Blanes: Marimurtra Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Marimurtra Botanical Garden gives you two good reasons to visit Blanes in one stop: more than 3,000 plant species from five continents and broad views over the Costa Brava. The Temple of Linnaeus is the star lookout, but the garden itself rewards slow wandering through bamboo, desert plants, Australian corners, and the jungle Pergola.

I like the clear value at about $11 per person, especially if you want an easy half-day outing rather than a full guided tour. I also like that your ticket supports a garden with a real purpose: Carl Faust created it in the 1920s as a place where young biologists could study plants.

The main catch is getting there. The train from Plaça de Catalunya in Blanes stops in front of the entrance, but taxi and bus options can be awkward, particularly in summer. Once inside, strong sun, uneven walking, and crowds around the main view can affect your visit.

Key things to know before visiting Marimurtra

• The Temple of Linnaeus offers the garden’s signature view: You can look across the Mediterranean and the Costa Brava coast from one of Marimurtra’s most recognizable architectural features.
• The collection crosses five continents: Expect plants from Costa Brava as well as bamboo, American arid plants, Australian species, and tropical growth.
• The garden is larger than it first appears: Some visitors finish in 20 to 25 minutes, while others spend much longer walking and taking photographs.
• Train access is the simplest option listed: A train from Plaça de Catalunya in Blanes stops directly in front of the garden entrance.
• Summer requires planning: Bring water, sunscreen, and suitable clothing, and try to arrive early if you want quieter views.
• This is a self-guided visit: Your entry ticket includes the garden but not a guided tour.

What you actually see inside the garden

Marimurtra is not simply a flower garden beside the sea. It combines plant collections, paths, viewpoints, and small architectural features, so the visit changes character as you walk.

You begin at the entrance and then move through sections arranged around plants from different parts of the world. The exact order of your visit depends on the path you choose, but the variety is the point. One moment you are looking at plants adapted to dry American conditions; later, bamboo and jungle growth give the garden a very different feel.

The bamboo musical forest is one of the more unusual areas. It gives you something to notice beyond color and shape, and it helps the garden feel like a series of distinct environments rather than one repeated planting scheme. The corners devoted to Australia and the arid regions of America add further contrast.

You will also find plants from the Costa Brava itself. That local connection matters because Marimurtra is not only a display of faraway species. It also helps you see the plant life of Catalonia within a wider setting, alongside specimens from five continents.

The garden can work well for families because there are plenty of details to spot. You might find small creatures among the plants, and children can turn the walk into a search rather than treating it as a formal botany lesson. Schools also use the garden for learning, which fits Carl Faust’s original goal.

The Temple of Linnaeus and the Costa Brava view

The Temple of Linnaeus is the place to pause for the garden’s best-known panorama. From here, you look out over the Mediterranean and along the Costa Brava coast. The view is the main reason many people consider the ticket worthwhile, even if they have only a short time for the garden.

I would not rush straight through the planting sections to reach it, but I would plan your visit around this viewpoint. The combination of the formal structure, sea, and steep coastal setting gives Marimurtra much of its character.

Photography is easiest when the area is quiet. If you want a clear view and time for pictures, arrive early or choose a weekday. Summer can bring heavy crowds, and the main viewpoint may feel less peaceful when several people are waiting for the same angle.

The sea view also changes how you understand the garden’s design. This is not a flat urban park where every path leads to another bed of flowers. The setting above the Mediterranean is part of the experience, and the garden uses that position to create open views between enclosed plant areas.

Why Carl Faust’s 1920s project still matters

Carl Faust created Marimurtra in the 1920s with the aim of giving young biologists a place to learn. That purpose gives the garden more weight than a simple sightseeing stop.

The garden is listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest, reflecting its botanical, architectural, and cultural importance. You do not need specialist plant knowledge to appreciate it, but the background helps explain why the collection includes plants from such a wide range of climates.

The Marimurtra team continues Faust’s work today, and your ticket helps support the conservation of the site. At $11, the admission is modest compared with many larger paid attractions, especially if you spend several hours walking through the grounds.

The value depends on how you visit. If you only stay for 20 to 25 minutes, as one visitor did, the cost mainly buys you the sea view and a quick look at the garden. If you take time with the different areas, read the plant information, and stop for photographs, the ticket becomes a better full morning or afternoon purchase.

How long should you allow?

The advertised validity is one day, so you are not forced into a tight time slot once you enter. That gives you flexibility if you want to visit slowly, take breaks, or combine the garden with other time in Blanes.

Your actual visit could be short. A quick walk to the main viewpoint and through several garden areas may take around 20 to 25 minutes. However, Marimurtra is described as bigger than expected, and you can easily spend longer if you want to see more than the headline view.

I would allow at least an hour if your schedule permits. That gives you time to move beyond the Temple of Linnaeus and compare the different plant zones. Families may need longer because children often stop to look closely at unusual plants or search for small creatures.

There is no guided tour included, so your pace is your own. That is useful if you want freedom, but you will need to create your own structure. Start with the main paths, note the areas you want to revisit, and leave enough time for the coastal viewpoint.

Getting to the entrance in Blanes

The listed train connection is straightforward: take a train from Plaça de Catalunya in Blanes, and it stops directly in front of the Marimurtra entrance. If that service fits your plans, it avoids the uncertainty of finding a taxi after your visit.

Transport becomes more difficult when you rely on taxis or buses. Taxi availability can be limited during the summer, and one visitor reported being unable to get a taxi after leaving. A bus was suggested, but it did not arrive, creating a tough wait in 35-degree heat.

For that reason, I would think about your return journey before entering. Do not assume you can simply request a taxi at the gate, especially during a busy summer period. The train is the clearest option provided, while taxi users should plan ahead.

The entrance is the meeting point for this self-guided ticket. You present your ticket there and begin the visit without a scheduled guide or group departure.

Heat, walking, and what to bring

This is an outdoor garden, and summer sun can make a big difference. Bring water and sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, and check the weather before you go. A hat or other sun protection is a sensible addition, although only sunscreen is specifically listed among the recommended items.

You should expect walking. The garden has many paths and can take longer than the quick 20-minute visit suggested by some people. Comfortable shoes will make the visit easier, particularly if you plan to explore the full collection rather than stopping at the first viewpoint.

The garden is wheelchair accessible, which makes the ticket suitable for visitors who need accessible facilities. The available information does not describe every path or slope, so anyone requiring very specific route details should confirm those conditions before booking.

Pets are not allowed. That matters if you are exploring Blanes with a dog, since you will need to make other arrangements before visiting.

When to go for the best visit

Early morning is the strongest choice if you want photos with fewer people. This is especially useful in summer, when the garden can feel crowded and the heat builds quickly.

Weekdays may also help. A visit on a weekday early in the day gives you the best chance of enjoying the Temple of Linnaeus without waiting for space at the main viewpoint.

Spring offers a good balance of comfortable temperatures and plant interest, while summer gives you bright coastal views but also intense heat. An April visit can be pleasant, and March has been described as a beautiful time for walking through the grounds. October can also offer a quieter feel than the busiest summer period, though the supplied information does not promise specific seasonal blooms.

I would avoid treating the garden as a last-minute stop at midday in August. The plants and views remain attractive, but you may spend much of your time looking for shade, water, or transport.

Is the garden suitable for children?

Yes, particularly if your children enjoy outdoor walks and spotting details. The range of plants gives you natural talking points, and the garden’s setting can make the visit feel like a trip through several regions of the world.

The bamboo musical forest and the chance to look for small creatures add interest for younger children. The garden also welcomes families and schools, so the setting is not aimed only at serious plant specialists.

You should still plan for heat and walking. Bring water, use sunscreen, and avoid promising a quick visit if your children need frequent stops. Children under four receive free entry, which improves the value for families with toddlers.

Who will get the most from the $11 ticket?

I would recommend Marimurtra to you if you enjoy gardens, coastal viewpoints, photography, or gentle sightseeing with room to set your own pace. It also suits anyone looking for a break from the more built-up parts of a Costa Brava holiday.

The ticket is particularly good for:

• Families wanting an outdoor stop with plants and sea views
• Garden lovers interested in species from five continents
• Photographers looking for the Temple of Linnaeus and coastal panoramas
• Visitors who prefer self-guided sightseeing
• People who want a short visit that can expand into a longer walk

I would be more cautious if you dislike sun, walking, or uncertain transport. The garden is not the best choice for a rushed visitor who cannot spare time to plan the return journey.

The lack of a guided tour is neither good nor bad by itself. You save the structure of a group visit and can stop whenever you like, but you also miss the chance to have a guide explain the plants and history as you go.

A practical visit plan

I would arrive early, especially between June and August. Present your ticket at the entrance, then take a few minutes to get your bearings before heading through the plant sections.

Walk through the areas representing different climates first. Look for the bamboo musical forest, the American arid plants, the Australian section, and the jungle Pergola. Then make your way to the Temple of Linnaeus for the sea view and photographs.

If you only have 30 minutes, focus on the main paths and the Temple of Linnaeus. If you have an hour or more, slow down and give the collection itself equal attention.

Before leaving, confirm how you will return to Blanes. The train connection is the most clearly described option, while summer taxi and bus service may not be dependable enough to leave until the last minute.

Should you book Marimurtra Botanical Garden?

Yes, if you want a reasonably priced, self-guided visit that combines unusual plants with one of the finest sea views in Blanes. At $11, it offers solid value for a longer visit, and the garden’s conservation and educational purpose gives the admission more meaning than a simple lookout ticket.

Book with care if you are visiting in hot weather. Go early, bring water and sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and sort out transport before you arrive. If you do those few things, Marimurtra can be one of the most memorable stops on the Costa Brava, even if you only have a short window in Blanes.

FAQ

How much does entry to Marimurtra Botanical Garden cost?

The entry ticket costs $11 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. You should check availability for the available starting times.

Is a guided tour included?

No. The ticket includes entry to Marimurtra Botanical Garden, but it does not include a guided tour.

How do I get to the garden by train?

You can take a train from Plaça de Catalunya in Blanes. The train stops directly in front of the Marimurtra Botanical Garden entrance.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are children under four charged admission?

No. Children under four years old receive free entry.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Pets are not allowed inside the garden.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and clothing suitable for the weather.

Can I cancel the ticket?

No. This activity is non-refundable.