People flock to the Costa Brava for its beaches, warm seas and relaxed lifestyle every year but there's more to its natural offerings to be found in the botanical gardens dotted along the coast. A perfect day out from a holiday home on the Costa Brava, the botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar, Pinya de Rosa in Blanes, Marimurtra, also in Blanes, and Cap Roig in Palafrugell offer the opportunity to see tropical plants, water features and of course, to relax on a hot day.

The botanical gardens at Santa Clotilde were designed in the style of the gardens of the Italian Renaissance by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri during the Noucentista period in Catalonia's art history. Rubió i Tuduri took advantage of the steep location and rocky landscape to create a garden which gives impressive views over the bay in Lloret de Mar.

Marimutra was created in 1920 and is home to over 4,000 species of plants and fauna. With a focus on Mediterranean plants but also boasting plant species from sub-tropical countries in southern Africa and Central America, there is a vast collection of cacti, a lake and the Linnaeus temple which is the ideal place within the gardens to look out to sea.

Pinya de Rosa was once the home of industrial engineer Fernando Riviere de Caralt who purchased the land in 1945 before developing its 50 hectare surface area to include the features they have today. Nowadays there are over 7,000 plant species at Pinya de Rosa and the collections of yucca, agave, opuntias and aloes are recognised as some of the best collections in the world of such species.

Cap Roig occupies an area of 17 hectares and was originally constructed with a castle and park in 1927. Located with breathtaking views out to sea, it is home to both native Spanish plants and international species which run in a terraced format from the castle to the sea. Highlights include the Cactus Garden and Geranium Walk as well as sculptures by local and international artists. Cap Roig is also home to a fantastic music festival which takes place throughout July and August every year, with major international artists taking to the stage on a warm summer's evening.

If you own a home or want to buy a property for sale on the Costa Brava, it is definitely worth visiting these beautiful gardens whether you want a change of scenery, or simply wish to learn more about indigenous or tropical plants.