Town History

Llloret de mar got a long history. Back in ancient times, in the third century before christ, the region was well known as a starting point for cultur and trade. The Iberians who settled there had trade relationships with greece and rome. Later on in history, during the roman empire, the name lloret formed from the word "lauretum", which means "place of laurels". In 1001, the count of Barcelona ordered to build the Sant Joan's tower which provided familys with protection against pirates and the french and turks. That's why the lloretance were able to live their lives as fishermen and people who trade inland goods with befriended partys.

In 1778 King Carles the third pronounced the free trade decade with the new american colonys. More and more goods were traded and the merchant marine was on an uprise. Over 130 ships were built during that time. As a direct result, llorets citicens were able to take their trade culture to a whole new level. Ships were sent to cuba, montevideo and buenos aires and made lots of townsmen rich.

Sooner or later people became interested in leaving lloret for the "new world" in masses. Some of them returned as wealthy men, some did not. This was the time were lots of luxorious mansions were built for these new richesm only to be teared down in the 1950s when tourism set in, and hotels were built everywhere. Nowadays, lloret de mar is a fascinating town which combines a rich history with modern tourist culture.