Category Archives: Catalonia / Cataluña

La Barceloneta: A beach in the touristic centre of Barcelona

Barcelona, Beach, mountain and nature, Streets and monuments

barcelona beach

 La Barceloneta beach (Playa de la Barceloneta) is probably the most popular beach of Barcelona. It is placed in the city touristic centre, at 5 minutes on foot from La Rambla and Columbus Monument.

Also, La Barceloneta is the name of the marine neighborhood which occupies the area around the beach. This historic neighborhood was designed and built in the XVIII century, taking the ground from the sea.

To arrive at La Barceloneta, you can take the metro (Line 4) until Barceloneta Metro Station or Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica Metro Station.

 

What to visit in La Barceloneta

– Thebarceloneta beach and sea beach (Playa de la Barceloneta): As Barcelona has a warm climate; its beaches have many people during all the year (except maybe in winter).

Frequently, most of the people who go there to have a bath, swim and sunbathe are tourists. That is because the citizens of Barcelona prefer to go to other places where there are fewer people. However, we highly recommend to visit La Barceloneta beach and its surroundings, surely you will enjoy it.

– Ronda Litoral and the seafront: This avenue starts in Barceloneta Metro Station, near the old port and Marina, and goes along the beaches which are in this part of the city.

– Marina / Port Vell: A nice place to see the sea and the ships. Also in there you will find some restaurants and cafes.

– The olimpic port of Barcelona: The olimpic port is placed between La Barceloneta and “Nova Icaría” beach.

 

 

More popular places to see near La Barceloneta

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– Maremagnum: This commercial center is located between Colón Monument and La Barceloneta (Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell), just above the sea. In there, you will find shops, terraces, discotheques and a lot of hobby activities.

– The Aquarium of Barcelona (l’Aquarium): The aquarium is in the same location than Maremagnum Comercial Center. They have almost 4 millions tons of water in their pools, where you will be able to see the best of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Other buildings and monuments in Barcelona

– The Güell Park: People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork.

– Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

More places nearby

– Sitges: Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia,  just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– La Pineda: With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province.

– Salou: Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain.

If you want to visit the whole county, read also our post about the best cities and monuments in Spain.

Estatua de Colón / Columbus Monument (Barcelona)

Barcelona, Streets and monuments

Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón) is one of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea (metaphorically, pointing to America, although actually the statue is pointing to Italy).

colon barcelonaColumbus statue is placed in the “Peace Square” (Plaza de la Paz in Spanish or Plaça de la Pau in Catalan), which is between La Rambla Street and the port, at the cross of Colon Avenue. The monument measures 60 metres in height, and it is made of iron and bronze.

This area of the city is one of the most popular among the citizens and tourists who visit Barcelona: That is because, staying at Colon, on one direction you will find the Port and the beach, and in other direction there is Las Ramblas Street, where you can visit some important museums, the Gothic neighborhood, La Boquería Market, Catalonia Square, Barcelona Cathedral and many more places. Also, it’s a good place to have a lunch and at night there are many bars and pubs for young people in the area.

To arrive at Columbus Monument, you can go by metro (Line 3, Drassanes Metro Station).

 

 

More important places near Columbus Monument in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas: “La Rambla” is a famous street in the centre of  Barcelona where citizens and visitors can walk, visit monuments, eat and rest in the terraces, see the port of Barcelona, go shopping or go to pubs during the night. Generally, the whole area around this street is full of people, not only during the day, but also in the night.

– Maremagnum: This commercial center is located beyond Columbus Monument, just above the sea. In there, you will find shops, terraces, discotheques and a lot of hobby activities.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

Salou: Sun and beach for families, and a lot of party for young people (Gold Coast)

Beach, mountain and nature, Nightlife, Tarragona, Tours and Guides

salou

One century ago, Salou was a small village placed in Tarragona (Catalonia). Nowadays, it has 25.000 inhabitants, and a big part of its economy is based in the tourism: With thousands of apartments and hotels, hundreds of shops, restaurants, pubs and discotheques, and of course, a beautiful beach, Salou is the most touristic town in the Gold Coast (Costa Dorada).

Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain. Furthermore, the profile of the people who visit the town is highly various: Since families with children, couples, and young people. As Salou is always plenty of people and activities, it’s impossible not to find some amusing thing to do each day.

 

What to do do in Salou

The main point of Salou is its beach: With its clean sand, and the warm and clear water is a perfect place to go for a swim in summer. Also, the sun and the weather is ideal for sunbathes and resting from May to September.

However, Salou gives you a lot of options apart of the beach: restaurants, amusement parks (Port Aventura, Aquopolis…), shops, discotheques, festivals, and many more.

Talking about sport activities, you can rent a boat in the beach, play volleyball, rent a motorcar in the circuit, go cycling and jogging at the surroundings of the town, practice golf, etc..

Attractions parks: Port Aventura and Aquopolis

portaventura

Port Aventura is the older (and probably the bigger) amusement park in Spain. It is placed near Salou and in there you will enjoy impressive attractions as Dragon Khan roller coaster and a lot of live spectacles. You can go to Port Aventura by car or by bus.

Aquopolis is an water park placed in La Pineda, a town near Salou which is 30mins away on foot (but probably you would prefer to go by bus). Aquopolis is the perfect place to stay in a hot summer day enjoying their aquatic attractions and their giant swimming pools.

 

Activities for young people in Salou

salou pub partyAlthough not all the people who visit Salou are young, every year thousands of students and people between 18 and 30 years visit Salou. (Maybe that is because some families prefer to stay in a quieter place like Benidorm, La Pineda, or Andalusia). For them there is an spectacular offer of pubs and discotheques which are open every night from May/June to September, so if you want to go party every day, Salou is your best option.

Festivals: In several dates, Salou celebrates festivals and other celebrations (like in Holy Week or at San Juan). This celebrations are especially popular among young people, who come from other cities of Spain and from outside, as France, Germany or Great Britain.

 

Hotels and apartments in Salou

The most common habit for people who want to stay some days in Salou is to rent an apartment (for 1 week in most cases) or to sleep in a hotel. If you chose this option, chose an accommodation with air conditioner and swimming pool, you will enjoy it much more!

Another option is to go camping. There is a camping in the middle of the town.

Whatever you chose, remember to take a reservation one or two months before your holydays, it will be cheaper and you will avoid the option of running out of room!

 

 

Other interesting places to visit near Salou

– La Pineda: La Pineda is a small town located near Salou. In there you will find a beautiful beach, the Aquopolis and the popular discotheque Pacha La Pineda. You can go by bus from Salou.

– Barcelona: One of the most touristic cities in Europe. It is around 100km abroad of Salou.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia,  just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– Sitges: Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration.

– Ibiza: This island is not near Salou, but… if you are young and you like Salou, surely you will have to try Ibiza.

Las Ramblas street (Barcelona): Monuments, museums squares and markets to visit in La Rambla de Barcelona

Barcelona, Nightlife, Streets and monuments, Tours and Guides

las ramblas

“La Rambla”, popularly known as “Las Ramblas” is a famous street in the centre of  Barcelona where citizens and visitors can walk, visit monuments, eat and rest in the terraces, see the port of Barcelona, go shopping or go to pubs during the night. Generally, the whole area around this street is full of people, not only during the day, but also in the night.

Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

You can go to Las Ramblas by metro using Line 3 to Liceu or to Catalunya (Line 3, 6 and 7).

 

What to visit in Las Ramblascolon

– Colon Statue (Columbus Monument): This monument is placed in the “Portal de la Pau” Square, between La Rambla and the port. It was built in 1888 for the Barcelona Universal Exposition, and nowadays is one of the most famous statues of the city. The statue represents to Cristobal Colon signing with his right arm to the sea (metaphorically, he is signing to the American continent).

– La boqueria (a traditional food market): In this market you can find a lot of delicacies. It’s a very popular place to eat something. You can visit its website on www.boqueria.info

– Maritime Museum: Placed in Drassanes Avenue and inaugurated in 1936, this museum has a lot of staff about boats, galleys, etc. It can be interesting if you want to know more of the history of the navigation.

– Waxworks (Museo de cera): Placed in Banca Street number 7, this wax museum is one of the most visited museums of this type in Spain.

– Gothic neighborhood: This neighborhood is alongside La Rambla street and is one of the essential places that every visitor should see. In there, you will enjoy the traditional streets, monuments, churches… and also you can find a lot of shops and bars.

– The Barcelona Cathedral: This cathedral is placed in “Plaza de la Seu”, in the Gothic neighborhood and was built between XIII and XV century.

– San Jaume Square: This ancient square has the City Council and the San Jaime Church.

– Raval neighborhood: This neighborhood is also near La Rambla and is very famous for its traditional culture. In there, you can find a lot of pubs and premises to have a lunch or drink something.

 

More places to see near Las Ramblas

– Maremagnum: This commercial center is located beyond Colón Monument, just above the sea. In there, you will find shops, terraces, discotheques and a lot of hobby activities.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

 

Other buildings and monuments for tourists in Barcelona

– The Güell Park: People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork.

– Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

More places nearby

– Sitges: Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia,  just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– La Pineda: With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province.

– Salou: Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain.

 

If you want to visit the whole county, read also our post about the best cities and monuments in Spain.

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia / Church of the Holy Family (Barcelona)

Barcelona, Emblematic buildings

SagradaFamilia

The Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, known as “La Sagrada Familia”, is obviously one of the most beautiful building of Barcelona. Although its construction began in 1882, nobody really knows when it will be finished. It is said that in 2030, it will have been completed with 18 towers. ( one dedicated to Jesus, other to Mary, 12 to the apostles and 4 to the evangelists ).

sagrada familiaNowadays, this wonderful church has more than enough artwork to be the landmark most visited of Barcelona, therefore it is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures. It is well worth a visit inside or outside.

One can have heard other visitors talk about the spectacular Sagrada Familia, but until oneself sees it, it is impossible to imagine its absolutely unique artwork. Visitors will be absolutely spellbound when they look up and see the wonderful colourway of its stained glass windows, its high columns and the amazing ceiling. Besides, taking the lift to the towers (about 55 metres height one and 75 metres height another), they can see a breathtaking view of Barcelona, and go down the unbelievable narrow spiral staircase.

In addition, this church had been begun its construction in 1882 by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar Lozano (1828-1901) who quit the direction of the project in 1883. Anyway, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852-1926) designed the current project and directed the building from 1883 until his death on the 10th June of 1926. In fact, The Sagrada Familia is the masterwork of Antonio Gaudí, who was buried in the crypt of this church.

To add, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Queues are very long, so tourists should book the ticket in advance to avoid the wait. It is in city centre. Better go on foot.

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

– Casa Mila: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912.

– The Güell Park: People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork.

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

 

If you want to visit the whole county, read also our post about the best cities and monuments in Spain.

Parque Güell / The Güell Park (Barcelona)

Barcelona, Streets and monuments

guell park
The spellbinding Güell Park (Parque Güell) was designed, planned and built by the architect Antoni Gaudí Cornet (1852-1926), being constructed between 1900 and 1914. It is one of the most emblematic site of Barcelona. Its construction was ordered by the wealthy Eusebi Güell Bacigalupi, Earl of Güell (1852-1918), who died in his house of this park. The stunning park is located in a strategic place of  Barcelona – the Condal City, having a breathtaking views of Barcelona and its surroundings.

People who visit the beautiful Güell Park can enjoy strolling in its area, sitting down on its decorated benches or admiring its fantastic architecture and the perfection the artwork. Therefore, if visitors touch its scultures, they will realize the experience of feeling the shapes and the colorful of its artwork, such as the dragon, the 86 colums, the benches, the stairway, so on.

On the other hand, City Hall bought this park in 1922 to become a lively public park. Occupying more than 15 hectares the park has several buildings, a lot of plants and trees (palms, oaks, pines), by the way, the house in the park in which Gaudí lived from 1906 until 1925 is now a museum of furniture designed by Gaudí called Gaudí House Museum.

To sum up, The Güell Park is certainly worth a visit although it takes several hours to see the whole park. In fact, it is said that more than 3,000,000 people a year visit the park. To add, UNESCO declared the Güell Park a World Heritage Site in 1984.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes. It is near city center. It takes 50 minutes on foot, 30 minutes by bus and 15 minutes in car or taxi to arrive at the park.

More monuments designed by Antoni Gaudí

– Church of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia): It is a must for tourists that arrive in the Condal City see its outstanding architecture, design and sculptures.

– Casa Mila: Popularly known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is a unique modernist building located at Paseo de Gracia. The building was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912.

 

More popular places to visit in Barcelona

– Las Ramblas Avenue: Las Ramblas goes from Catalonia Square to the seaport, and it has a lot of cafes, terraces, pubs and discotheques. In the end of the street, there is the Cristobal Colon statue, one of the icons of Barcelona.

– Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón): One of the most famous statues of Barcelona city. It was built in 1888 for a Universal Exposition and it represents a statue of Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) above a pillar, pointing with his right hand to the sea.

– La Barceloneta beach: In summer, you can sunbathe or swim in the beach of La Barceloneta, which is 5 minutes walking from Las Ramblas – Columbus Statue.