Lloret de Mar History Facts and Timeline

(Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, Spain)



Though today, Spain's seaside town of Lloret de Mar is famous for its beaches and holiday resorts, the site has been a desirable Mediterranean port for centuries.

The history of Lloret de Mar may run back as far as the 3rd century BC, based on strong archaeological evidence. However, nowadays, it is invaders of a more festive sort that surge into its streets year in and year out.

The Early Days

This section of Spain's Costa Brava has a long history of settlement, as well as maritime trade and invasion. The Romans likely took over the site of Lloret de Mar from whatever small Iberian tribe was living here in the 3rd century BC, when they swept through the peninsula.


Archaeological sites dot the area around Lloret de Mar, some of which have been excavated and preserved for public viewing. Today, visitors can see the remains of early Roman settlement at the Puig de Castellet and in Els Avellaners de Can Sala. Little else remains, however, as the history of Lloret de Mar has been paved over with holiday apartments.

Medieval Era

The first written evidence of Lloret de Mar in history books comes from documents in 966 AD calling the town Loredo, which means 'bay laurel' in Latin. During the medieval era, Lloret de Mar was a small feudal town. Notable structures like St. Joan's Castle were built during this time in the 11th century.

Coastal Invaders

Like many of the Mediterranean towns along the coast of Iberia, Lloret de Mar was frequently invaded by the Moors. From the 8th century AD until around 1085, the Iberian Peninsula seethed with frequent running battles between the Christian forces from the north and Muslim Moorish forces that controlled the south. This led to an infusion of Arabic influence on the town, evident in the 'Dance in the Town Square' (known locally as the Ball de Placa) that dates to this era.

To protect itself from coastal invaders - including pirates from England, France and Turkey, the centre of the town was situated roughly 1 km / 0.5 miles inland. It wasn't until the end of the 15th century that the town's focus shifted to the port area. Visitors can see where the original town centre was located, just next to the Chapel of Les Alegries.

Commercial Port to Tourism Haven

In the 18th century, the history of Lloret de Mar turned towards its coastal advantages. Its port emerged as an important commercial hub for trading along the Mediterranean. Although the port itself is now gone, the town's Garriga houses (built by wealthy Spanish migrants) provide a reminder of the affluence once common in Lloret de Mar.

The 1950s brought tourism to the town for the very first time. Eventually, the tradition of fishing was replaced by hotels and restaurants serving tourists who wished to enjoy the sun of Spain's Costa Brava. Today, Lloret de Mar is one of the most popular resorts along this coastline, thanks to its clean Blue Flag beaches and lively nightlife scene.