable both by road and via the Camí de Ronda, which connects the cove to the Jardí Botànic Marimurtra on one side and the Castell de Sant Joan on the other — two of Blanes’s most notable attractions, both within easy walking distance.
What the Beach Is Actually Like
Sant Francesc is a small, well-equipped cove, with sources putting its length at anywhere from 170 to 220 meters and a width of around 30 to 35 meters. The shore is coarse, golden (sometimes described as golden-pink) sand, typical of the southern Costa Brava, and the entry into the water is notably steep in places — worth keeping in mind with younger children, even though the cove is widely recommended as a family beach.
The water is exceptionally clear and well sheltered by the bay’s natural shape, keeping conditions calm to moderate most of the time. A rocky area to the left of the beach, along with a notable rock formation on the right near the shore, makes this one of the better snorkeling spots in the Blanes area, with a healthy variety of marine life visible in the shallow, rocky margins.
Things to Do at Cala Sant Francesc
Snorkeling
The rocky stretch to the left of the beach, combined with the cove’s calm, clear water, makes this a popular and accessible snorkeling spot, suitable even for casual swimmers given the shallow depth in the rocky areas.
Hiking to the Jardí Botànic Marimurtra
A short walk along the Camí de Ronda leads to the Marimurtra botanical garden, home to more than 4,000 plant species, many of them exotic, spread across terraces with sweeping views over the Costa Brava — one of the most significant botanical gardens on the Mediterranean coast.
Hiking to the Castell de Sant Joan
In the other direction, a path leads up to the Castell de Sant Joan, a hilltop castle offering panoramic views over Blanes and the coastline, with the Sierra de Gavarres, the Montseny massif, and on clear days even Montjuïc in Barcelona visible from the top.
Boat Excursions
Tourist cruise boats depart from the area, touring the beaches of Blanes and continuing on to neighboring Lloret de Mar, with stops at more remote coves along the way.
Beach Characteristics at a Glance
- Type of shore: Coarse, golden (occasionally golden-pink) sand
- Length: Approximately 170–220 meters, depending on the source
- Width: Approximately 30–35 meters
- Water: Clear, calm to moderate, well-sheltered bay
- Blue Flag status: Awarded every year since 1995
- Notable distinction: Voted one of the 22 best beaches in Europe by European Best Destination in 2022
- Accessibility: Adapted restrooms, showers, and access for reduced mobility
How to Get to Cala Sant Francesc
By Car
From Blanes, follow the GI-682 toward Lloret de Mar for about 2 kilometers; the cove is well signposted. A small free parking area (around 30 spaces) sits roughly 100 meters from the beach, though it fills up quickly on summer weekends. Nearby street parking operates as a paid blue zone in season; a free alternative exists in the Santa Creu neighborhood north of central Blanes, about 5 to 10 minutes’ walk away.
On Foot (Camí de Ronda)
From Blanes, the coastal path takes about 30 minutes, passing through the Marimurtra botanical garden along the way — a genuinely scenic alternative for visitors without a car or who simply want to avoid the parking situation.
By Train and Bus
Many visitors arrive by train on the R1 Maresme line to Blanes station, about 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the town’s main beach, then continue to Sant Francesc by foot, taxi, or local bus. The Sagales intercity bus also connects Blanes with Barcelona’s Plaça Catalunya roughly hourly, taking about 58 minutes.
Map
Where to Eat Near Cala Sant Francesc
The beachfront restaurant Cala Bona is something of an institution here, drawing repeat visitors specifically for its mid-morning “esmorzar de forquilla” (a hearty Catalan brunch tradition) and full meals overlooking the water — note that it operates on a numbered-ticket system at busy times, so picking up your number before heading back into the water is a useful local tip. For a wider range of dining, Blanes’s town center, a short drive or coastal walk away, offers excellent seafood, including the prawns the town is regionally famous for.
Where to Stay Near Cala Sant Francesc
The residential area around the cove offers a peaceful, tree-shaded setting, though most formal accommodation is concentrated in Blanes itself, a short drive or walk away, with a wide range of hotels and apartments along the town’s main beachfront. Staying in Blanes also puts the train station and the wider Costa Brava coastline within easy reach, including day trips to Cala Treumal at the edge of town.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Summer brings the warmest water and the best snorkeling conditions, though weekends in particular can get crowded, with parking the main limiting factor. Visiting on a weekday, or arriving early on weekends, makes a noticeable difference. Spring and autumn offer a quieter visit, well suited to combining a swim with the walk to Marimurtra or the Castell de Sant Joan.
| Month | Water Temp (approx.) | Crowd Level | Parking Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| April–May | 15–17°C | Low | Easy |
| June | 21–23°C | Moderate | Moderate |
| July–August | 24°C | High (esp. weekends) | Difficult |
| September | 22–23°C | Moderate | Moderate |
| October | 19–20°C | Low | Easy |
| November–March | 13–14°C | Very Low | Easy |
Services and Facilities
- Lifeguard service in season
- Adapted showers and restrooms for reduced mobility
- Beachfront restaurant (Cala Bona)
- Sunbed, umbrella, kayak, and pedal boat rental
- Small free parking area (around 30 spaces) plus paid blue-zone street parking nearby
Practical Tips for Visiting Cala Sant Francesc
- Arrive early, especially on summer weekends. Parking is genuinely limited, and the small free lot fills quickly.
- Watch the entry slope with young children. It’s steeper than at many family beaches in the area.
- Take a number at the restaurant early if you plan to eat there. Cala Bona operates a ticket system at busy times.
- Bring snorkel gear. The rocky areas on both sides of the cove offer some of the better casual snorkeling near Blanes.
- Consider the Camí de Ronda walk from Blanes. It’s scenic, passes through the Marimurtra gardens, and avoids the parking situation entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cala Sant Francesc also called Cala Bona?
Cala Bona was the cove’s older name, reportedly because local fishermen once used it as a sheltered refuge; Sant Francesc comes from a nearby hermitage built in 1681.
Is Cala Sant Francesc good for families with children?
Generally yes, though the slope into the water is steeper than at many family beaches, so supervision is worthwhile with younger children.
Does Cala Sant Francesc have Blue Flag status?
Yes, it has held Blue Flag certification every year since 1995.
Can you walk to Cala Sant Francesc from Blanes?
Yes, via the Camí de Ronda coastal path, which takes around 30 minutes and passes through the Marimurtra botanical garden.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, safety, or travel advice. Beach conditions, parking regulations, and seasonal services can change without notice; always check official sources, including the Ajuntament de Blanes, before planning your visit. Always follow posted safety guidance and lifeguard instructions where available.
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