Llafranc, a popular holiday destination in Spain’s Costa Brava is a beautiful location with an intriguing history. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the Romans later laid the foundations for this amazing town. Well-preserved ruins of Roman villas are still present, offering an insight into the interesting past of this idyllic location.
If you are considering a holiday to this enchanting town, our journey through its history should give you an idea of the historical significance and cultural essence of Llafranc.
Roman influences
While the first recorded signs of habitation in the area are listed as early as the Bronze Age, Romans built several villas to establish the town centre. Further Roman developments included bridges and roads which helped connect Llafranc to surrounding areas.
Medieval journey
During the Medieval era, Llafranc became known as a fishing village with the small population mainly consisting of fishermen and their families. When the area was invaded, the people living in Llafranc built fortified structures in the hills for protection and many of these buildings are still standing today. The town’s watchtower was constructed in the 16th century and the medieval church is another top attraction that you can visit in Llafranc.
The growth of the fishing economy
Llafranc’s fishing industry grew significantly in the 18th century, helping the local economy to flourish. During this time, beautiful, white washed homes were built along the seafront, which are now one of the unique features of the town. Llafranc’s famous festivals originated from their celebrations of the fishing industry and are based around music and delicious seafood cuisine.
Becoming a tourist destination
As road networks became more advanced, it wasn’t long before the rest of the world were able to visit this stunning area and experience the lovely coastal surroundings and traditions. During the 20th century, Llafranc started to become a popular destination for tranquil holidays, due to the Mediterranean climate and stunning beach areas.
Llafranc has managed to maintain much of its quaint, traditional charm without the modernisation you see in some of the more well-known tourist hotspots in Costa Brava. Despite its growing popularity, Llafranc is still something of a hidden gem, without being spoilt by large hotels or commercialism.
Staying in a villa in Llafranc allows you to experience the more traditional lifestyle and the beautiful town is a great place to explore the local history.
Highlights of Llafranc
While many tourists visit Llafranc to spend time on the golden sandy beach and in the crystal clear waters, there are many other attractions to enjoy in the area. The Cami de Ronda coastal path runs through Llafranc, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the Costa Brava.
For seafood lovers, Llafranc is the ultimate destination for delectable cuisine, with seaside restaurants serving some of the best seafood paella and tapas dishes you will find. With spectacular coastal landscapes, historic buildings and ancient ruins, Llafranc is the perfect destination for a cultural trip combined with relaxing beach days or blissful days spent poolside at your own private Spanish villa.
Getting to Llafranc
The two closest airports to Llafranc are Girona (around 30km) and Barcelona (80km), which makes Llafranc an easy place to travel to with minimal transfer times. Many tourists hire a car from the airport or take a taxi from Girona to get to Llafranc.
Book your Spanish villa in Llafranc
Now you know a bit more about the amazing history and attractions of Llafranc, take a look at our selection of Llafranc villas to book your ideal accommodation for a memorable visit. Whether you want to be close to the beach or in a more secluded area in the surroundings of Llafranc, Prestige Villas Spain has the perfect villa to complete your stay.