Barcelona Beaches

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July252010

One thing that sets Barcelona aside from other Major European cities is its beaches. Similarly to the Spanish holiday islands of Majorca, Tenerife and Ibiza, Barcelona’s beaches are a haven for holiday goers. This allows you to combine a city break with a relaxing holiday by the sea. This combination of both worlds makes the city a top destination.

Since the Olympic Games in 1992 sparked a rejuvenation of Barcelona’s beaches, their number has grown from one to seven. They are situated along a 5km stretch of the city’s coastline, from North to South. Manned by lifeguards from June to September, they cater for a growing number of tourists and can be accessed in only 20 minutes from the city centre.

Recent estimates suggest 3.5million people visit the beaches ever year. And that number is set to grow as the council continues to make them cleaner and safer. Barcelona Beach Centre has also been established to add to the seaside experience. It is filled with exhibitions about the sea and is a great place to relax away from the heat of the day.

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.

By night, these beach bars often throw parties that go on until late. They play music, or sometimes hire DJs, and everyone is invited. You can dance on the sand while enjoying a few drinks. Or, as is always popular, take a dive into the sea, which is always warm enough for a swim in summer.

Either day or night, Barcelona’s beaches are packed with people, but they’re not all having fun. You’ll see people walking or jogging to get fit and working up a sweat. On the esplanade skaters, rollerbladers and cyclists are doing the same. As always, there will also be a couple of teams enjoying a game of beach volleyball to the delight of passers-by.

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.

Indeed, even better beaches for everyone have been guaranteed since a cleanliness campaign in 2006. This has helped to raise public awareness among those using the beach and create a nicer place. Now, from swimmers to surfers, the beach is popular with everyone living in the city.

The area you stay in may determine what kind of experience you have of the beach. Undoubtedly the more lively beaches are Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta. These are most popular among young people. Wherever you stay, a good tip is to look for an apartment. With lots to choose from, they are a very popular choice. They are also a lot cheaper than a hotel.

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.

Even though these areas might be a bit further from the city centre, the selection of holiday accommodation in barcelona is just as wide. They are also less expensive, which should suit young families on their first holiday together.

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.