Ermita de Santa Cristina

Ermita de Santa Cristina is a small, whitewashed chapel perched on a hill above the beach that shares its name, roughly 3.5 km from the centre of Lloret de Mar on Catalonia's Costa Brava. Framed by pine trees and turquoise water, it has become one of the area's most recognisable landmarks, drawing pilgrims and travellers alike who come as much for the view as for the building itself.

How old is the chapel?

Records of a chapel on this site go back to the 14th century, when an earlier structure already stood here. The building seen today was raised by the people of Lloret in 1764, replacing that older, worn-out predecessor. Roman-era remains have also been found nearby, suggesting the headland was already settled in antiquity, likely as a small coastal outpost.

What style is the building, and what's inside?

Architecturally, the chapel follows the Baroque conventions of the late 18th century, tempered with more restrained, classicising lines. Its most striking feature is the main altar, carved from polychrome marble in Genoa and donated by a Lloret-born shipowner who had settled in that Italian port city. The altarpiece depicts the martyrdom of Saint Christina. Alongside it, the chapel houses a collection of maritime ex-votos, including model ships left by local fishermen and sailors as thanks for safe voyages.

Which beaches sit right below it?

Two coves lie directly beneath the hill: Santa Cristina and Treumal, both counted among the quietest and most scenic stretches of sand in the Lloret de Mar area. This same corner of coastline was painted by the Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla, and it is often cited as a rare case of a Costa Brava beach that looks much the same today as it did over a century ago.

Is there a festival linked to the chapel?

Yes. Every year on 24 July, Lloret holds a maritime procession in honour of Saint Christina. A flotilla of boats sets out from the town carrying the saint's statue and relic toward Santa Cristina beach, joined along the way by traditional Catalan rowing boats, or llaguts, competing in the S'Amorra Amorra regatta. The day blends religious devotion with the town's seafaring traditions and draws crowds from across the municipality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ermita de Santa Cristina from central Lloret de Mar? The chapel sits about 3.5 km from the town centre; most visitors walk or drive toward Santa Cristina and Treumal beaches, following the coastal path or local roads.

Can visitors go inside the chapel? The site can be visited as part of a walk around the area, though access to the interior is usually limited to service times or guided tours organised by local cultural bodies.

What can you see inside? The main draw is the marble altar with its painting of Saint Christina's martyrdom, along with a small collection of maritime ex-votos, including ship models.

What are the Santa Cristina and Treumal beaches like? They are two sandy coves right below the chapel, regarded as among the calmest and least crowded beaches in Lloret de Mar.