Lloret de Mar - July Fiesta.

Today in Lloret is the yearly fiesta, which celebrates the towns patron saint - Santa Cristina.
The fiesta starts with a procession of boats of all shapes and sizes. From the beach in Lloret they head down to the small bay of Santa Cristina, once there everyone tucks in to the traditional Catalan dish of estafado, (something like our stew !)
Then tonight is the huge firework display, set on the beach in Lloret, this is a sight not to be missed. All the road along the sea front will be closed to traffic before the display gets under way, and everyone gathers at various points all over town to try get the best view.

Sun Burn Prevention.

During these hot summer temperatures it is very tempting to go out in the sun without first thinking of the dangers the sun can cause. The most common problem of over exposure to the sun is the reddening of the skin, but the true extent of the damage will not appear until several hours later. With the skin showing signs of swelling, feeling itchy and also can be very painful.
Other symptoms of too much sun can be head-aches, sickness and a possible feeling of feverishness. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to seek the advice of a chemist or even a doctor in severe cases.

To prevent spoiling your holiday on the Costas, prevention is far better than cure....

To protect yourself from the suns harmful rays always wear a sunscreen cream, but don't wait until you are out in the sun before applying. It is always advised to apply 30mins before exposure to the sun, and re-apply during the day several times. A factor 15 at least should be used, even in cloudy conditions the sun will get through.
To pevent dehydration always have a bottle of water with you. This will replace body fluids lost throughout the day with perspiration. You may not feel thirsty but you can soon dehydrate without realising it! Symptoms of this are headache, dizziness and shivering.
A pair sun glasses will protect you eyes from harmful rays and a hat will protect your head from burning and possible headaches.

Lloret de Mar - Costa Brava.

The boats which run from the beaches of Lloret and Fenals are an ideal way to see the Costa Brava coast. Going up the coast from Fenals the longest trip will cost 19 euro.This trip will take you all the way up to Palamos. It takes approx 2 hrs depending on the sea conditions. You will then have ample time to have wander round the resort before heading back to the boat for the 2 long trip back to Lloret.

Places which you will see on the way are - the small cove of Cala Canyelles, Tossa de Mar, San Feliu de Guizols and Playa de Aro. On board the boats there are toilets and also very reasonably priced drinks. 

Palamos (pictured below) is like many Spanish towns, it has been built in two halves - a new part and the old part. The old parts of these towns are always the most interesting, as this is where you find the typical narrow streets and the church, along with the little parks and squares where the locals will gather to talk about all the local gossip!

 

Lloret de Mar - Weather.

Owing to the dry weather conditions in many parts of Spain, certain restrictions are now in place. It is not allowed to go out into the countryside with the family and have a barbeque. The reason being that it would be so easy for a stray spark to start a fire which could burn for days on end and spread for miles and miles!

On one such occasion back in the early 90s, one fire got so close to the outskirts of Lloret, that ash was falling onto the tables outside the restaraunts. These photos are a few which were taken while I was here on holiday at the time.

The above photos show the water carrying planes coming down into the sea just off Lloret beach to fill up and take the water back to the fires.
The bottom photo looks as though it is a night time scene, it was actually taken at mid day as the fires had started. The sun can just be seen through the smoke!

 

Lloret de Mar, Weather .

The weather just lately is verging on the unbearable!

Rain has been forcast (again) but so far here on the coast all we have had is a few drops.
Daytime temperatures are reaching 35 - 37 degs, not just the odd day, but every day. It's a nice relief when a bit of light cloud passes over!Through the night temps are maybe dropping down to 25 - 26 degs - very uncomfortable for sleeping.

Lloret de Mar Beach