A variety of sustainable initiatives in Barcelona have caught our attention recently. From events to products and services, these aim to help the community in impactful ways. In this post you can read about those that we find the most interesting:

Platinum@BCN

Sustainable structures have been on the rise for a while now. The emissions that buildings add to the planet are relatively high, so it is better for the environment to have more efficient buildings around.

This up and coming office building has won the world’s highest rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Program with a score of 101 points.

Its list of sustainability processes is impressive: It saves and filters 46% of water and reuses rain water. It saves 44% of energy using all LED lighting throughout the building. It has a system for renewal of energy through Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion which is a direct conversion process from heat to electricity via photons. Last but not least it continually recycles trash and reuses about 80% of residues.

Akepa

There are many sustainable brands rising in Barcelona at the moment but it can often be the case that they don’t have the digital expertise to get things going online.

A new digital agency Akepa has launched in Barcelona that aims to do help these brands to grow and succeed. The company is also climate neutral itself and involved in clean oceans projects. Sounds like a good combination to us!

For more information visit: https://thesustainableagency.com

Posidonia Green Festival

Mixing art with music is always a great idea, but mixing with a sustainable cause that includes workshops, activities and more, is even better.

This event is an International Eco-Festival of Art, Environment and Sustainability that has taken place in Barcelona since 2017. The festival itself covers various themes and events – running the range from art, music, eco-fairs, talks, workshops, film, exhibitions and lots more pertaining to sustainability. All the activities are free during the event’s 2-day run.

Posidonia Green Festival unites a wide array of sustainability oriented activities for the public to enjoy in one place. It’s a project to enjoy and admire. For more information visit: https://www.posidoniagreenfestival.com/en/

Two Thirds

When it comes to sustainability, sustainable fashion is one of the areas where people are increasingly demanding products that are more environmentally friendly and fairly produced.

Globally, new fashion brands are popping up all the time to meet demand and there are quite a few based in Barcelona now too. Two Thirds is based in the city and is one of our favourites. The items are elegant, and classy – inspired by clean nordic design. As well as being made from environmentally-friendly fabrics, in a less polluting way. We like the brand’s characteristic whale logo.

Two Thirds is a D2C (direct to consumer) brand so don’t expect to visit any actual branches. Instead, you can buy online although returns can be made to their warehouse in Barcelona.

For more information visit: https://twothirds.com/

Reusabol

Plastic has always been a major cause of pollution and endangers our oceans and animals. That’s why recycling has been around for so long and is now thankfully getting even better.

Reusabol is a concept that was born from the idea of using reusable packaging for takeaway or delivery. The project was created with the aim of replacing approximately 1,000,000 disposable packaging containers per year, this amounts to about 600kg of waste that will be prevented. The bowls they use are made of polypropylene #5 which is known for its durability, for being lightweight, microwave and freezer friendly and most importantly recyclable.

The system functions in the following way: you go to your favorite affiliated restaurant in the Reusabol network, pay a small deposit and take you food, then return the bowl to any other affiliate restaurant and get your deposit back. By using this system of reusable bowls you also avoid taking home unwanted trash when ordering takeout or delivery. It’s definitely a win-win situation.

Reusabol is a safe, cheap and reusable alternative in our fight against plastic pollution.

For more information visit: www.reusabol.com or on Instagram @reusabol #yourForeverBowl.

Alone Peluquería

The beauty industry causes quite a lot of pollution and to have business try and reduce this is a very important goal.

Alone Peluquería is the first ecological hair salon in Barcelona with products that contain only organic ingredients, and you can also purchase products while using your own reusable bottles to reduce waste. They have a “slow-hair” concept – the same concept as with slow fashion – keeping their products and services sustainable.

The salon uses recycled materials and LED lighting for less energy consumption, they have water filters that save up to 60% of the water used in the salon, as well as sound reduced hair dryers to avoid noise pollution.

Alone is an immersive and satisfying experience from start to finish. It is impossible not to feel satisfied after being a part of such a sustainable initiative.

For more information visit: Instagram @alonepeluqueria.

Sustainable and Ecological clothing stores

Sustainable Fashion has been on the rise over the past few years.

Or you may know the term ‘slow-fashion’ which is the movement of designing, creating and selling items that are of high quality and are long lasting. It is based on slower production times, guaranteed fair salaries, minimum (or even neutralized) carbon dioxide emissions, as well as reduced waste or closed-loop systems during production.

Brands and stores that are a part of this initiative are often advocates of 100% organic cotton garments with colors free of chemical processes; always respecting the environment.

There are many sustainable fashion stores in Barcelona to enjoy, such as:

1. https://www.baobab-barcelona.com/
2. https://coshop.es/
3. https://www.greenlifestyle.es/

And we are also a company that is aiming towards improved sustainability in 2021. You can read all about our sustainability and Biosphere membership here.

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Walking through its street you will notice that music is definitely a major essence in the identity of this bohemian city. All music genres from rock, flamenco, jazz, blues and more are present in every corner you pass by. So we’ve decided to make a list for you of some of the most “Barcelona style” venues to enjoy live music.

HARLEM JAZZ CLUB

Known as the oldest concert hall in Barcelona, Harlem Jazz Club is one of the most legendary jazz clubs in the city. With an amazing vibe and a colourful atmosphere you’re in for a good time. Everything from the staff, to the cocktails and food and especially the reasonable prices make this one of Barcelona’s best options.

With live music options ranging from jazz, and funk to soul, the night will not have a dull moment. After the live gigs you can enjoy the dancefloor and sets by a local DJ while you sip on a nice drink. If you’re someone who likes to have fun in a vibrant grown-up ambiance, this is the place for you.

Carrer Comtessa de Sobradiel, 8

@HarlemJazzClub

HELIOGÀBAL

Founded in 1995, Heliogàbal is a very well-known cultural association and bar with the main purpose to serve as a platform for the development and promotion of artistic and cultural activities. Some of the events that take place at this venue are live concerts, audiovisual presentations, painting exhibitions and more.

Other activities such as the poetic projects, book and magazine presentations also take place here. This bar thrives on having a very well selected music offering in a slightly arty ambiance. You can enjoy Heliogàbal with your group friends or even on a nice date. It’s always an enjoyable and intimate place to be at. And with a capacity for only 66 guests, you’ll feel nice and cozy.

Carrer de Ramón y Cajal, 80

@heliogabalbcn

CRAFT BARCELONA

A small and very lively place to hang out at and enjoy a tasty selection of 40 craft beers or pick something from the full bar.  The crowd is young and hipster and also fairly international as the bar’s very centrally located. Known for their well-priced pintxo-style tapas and also their sangria, Craft Barcelona is a place to spend at least a few hours having a good time.

Craft was founded on the idea of celebrating life and enjoying the small things that make us happy. This all includes time with friends, a cold beer with tasty food and good music. Besides the live music in the basement you can enjoy stand-up comedy and many more activities. Locals and tourists from all over the world dig a cool spot like this and let’s not forget the free WIFI. Definitely worth a visit!

Carrer del Paradís, 4

@craftbarcelona

SIDECAR BARCELONA

Since 1982, Sidecar has been referenced as one of the underground music venues in Barcelona. When entering this venue you find yourself with a lounge and a bar, then a bit further ahead you’ll see staircases taking you to an underground club. It has a cave-like feel to it, making it a very intimate experience to enjoy some live music. Sidecar is a place where all the culture of Barcelona converges.

Despite the club’s small size it has a big impact when it comes to music in the city. It’s been home to over 5,000 musical events in over 35 years. The crowd is pretty cool and not to mention the music. The genres mostly played are electro, disco and funk, obvious ingredients for a good time. More famous bands tend to come and play here but you can also find local acts. Make sure to check them out!

Plaza Reial, 7 

@sidecarbcn

BIG BANG BAR

Remodeled from a 19th century tavern, you can feel the richness in culture and heritage as soon as you walk in. Here you can soak yourself in all genres of music every night from Jazz to rock and flamenco to cabaret. Other events also take place, such as dance, movie and theatre shows. In typical Spanish fashion you can have a seat at the bar and feel the vibrant atmosphere that complements the music.

Big Bang Bar is a good option in Barcelona for a more musical night out. You can enjoy a couple of drinks while listening to a great jam session or even better, an acoustic concert. This venue’s one of the best places to enjoy jazz and when the show is over, a DJ takes the stage to keep the night going.

Carrer d’En Botella, 7

@bigbangbarcelona

So, there you go. A few of the best places to see live music in Barcelona, hopefully you’ll be able to take advantage at some point soon in 2021. And if you want to see a bit more of Barcelona during the day then don’t forget to take a look at our Segway Tours.

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But whether you’re in Barcelona for the short-term or long-term, you shouldn’t forget that there are amazing places to see outside of the city in Catalonia. The city’s close proximity to mountains, rolling countryside, and beaches, means there are a great selection of weekends away or day-trips on offer. You can get a beautiful bit of space to breathe outside of the hustle and bustle.

Here are 4 of our picks for beautiful day-trips that aren’t too far from Barcelona – with a focus on the Costa Brava region to the north of the city. And to help cater for everyone’s tastes we’ve split this into a few beach destinations and a few in the countryside.

Beach trips:

Sant Pol de Mar

• Get there: by train
• Time to get there: approx. 50 mins

Less than an hour from Barcelona, Sant Pol de Mar is one of the easier destinations to get to on this list and a great option for a day trip. If you’ve been somewhat disappointed by the crowds on Barcelona’s city beaches, then this could be a good choice for an escape. Here, a long and picturesque stretch of sand awaits – it’s one of the best beaches within easy reach of Barcelona. There are also some cute smaller beaches studding the coastline to the north of the main beach too.

There used to be a 3 Michelin Star restaurant here called Sant Pau but that sadly closed in 2018. But don’t fret, there are still quite a few excellent restaurants where you can enjoy a paella or some fresh seafood by the sea – including one restaurant ‘Banys Lluis’ which is right on the main beach, with a few seats on the sand. The value for money is better than in Barcelona here so treat yourself!

While the town is quite charming don’t expect too much to see outside of the beach. It’s a pretty low-key kind of place.

Llafranc (& Cadaques)

• Get there: by car
• Time to get there: approx. 90 mins (Llafranc); approx. 120 mins (Cadaques)

Llafranc is a bit further afield than Sant Pol de Mar. It’s in the Costa Brava proper and more apt for an overnight stay. However, if you’ve got a car then you could also make it a day-trip as it only takes about 90 minutes to get there.

It is a stunning spot. There’s a stretch of golden sand beside the typically azure and transparent waters of the Costa Brava. The little town itself is old and charming too, but with plenty to do and quite a few good restaurants. It’s a pretty and sophisticated place.

It’s also a peaceful spot, helped by it still being slightly under-the-radar and not so easy to reach if you don’t have a car. But like a lot of places in the Costa Brava in Spain, it can get busy in July and August. You’ll have even more tranquility If you go a little out of season and avoid the weekends.

Further up the coast, Cadaques (see featured image) offers the same kind of deal but on a slightly bigger and perhaps even more picturesque scale. It’s regularly cited as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and is certainly worth a visit. It takes a little longer to get there, though, and you’ll definitely need a car to avoid a very long and arduous journey.

Countryside trips:

Peratallada

• Get there: by car or by train
• Time to get there: approx. 90 mins (car), 3h (train)

Moving inland, Peratallada is one of our top picks for a beautiful spot in the Catalan countryside. It’s a magical medieval town and one of the finest to be found in Spain, let alone Catalonia.

The charms of this town aren’t hard to find. As you wind your way through the byzantine streets, squares, alleyways, and arches, you’ll feel as if you’re transported back in time. It’s fun to get a little lost for a while.

There are lots of handcraft shops and little boutiques to visit – as well as a selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy local flavours in the perfectly-preserved streets. And don’t forget to visit the 11^th century castle that tops it all off – where you’ll get a better view of the town beneath.

Another good point is that Peratallada – although beloved by locals – is not too-touristy too yet. There’s still plenty of the ancient atmosphere for you to soak up without feeling like you’re in a theme park.

Girona

• Get there: by train
• Time to get there: approx. 40 mins

Girona is northern Catalonia’s largest city, home to around a hundred thousand people, but it’s still small enough to enjoy during a day-trip and has a far more intimate feel than Barcelona. The old historic center is very picturesque and easily walkable.

Many people who visit Barcelona, or the area, forget to visit Girona and they’re missing out on a bit of a gem. It has gorgeous medieval streets and one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. It’s also very easy to get to on the train from Barcelona.

If you’re a foodie then Girona’s known for its fayre and there’s some world-class cuisine on offer. For such a small city, Girona has an incredible concentration of Michelin Star restaurants (around 15). El Celler de Can Roca is found here and it’s one of the best restaurants in the world. The food’s almost a reason to visit alone.

So, those are some great options outside of Barcelona but the areas around Barcelona are full of other beautiful towns too – don’t forget to do a bit more research to find something that’s exactly what you’re looking for and easy to reach.

And, of course, it goes without saying you should take advantage of Barcelona too while you’re here. Why not take a look at our Segway Tours, like our Gaudi Segway Tour or Gastronomic Segway Tour? They’ll give you a unique, fun and easy way to see the best that the city has to offer while you’re not out day-tripping.

Der Beitrag 4 of the best towns to visit near Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

As well as offering speed and convenience, these electric machines give people the opportunity to see urban environments in an entirely new way: looking from street level, you can get more up close and personal with your environment when compared to other modes of transport.

On top of all that, they’re also incredibly fun to ride!

If you’re looking to become a Segway pro in advance of an upcoming Segway tour, we’ve got you covered: here are five tips that will help you to become a master in no time at all.

1. Make your movements subtle

The trick to riding a Segway safely and comfortably is to understand the power of subtlety. Whichever model you are riding, you should make sure that you make small and subtle movements to operate the machine.

Segways are surprisingly sensitive, and they are capable of reading even the smallest movements that you make. You’ll quickly realize that this is the case – and it makes the machine very comfortable and easy to operate.

We recommend that as soon as you get on the Segway, just take things very slowly and get a good feel for the way that the machine reads your movements. In no time at all, you’ll be zipping comfortably through streets and corners without a second thought.

2. Practice in a safe place

If you’re going to ride a Segway for the first time, it’s always a good idea to practice in a safe and comfortable place.

You should take the time to get familiar with your environment and find a good area where you can practice free from obstacles. Once you’ve got a good handle on exactly where you are and what’s around you, you’ll be able to focus fully on mastering the machine beneath your feet.

Part of finding and practicing in a safe environment is practicing with other people, too. If you are practicing with others, someone else can help you maintain control of the machine in case you make a wrong move.

At Barcelona Segway Tour we have large training ground without cars and almost no pedestrian traffic, at a beautiful boulevard right in front of our central office. Here, you can get plenty of practice before being let loose on the streets.

3. Ask questions to a pro

One of the great benefits of going on a Segway tour is that you can pitch your questions directly to a trained expert and learn from their experience.

Here at Barcelona Segway Tour, our guides have years of experience operating in the local area and helping people to quickly become comfortable on our high-quality Segways (we use original Segway PT i2s – not the cheaper copies). Our guides are always happy to take the appropriate amount of time with each person so that they’re up and running.

If you learn to ride a Segway alongside a trained professional, you can have full confidence that they’re ready and willing to help you get the most from your machine. Because these machines are easy to ride, just a few pointers and recommendations from your tutor on your Barcelona Segway Tour will have you up and running right away!

4. Relax and avoid making panicked movements

Segways are intuitive and smooth to operate, so you can trust that they’ll respond as needed without force or sudden jerky movements. When starting out, some people have a tendency to panic and respond too aggressively to small changes or movements.

This is why it’s so important that you take your time and avoid making any panicked movements. The best-trained guides will be able to help you get onto the machine safely and then they’ll do a great job of explaining all that you need to know.

After just a few minutes on a Segway for the first time, most people feel comfortable and they’re able to go with the flow. In fact, it’s very fun and satisfying to get to grips with the machine and feel your relationship with it develop.

5. Understand the limits of the machine

To make sure that you understand your Segway and use it as effectively as possible, you should take the time to understand its limits. Certain models can only turn and move at certain speeds, for instance, and to ride effectively it’s important that you know those limits and get used to them.

You could watch your Segway tour guide in action and pay attention to their demonstration to get a clear understanding, or you could also test out the limits of the machine during your initial practice session.

Understanding what your machine is capable of will help you to use it effectively and squeeze as much performance from it as possible. If you need to respond quickly due to an obstacle in your path, for instance, this understanding of the Segway’s thresholds will come in very handy.

Learn to ride on a Barcelona Segway Tour!

We hope that these tips help you to feel right at home the second that you step onto a Segway, wherever you are doing your Segway tour.

Here at Barcelona Segway Tour, our expert local guides are thoroughly trained and very experienced when it comes to riding Segways. Our experts whisk groups on breathtaking tours through the essential parts of Barcelona, and they also work hard to make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible on your Segway.

If you join one of our tours, you’ll be up and running in no time with just a few minutes of practice. Feeling ready? Why not learn more about our range of Barcelona Segway Tours.

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Now that the temperatures are rising – here are the best outdoor public swimming pools in Barcelona where you can swim a few laps, as well as bathe.

1. Piscines Picornell

• Size: 50m
• Address: 38, Avinguda de l’Estadi, 30
• Nearest Metro: Espanya (Metro) or Parc de Montjuïc (Funicular, via Parallel)

Located in Montjuic, the hill that overlooks the city, the ‘Piscines Picornell’ is home to probably the best selection of public swimming pools in Barcelona. This isn’t surprising if you consider this is one of the complexes used for the 1992 Olympics. It’s still regularly used to host swimming events and championships.

Here you’ll find a 50m outdoor pool (as well as a 50m indoor pool), and you can also rest your muscles in the sauna or one of the Jacuzzis afterwards. The only issue is getting to Montjuic can be a bit time-consuming but the scenery and the views, as well as the swim, make it worth it.

Note: if you’d like to see Montjuic area you can also take a look at our Montjuic Segway Tour, or even rent an eBike with our sister company BeBike and get there more efficiently.

2. CEM Parc de La Ciutadella

• Size: 25m
• Address: Passeig de Circumvaŀlació, 1
• Nearest Metro: Ciutadella via Olímpica

Near to the famous Arc de Triomf (and close to our offices too) you’ll find the Parc de La Ciutadella, one of Barcelona’s biggest and best parks.

And right next to the park you’ll find this sports complex. There’s an indoor swimming pool in the building but in the summer you should head to the roof, where you’ll find an outdoor pool with a spacious terrace to sunbathe on too.

The pool isn’t that big but it’s big enough – and normally quieter than some of the other pools in Barcelona.

3. Piscina Municipal de Montjuic

• Size: 25m
• Address: Avinguda Miramar, 31
• Nearest Metro: Espanya (Metro) or Parc de Montjuïc (Funicular, via Parallel)

A second pool in Montjuic that was used for the 1992 Olympics. This one’s even more iconic because of the unrivalled views over the city from the pool. These views captured the imagination of viewers all other the world, when Olympic diving events were broadcast on TV screens here, almost thirty years ago.

The pool that was used back then was actually the diving pool (which is still in use) but there’s also a 25m outdoor pool that has just as epic views over the city.

If you’re looking to swim though it’s best to visit this one on off-peak times. The pool can get pretty popular at weekends and you’ll struggle to find enough space for more than a bathe.

4. Club Natacio

• Size: 50m
• Address: Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 93
• Nearest Metro: Barceloneta

A rival to the Piscines Picornell for the best swimming complex in Barcelona, the Club Natacio has an impressive selection of swimming pools – including 25m and 50m pools.

While the pools are impressive, the location is too: right next to the sea. This means you can enjoy a 50m swim on the seafront (great when the sea is just a touch too cold) then relax and enjoy the sea views while avoiding the crowds on the main beach.

5. Banys del Fòrum

• Size: 375m
• Address: Parc del Fòrum
• Nearest Metro: El Maresme | Forum

You’ll find a unique bathing and swimming pool at the Banys del Fòrum, which is a reclaimed industrial area that also hosts the famous Primavera Sound festival. It’s a curious concrete landscape, and a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s definitely charismatic and lots of locals love it. Fans of Instagram will find top photo opportunities here.

The swimming pool is actually more a reclaimed section of sea – but without so many troublesome waves, and relatively clear water. The area is extensive: there’s a 375m long stretch for swimming (as well as bathing) and there is even a section for water skiing.

This one’s a bit further out but you can easily get close by stopping at one of the nearby metro or tram stops.

And of course, in Barcelona you’ve always got the sea to enjoy too – and if that’s more your thing then why not try our waterfront Segway Tour and enjoy the main sights and sounds of the seafront. You can cool off and go for a swim in a pool another day.

Der Beitrag The Best Outdoor Public Swimming Pools in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.