Marimurtra Botanical Garden from Barcelona: Nature and the Mediterranean on the Costa Brava.

Located in Blanes, on the Costa Brava, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is one of the most spectacular natural attractions to visit near Barcelona.
Perched on the cliffs of Sant Joan Mountain, Marimurtra combines an extraordinary collection of plants from different parts of the world with beautiful gardens, viewpoints, architecture, birds, butterflies and a wide variety of wildlife that thrives in this unique environment.
It is an especially appealing experience for those who enjoy nature, photography, botany and Mediterranean landscapes.
Where is the Marimurtra Botanical Garden?
The Marimurtra Botanical Garden is located in Blanes, Girona, on the Costa Brava, very close to the port and high above the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Its privileged location offers visitors spectacular views of the sea, the coastline and the coves surrounding Blanes.
The garden is arranged across a series of terraces and paths, allowing visitors to gradually discover its botanical collections and different natural environments.
How many kilometres is it from Barcelona to Marimurtra?
The distance from Barcelona to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is approximately 70 kilometres by road.
By car, the journey usually takes around one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and the time of year.
During the summer months and at weekends, particularly during the high season, it is advisable to allow additional travel time.
The route makes it easy to reach Blanes and then continue towards the port and Sant Joan Mountain, where the botanical garden is located.
The History of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden
The history of Marimurtra is closely connected to Carl Faust, a German businessman with a passion for natural sciences.
Faust discovered Blanes in 1915 and was fascinated by its Mediterranean landscape. From 1918 onwards, he began acquiring land on Sant Joan Mountain with the aim of creating a large garden dedicated to botany and the scientific study of plants.
In 1924, he decided to devote a large part of his life and personal fortune to the project.
His intention was not simply to create a beautiful garden. He wanted to establish a place where scientists, researchers and students could study plants from different regions of the world.
Over the decades, Marimurtra became one of the most important botanical gardens in Catalonia.
A Garden with Plants from Five Continents
One of the main characteristics of Marimurtra is the extraordinary variety of plant species that can be discovered throughout the garden.
The garden is home to nearly 3,000 species from different regions of the world, with approximately four hectares open to the public.
During the visit, you can discover cacti, succulents, palms, cycads, araucarias, Mediterranean species, subtropical plants and a wide variety of ornamental species.
The diversity of environments makes it possible to see how plants originating from very different parts of the world can thrive in the Mediterranean climate of the Costa Brava.
Butterflies, Birds and Wildlife
One of the aspects that makes a visit to Marimurtra particularly interesting is the biodiversity found throughout its gardens.
The different plant species create a wide variety of habitats where butterflies, bees, insects and other small animals live and feed, especially during the warmer months.
Butterflies add an especially attractive element for visitors and for those who enjoy nature photography.
The garden is also an excellent place for birdwatching.
Monitoring carried out in 2025 recorded 39 bird species, of which 31 were considered breeding species.
Among the species observed are birds characteristic of Mediterranean and woodland environments, including the robin, great tit, serin, wood pigeon and Sardinian warbler.
The combination of trees, shrubs, flowers and different types of vegetation provides food and shelter for a wide variety of species.
For this reason, during your visit it is worth looking not only at the plants and viewpoints, but also at the trees, flowers and quieter corners of the garden, where you may discover some of the wildlife that inhabits this remarkable environment.
The Mediterranean as the Main Attraction
One of Marimurtra’s greatest attractions is its location.
The garden is situated high above the cliffs of Blanes, meaning that numerous paths and viewpoints offer open views across the Mediterranean Sea.
The combination of vegetation, architecture, cliffs and sea creates some of the most photographed landscapes on the Costa Brava.
One of the best-known locations is the Linné Temple, situated facing the sea and surrounded by vegetation and cypress trees.
It is one of the garden’s most iconic features and one of the favourite settings for photography.
The Linné Temple
The Linné Temple is one of the most recognisable architectural features of Marimurtra.
It was designed by architect Josep Goday, and construction was completed in 1940.
Its name refers to Carl von Linné, considered one of the fathers of modern scientific classification.
The temple’s position, with the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop, creates one of the garden’s most characteristic and memorable views.
How Long Do You Need to Visit Marimurtra?
To enjoy the garden at a relaxed pace, we recommend allowing approximately one and a half to two hours for the visit.
This gives you enough time to explore the gardens, stop at the viewpoints, observe the flora and wildlife, take photographs and enjoy the Mediterranean landscape.
Guided tours are also available for visitors who would like to discover the history of the garden, its botanical collections and the scientific project initiated by Carl Faust in greater depth.
Marimurtra Botanical Garden Tickets and Prices
Admission to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is subject to an entrance fee.
Prices may vary depending on the season and the type of ticket.
As a reference for 2026:
Full-day general admission during high and mid-season:
€15 at the ticket office.
Advance online ticket:
€14.
Afternoon ticket:
€10, when this option is available.
Low season:
€10 general admission.
Different types of tickets and passes for frequent visitors may also be available.
Before visiting, we recommend checking the latest prices and conditions on the garden’s official website.
Marimurtra Opening Hours
Opening hours vary depending on the time of year.
From 18 May to 13 September 2026, the garden is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
From 14 September to 25 October, opening hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
From 26 October to 31 December, the garden is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
We recommend checking the opening hours before travelling, especially when visiting outside the summer season.
Interesting Facts About the Marimurtra Botanical Garden
Marimurtra is full of stories and interesting facts that make a visit even more fascinating.
One of them is that Carl Faust began transforming the site with the intention of creating a centre dedicated to science and the study of plants.
Another remarkable feature is its extraordinary collection of species from all five continents.
The presence of a wide variety of birds and butterflies, which can be observed during certain times of the year, is another highlight.
The garden is also recognised as a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN), reflecting not only its botanical importance but also its historical, architectural and landscape value.
The Carl Faust Foundation continues to work to preserve and promote the scientific and natural legacy of its founder.
An Experience for Nature Lovers
Visiting Marimurtra is much more than simply walking through a botanical garden.
It is an experience that combines nature, botany, wildlife, architecture, history and Mediterranean landscapes.
Throughout the visit, you can discover plants from different parts of the world, observe butterflies among the flowers, look for birds in the trees and enjoy views of the Costa Brava from the garden’s different viewpoints.
Because of its proximity to Barcelona, Marimurtra is also an excellent choice for a day trip from Barcelona, offering the opportunity to discover one of the most special natural attractions in the province of Girona.
Marimurtra from Barcelona
For visitors staying in Barcelona who want to explore places beyond the city, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is an especially attractive option.
Approximately 70 kilometres separate Barcelona from Blanes, and travelling by car allows you to reach the Costa Brava in just over an hour under normal traffic conditions.
The visit can also be combined with other attractions in Blanes and along the Costa Brava, creating a complete day dedicated to landscapes, nature and the Mediterranean.
Our Marimurtra Experiences
At Magic Dreams Barcelona, we take care of your experience at the Marimurtra Botanical Garden from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy your visit without having to worry about the logistics.
We can provide:
- Private transportation from Barcelona to Blanes and return.
- Complete organisation of your visit to the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.
- A specialised private guide with knowledge of architecture, history, botany, lepidopterology and ornithology, allowing you to discover Marimurtra from a much more comprehensive perspective.
- Guided visits tailored to your interests, with special attention to flora, butterflies, birds and wildlife found in the garden.
- Guiding services in Spanish, Catalan and English, as well as other languages upon request.
- Private experiences for couples, families, groups and special occasions.
- Combined itineraries covering Blanes, Marimurtra and other destinations along the Costa Brava.
- Gastronomic experiences and selected restaurants according to your preferences.
- Walking tours through the historic centre of Blanes.
- Exclusive experiences by the Mediterranean Sea.
- Accommodation options at selected apart-hotels or residences.
- Private romantic dinners and personalised gastronomic experiences.
- Private chef services for special dinners.
- Live music and personalised atmosphere arrangements.
- Organisation of boat trips, maritime excursions and other coastal experiences.
- Wellness and relaxation experiences tailored to your preferences.
- Access to and organisation of spa experiences and wellness treatments.
- Lomi Lomi massages by the sea, accompanied by a fruit basket and other personalised touches.
- Relaxation and meditation experiences by the sea, in specially selected surroundings.
- Opportunities for prayer, reflection and personal connection for those wishing to incorporate a spiritual moment into their day.
- Special moments of relaxation with a fruit basket and other personalised details.
- Private wellness experiences for couples or groups of up to four people.
- Additional activities and experiences upon request, tailored to your wishes.
- Complete logistical organisation, from transportation and scheduling to activities, reservations and complementary services.
Whether you are looking for a private day trip from Barcelona, a botanical experience, a romantic escape, a photography-focused visit or a personalised Costa Brava itinerary, Magic Dreams Barcelona can design and organise your experience according to your preferences.
Marimurtra Botanical Garden from Barcelona – Private Experiences on the Costa Brava
Discover one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Catalonia and experience the Costa Brava in a private and personalised way.
From Barcelona to Blanes and Marimurtra, we take care of every detail so that you can simply enjoy the Mediterranean landscape, nature, culture and extraordinary beauty of this unique destination.
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