Exploring the Beaches & Gardens of Lloret De Mar, Spain: Part 2

So where did I leave you?

Ah yes, in the modernist cemetery, gazing out over the coastal town of Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava, Spain. Isn’t it a pretty view? Well, it’s about to get even more stunning.

Atop one of the wild cliffs near the sea, I entered the Santa Clotilde Gardens which turned out to be a green hideaway with curving pathways, ivy-covered staircases, plenty of fresh air, the sweet scent of springtime blossoms and the most breathtaking views.

Apart from the TBEX conference (which was the reason I was in Spain in case you missed last week’s post), the gardens were, by far, the best part of my trip.

With all of its nooks and crannies, the walkway of arches dripping with long purple bunches of wisteria, the mermaid sculptures and water features, it reminded me of a favourite childhood book: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

“Sometimes since I’ve been in the garden I’ve looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy as if something was pushing and drawing in my chest and making me breathe fast. Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing. Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all the places.”
– The Secret Garden

The first unexpected view through the evergreens and cypress trees, over the vibrant blue waters in the Sa Boadella cove with its sandy beaches was quite magical.

It’s a different sort of garden from Burnett’s of course, having been inspired by Italian Renaissance style landscaping and with views of the sea, but just as beautiful, no doubt.

I’ll have one more Lloret de Mar post for you soon about the beaches, castles, and bits and pieces from the center of the town.