Ibiza, Majorca, Tenerife, the Costa del Sol. Spain is just filled with superb beaches, which has made it such a popular holiday destination. But have you ever thought of spending your beach holiday in one of Spain’s biggest cities? Well, in Barcelona you can do just that, where one of Europe’s most important cities and seven beaches await you.

 

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.

 

More than 3.5million tourists now visit the beaches every year. The city’s council is continually improving services, creating a cleaner and safer place. Part of this mission has included the establishment of the Barcelona Beach Centre. Here you can take part in a number of free exhibitions and activities or simply relax with the day’s newspapers

 

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

 

You’ll also find that the beaches are a popular place for people to do sport. The sand itself is favoured by walkers and joggers looking to push themselves to the limit. The promenade is always popular with people on skates or bikes, so just be sure and watch your step. There are also volleyball nets set up along the beaches where you and a few friends can enjoy a game.

 

The sea is also very safe, with no major currents, making it popular with swimmers. All of Barcelona’s beaches have the EU Blue Star rating making it ideal for bathers. There is also an excellent provision of disabled access. One word of warning however: watch out for the waves. On windy days the surf can get a bit rough, so weaker swimmers are advised to stay close to the shore.

 

In Barcelona, big waves mean big surfing. On these days during the year, the sea is chalk full of surfers and their boards. These surfers were part of the campaign to begin a clean beach programme in 2006. This was used to raise awareness about pollution and make a better beach for everyone.

 

Depending on what kind of beach experience you are looking for might affect where you decide to stay. As always, renting an apartment is the cheapest way to stay in Barcelona. The beaches at the southern end of the city – Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta – are closest to its centre and are livelier. For students and young travellers, these are the places to pick out an apartment.

 

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 apartments 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.

 

 

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