Primer Bany de l'Any - Lloret

 Lots of brave people gathered on the beach this morning at 11.30 for the 21st edition of Llorets first swim of the year, luckily it was quite warm and was told on good authority by Gary that the sea was also very warm! All those taking part had a short exercise session to get them ready for the dip.

And off they went, some were quite apprehensive but others just ran and bravely dived in.

Below is 'Nog' the dog patiently waiting for his owner Gary to return from his dip.

Cala Banys - Lloret de Mar

 Although the bar at Cala Banys is closed for the season (reopens 13th March) its still a nice place to go and look out to sea and take a few shots of that amazing view...and better still when the winter temperature is 20ºc as it was today!

The 3 Kings

Its an exciting day for the children of Spain tomorrow, its the day that the 3 Kings arrive to towns and villages all over the country to deliver their presents.....just as Father Christmas does in the UK. The 3 Kings are due to arrive at the Town Hall at 6pm, after spending time inside and waving to the crowds from the balconies they will then be making their way along the seafront towards Avenida Just Marles, up towards Avenida del Reiral and then onto the Pavello Municipal d'Esports where they will be talking to as many children as possible asking what presents they are hoping to receive this year....and if they have been good throughout the year then they should be waking to lots of Christmas boxes to open on the morning of January 6th!

A great start to the year in Lloret

 Looking at these photos you would think they were taken during the height of the summer...apart from the empty beach that is! But no its January 3rd 2015 and 21ºc - we are now heading towards the coldest time of the year but there's no sign of it so far!

Happy New Year from Lloret

Happy New Year to you all from Lloret de Mar.

It seems we are going to have a good weather for the start of the year with blue sunny skies and warmer temperatures than of late. Today the sun is shining and there are lots of people out walking around town and along the seafront. Many of the hotels which closed at the end of the summer season have reopened for the Xmas & New Year holidays and are more or less full with people from all over Europe, the majority are French but Ferris and Siesta coach holidays have brought many British visitors into Lloret and the other nearby resorts. I'm sure they will all appreciate this warm weather here on the Costa Brava...much better than the icey conditions back in the UK!

Santa on his way around Lloret

 Well! Christmas is almost here and in Fenals it was a lovely atmosphere as Father Christmas and his helpers set off on their first journey around Lloret waving to the crowds on the way. Tomorrow evening they will be out on the roads again in Lloret centre from 4pm onwards.

Father Christmas routes in Lloret

Father Christmas and his helpers are visiting Lloret today (23rd Dec) at 4.30pm starting from the childrens playground in the centre of Fenals. Tomorrow his route will take him all through the streets of Lloret starting at 4pm.

December weather in Lloret

 For the last 2 days in Lloret the weather has been unusually warm for the time of year. Yesterdays temperature reached 19ºc and 20ºc today, so warm in fact that as these photos show outside the bars and cafes people are able to sit and enjoy a drink in the sun......

 .....or maybe even a game of cards!

Christmas Events in Lloret de Mar

Lots of exciting things are taking place in Lloret over the Christmas period. This Saturday 20th Dec in the Church Square from 11am there will be a full days entertainment with a cupcake workshop for the kids, concerts throughout the day, Father Christmas and the always popular Lloret Giants will be attending...lets hope the weather stays fine for this day!

Costa Brava Towns

 All along the Costa Brava coast you will come across some beautiful little towns and coves, today we visited 2 of the best - Llafranc and Tamariu where the water is crystal clear! Picturesque Tamariu still retains its unspoilt charm of an old fishing village and has a good selection of beach front cafes and restaurants. Llafranc also is equally unspoilt with its small working port and fishing boats, it also has several bars, restaurants, cafes and shops in the little cobbled streets leading down to the beach. Both towns are part of the municipality of Palafrugell situated  just a few kms from the coast.

Views of Tossa de Mar

 One of the most picturesque places on the Costa Brava is our 'next door neighbour' Tossa de Mar.

 Reaching Tossa de mar from Lloret is very easy by boat or bus but to really get the best view of Tossa's unspoilt location you need to take the road out leading to Sant Feliu and pull into 1 or 2 of the viewing points, from where you can can how Tossa is surrounded by miles upon miles of pine forest and stands on a beautiful part of the coast.

Sunday morning Tirada L'art

All those who took part in Sunday mornings Tirada L'art in Lloret had great weather conditions, and as the nets were drawn in they were rewarded with a large catch of assorted fish for all their hard work.

 Preparing and cooking all the fish for breakfast, served with lots of tomato bread and wine!