One of Barcelona’s best attributes is its close proximity to the beach. The Mediterranean Sea is a stone’s throw from the city center and just a short bus or metro ride from the Eixample and Gracia neighborhoods (or a nice, leisurely stroll).
No matter what time of year, Barcelona’s boardwalk is an excellent place to relax and soak up the city’s ‘laissez faire’ lifestyle. Whether it’s warm enough to swim or sail or too cold to go barefoot in the sand, the beach is romantic, fun and an exciting place to spend the day.
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Here are a few ways to maximize your time by the sea:
Coffee at the W Hotel: A recent addition to Barcelona’s hotel scene is the five-start luxurious, ‘Hotel De La Vela’ (as the Spaniards have coined it). One of the greatest places to grab a coffee overlooking the Mediterranean is outside on one of the hotel’s many outdoor terraces. Even if you’re not a guest you can have a drink and gawk at the views while reclining in their lounge chairs.
Bike along the boardwalk: There is no lack of bike rental places in Barcelona, with most of them being fairly cheap. Barcelona’s boardwalk extends for miles and even if it’s too chilly to stop and take a dip, you can enjoy the ride while you cycle from beach to beach. During the spring and summer when the chiringuitos are out (beach side restaurants), lock the bike up and stop for a mojito along the way.
One great bike rental shop to check out is Green Bikes, which is right in the city center.
And if you’re just in the mood to take a stroll and enjoy the vibe, coast along the boardwalk and listen to the live reggae and jazz and eclectic mix of very talented bands, which are usually performing all year round. There are also some very impressive artists creating life-size sand castles on the beach.
