Beach holidays are something Spain specialises in. With mile upon mile of white sands on islands like Ibiza, Majorca and Tenerife, that is no surprise. However, it is not only the islands that have beaches to boast. Barcelona has seven beaches of its own, which makes it unique among Europe’s most important cities.
In only 20 minutes you can be at Barcelona’s beaches from right in the city centre. There are seven to choose from, all manned by lifeguards all through the summer season. Since renovation in 1992, the beaches have been enjoying growing popularity. This is part of the legacy that has been left by the Barcelona Olympic Games.
The city council is on a mission to make the beaches cleaner and safer. As they are continually improving services, the number of people now visiting the beaches every year is in the millions. But they don’t only come to see the sea. The Barcelona beach centre is also on-site. In it you’ll find lots of exhibitions and activities to do.
All along each of the beaches, you’ll be able to order drinks and food at the ‘chiringuitos’. These are beachfront bars which cater for all of the needs of beach users. The only downside is that they are a bit more expensive than places selling food off the beach.
Some of these bars are known to throw beach parties, some going on late into the evening. DJs are often hired to play music and attract lots of revellers who come to dance on the sand. With no one to disturb and the sea close by for a midnight dip, Barcelona’s beach parties have become legendary
But dancing isn’t the only physical activity that you can do on Barcelona’s beaches. During any visit to the sandy shores you’re bound to see joggers and walkers. The promenades are also always busy with skaters, rollerbladers and cyclists looking to keep fit. And, of course, no beach in Spain would be complete without teams taking part in a volleyball match.
You can also do a bit of exercise in the water, thanks to the safety of Barcelona’s beaches. With no currents, the sea is perfect for swimming. This is true every day, except when it is windy. If the wind gets up, so do the waves, so you might want to avoid getting caught too far out. As always, there are no concerns over cleanliness. With the EU Blue Star rating, all of Barcelona’s beaches are pristine.
This fact has made Barcelona’s beaches very popular with surfers. You can see surfers taking their boards to the beaches all through the year. One reason for this is the cleanliness of all of the city’s beaches. A clean beach campaign was started in 2006 to raise pollution awareness among bathers and the water quality has improved no end.
If you are planning to visit the beach regularly, you should give some thought into where you stay. Apartments are probably the cheapest way to spend a week or two in Barcelona and can be found in abundance. If you are young, or are just looking for a lively part of the city, consider Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta. Both are close to the city centre.
Head to the more northern beaches if you want somewhere a bit quieter. Nova Mar Bella and Llevant are the more peaceful beaches, popular with families and residents. Poblenou and Selva de Mar are regions that you might want to base yourself in to take advantage of these seaside areas.
Another advantage of being away from the city centre is that you can get a cheaper bcn accommodation. This could be music to the ears of a young group that will, effectively, only be using their rooms as a place to sleep.
With some truly sensational beaches, Barcelona ranks alongside Spain’s most popular destinations for a summer vacation. With seven beaches on offer, there are those to cater for every different type of people. Whether you are away with family or on a break with friends, there are lots of apartments to meet your requirements. You can also combine the best of both worlds with a city retreat coupled with a beach break. So, before you head for one of the islands, or Spain’s famous ‘Sunshine Coast’, you should always consider Barcelona.
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