Blanes is a city that belongs to the region of La Selva in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. During Roman rule, it was called Blanda or Blandae. It is known as the "Gateway to the Costa Brava." Its coast is part of the Costa Brava, which stretches from Blanes to the French border. The municipality covers 18.29 km². Blanes is a well-known tourist city famous for the "concurs de focs d'artifici" during the "festival de Santa Anna," which is actually a fireworks competition; however, during the week, there are other activities in the city organized by the town hall, as it is a week of festivities in Blanes. Other places of interest include the botanical gardens, coves like Cala Bona, and beaches surrounded by mountains. Blanes is just 1 hour from Barcelona airport and about 40 min. from Girona airport. One of the botanical gardens in Blanes is the Mar i Murtra, which covers almost 15 hectares, includes more than 4,000 different plant species, and is visited by 300,000 people each year. Another garden is the Pinya de Rosa, which consists of more than 7,000 different plant species. The city offers endless activities and sports clubs, including the renowned Blanes sailing club, founded in 1943, which has evolved since then to become one of the most important sailing clubs on the Costa Brava.