With its culture, warm weather, endless activities and excursions, Barcelona is a well desired tourist destination for foreigners. Located in Northeastern Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia.
Ports
Renting a boat in Barcelona is a different and highly recommended experience. Cruising the coast in this location can be a mesmerising experience and can help tourists to understand the city layout better. It is the best place to spot well known landmarks from afar. A few examples of these are; The W Hotel, Torres of the Olympic Village, Agbar Tower, Sagrada Familia and many more.
There are 2 ports in Barcelona´s city centre called ´Port Vell´and ´Port Olimpic´. There is one more port a little outside of the city known as Port Ginesta. Although outside the city centre, this port is still easily accessible through Barcelona´s great transport links.
If you prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowds then maybe renting a boat from Badalona Port would be the perfect option for you. To compliment this, chartering a catamaran could also be an enjoyable experience cruising along the calm waters.
Weather and Navigation Conditions
As you already know the Mediterranean climate of Barcelona is one of its treasures. Temperatures in summer are a nice warm heat, but not too hot, and the weather is mild in the winter with an annual average of 16 degrees.
The entry to the Port is accessible under any circumstances. The prevailing winds in summer S and NE and in winter they are Tramontana and Mistral.
One of the most pleasurable moments for a sailor is to find an deal sheltered place to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. Two great places to drop the anchor are called Costa del Garraf and Cala Morisca.
Renting a sailboat, yacht or vessel of any kind in Barcelona is always a good decision. Another popular option for tourists (and locals) is to hire a catamaran privately for celebrations such as birthdays or weddings at sea!
Barcelona has 5km of beach divided into different different beaches. Barcelona is the most well known amongst them as it is located in the heart of the old city, where most visitors concentrate for its cuisine and pedestrian areas. Barceloneta is also a great place to skateboard, rollerskate or bike with its long stretch of path behind the beach, great atmosphere and views. Other beaches that are located close to the city are Bogatell, Nova Icaria, Mar Bella and more, with a total of 9 sandbanks along the coast of Barcelona.
Again, Barcelona´s superior transport links allow easy access to beaches a little out of the city such as; Sitges, Vilanova South or North Blanes with the very beginning of the Costa Brava.
Each of these beaches offer sun worshippers the best services and equipment necessary to enjoy the best water sports experience. Paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking, sailing courses or flyboarding in Port Olimpic are some of the activities that can compliment your visits and add excitement and bundles of enjoyment to your trip.
Important Tips You Should Know...
Other than exploring quirky streets, museums and beautiful beaches, Barcelona has many other places you should experience.
One of the most visited monuments is the Sagrada Familia, a spectacular and impressive work of Antonio Gaudia, which would guarantee even the least cultured spectator to leave feeling inspired. Other Gaudie masterpieces of architecture include the beautiful modernist buildings that are Casa Batilo and La Pedera, both located on the Paseo de Gracia, one of the most representative streets for its business. Here you will also embark upon the windows of large firms of luxury fashion. Don´t forget to pay a visit of the most unique garden you will ever cast your eyes upon. Its famous name is ´Park Guell´ with architectural elements made by the very same architect, Gaudi, which has become one of the main attractions.
If you are a fan of traditional markets with fresh produce, you will find these in the Mercado de San Jose, better known as La Boqueria. Located in the heart of the Ramblas, there is a pedestrian walkway that crosses the city. This is the perfect way to breath in the essence of the city .
For those of you who are football fans, do not miss out on the chance to visit Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona Football Club.
Despite what you may think, in Barcelona you can always relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of crowds if you want to. Monjuic Mountain is an example vantage point to view the city. Monjuic also offers many interesting places to visit such as ´The Magic Fountain´which is located between Placa Espanya and the impressive building that is The National Art Museum of Catalonia. The Magic Fountain of Monjuic is an impressive display using the shoots of the water fountain, music and a clever use of lights. Monjuic is also renowned for its castle, situated at a stunning viewpoint at the top of the mountain.
Another natural area, away from the Barcelona crowds that is definitely worth a visit is Tibidabo.´To reach Tibidabo you can use two interesting modes of transportation. An old fashioned tram will take you half way up the mountain, followed by a funicular which will take tourists up a steep incline through the trees up to the very top. On the journey up the mountain, take in the spectacular views and appreciate the surrounded houses owned by the rich and famous. At the top of Tibidabo you will find an amusement park where you can spend the day with or without children, enjoy the viewpoint and appreciate the magical atmosphere of this place. Also at the top of Tibidabo features an amazing cathedral. On an evening you will see the cathedral lit up, with the infamous ferris wheel from the city of Barcelona.
If you appreciate good food, then this last part is for you. It is said that the first ever cookbook was in fact printed in Spain.
Catalan cuisine offers delicious products and dishes full of Mediterranean tradition so the vegetables, fruit, fish and meat are a must. It would be rude not to taste a Paella and bread with tomato whilst visiting the region of Catalunya. Furthermore, it is imperative that you also try the esqueixada, the roasted vegetables, bread coca, country bread and home made tapas, all cooked an prepared with exclusive olive oil.
Barcelona is also rich in sweet products such as Swiss roles. Traditionally, panelletes are prepared for November first to enjoy on All Saints Day, or marzipan and nougat at Christmas.
As for the Catalan festivities, there are many celebrations of christian tradition towards the Christmas period. Easter is also celebrated along with other pagan traditions. Sant Joan is celebrated on June 23rd in honour of the summer solstice during the shortest night of the year. To celebrate this festival it is traditional to set off fireworks, just like the celebrations of bonfire night.
A very symbolic day in Barcelona (and in Catalonia) is the tradition of Sant Jordi. On April 23rd, the pavements are covered with roses, books, and the city takes to the streets to enjoy this great day. The fiesta of Gracia lasts from 15th to the 20th of August and is said to be one of the best known in Catalonia. This festival consists of live music and parades around the streets, each street with their own theme. On September 11th, the National Day of Catalunya takes place which is exciting for locals and everyone in the area on this day.
Whatever the celebration in Barcelona there will always be 3 common elements present; music, fire and dancing!
Getting there
Barcelona is easily accessible by either plane, train, car or boat.
El Prat Airport is 16km from the city which is connected either by bus or train to the city centre.
Barcelona also has direct train connections to major destinations and high speed trains that allow pedestrians to travel anywhere without difficulty.
