Although it seems logical, before visiting Barcelona you must take under consideration the weather during your trip. After all, you need to be ready and bring everything you might need to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Barcelona has more than 3,000 hours of sun per year and temperatures and humidity are usually high during the day and also during the night. The terraces, parks, and beaches are always a nice place to have a break during your Summer trip.

What to Pack on a Trip to Barcelona in Summer

If you want to know how to make the ideal suitcase for your holidays in Barcelona, do not miss the following list:

Sun Lotion

In the middle of the Summer (July and August) Barcelona gets very hot. Day and night, the city has high and intense temperatures. Sunscreen is an essential element of your suitcase. You don’t want to end up with a major sunstroke, do you? UV rays are dangerous, not only in Summer but during the whole year. They can cause sunburns and skin damage among other injuries, so you need to be aware of being protected all the time. We recommend you using sunscreen regardless of whether it’s Summer or winter. Even when the day is cloudy, use the sun lotion. Your skin will be thankful.

Sunglasses

We have already talked about how much the sun can hurt. But, since most of the people seem to not have enough respect for the sun, here is another great hazard: the damage in your eyes. UV rays can affect your corneas, affecting your sight, especially if you look at the sun directly. That’s why good sunglasses are so important. The hottest hours of the day are between 12 PM and 6 PM, so make sure you have them on your backpack before setting foot on the streets. Remember: to visit Barcelona and enjoy its monuments you will need a healthy couple of eyes.

Summer Clothes

Barcelona has great weather even when it’s not Summer. That’s why you should be prepared when coming to Barcelona in Summer, especially about your clothes. We are not just talking about shorts, sandals or flip-flops. It’s important for you to pack the appropriate clothing for the season: bikini or swimsuit for the beach or pool, a hat to protect yourself from the sun during your tours or at the beach, and light clothes made with natural fibers, if possible, like shirts or dresses. Barcelona is a city with high humidity, with which the heat intensifies, but there are also some nights during the Summer when the temperature drops a little and the sea breeze can make you feel chilly. So make sure to bring a light sweater for these nights if you do not want to catch a Summer cold. And last but not least, a towel for the beach! Hotels in Barcelona provide you with towels, but normally these are for the room and also for the pool. So you may need one at least for the beach. You can check it with your hotel before coming.

Comfortable Shoes

Remember Nancy Sinatra´s song “These boots are made for walking”? Well, that’s exactly what you need to bring to Barcelona. Visiting a city means walking a lot, so remember to wear your most comfortable shoes. If you buy shoes in Barcelona and you want to wear them during your visit, buy some bandages in case you are going to walk a lot with them. New shoes need a little time to adjust to your feet. Sneakers or soft shoes will do the trick.

A Good City Guide of Barcelona

Getting lost in Barcelona is very easy because, despite its excellent distribution, it can give you the feeling that all buildings are the same, especially if it is the first time you visit it. To avoid this, make sure you bring a good guide. There are especial guides that have not only the location of the monuments and the distribution of the streets but a lot of additional touristic information. A tip: use the mountain and the sea location for orientation. They are always up and down the city!

A Plug Adapter

This is something that people never consider when they come to Barcelona. In Spain (and the rest of Europe, except for the United Kingdom) the plugs are of the F type (two parallel holes). Your hotel might have a spare one for you to borrow, but since most of the tourist forget too, they probably won’t have any. In airports, they sell very cheap adapters of different types. And also there are some stores in Barcelona where you can buy a plug adapter. Anyway, it would be better if you bring one from home. Otherwise, forget about charging your phone, laptop or electric toothbrush. The horror!

Camera to Take Pictures

We can’t trust our memory, that’s why they invented pictures and cameras. Barcelona is one of the most photographed cities in the world because of its beauty. You will need a good camera to immortalize all those monuments and happy memories with your travel partners. Keep it always at your site during the visit, so you can capture all the beautiful Barcelona views without having to worry about losing it.

Selfie Stick

Sometimes it’s difficult to take pictures of yourself with the whole background, especially when it’s a group photo. That’s why our recommendation is to use a flexible tripod with remote control or a selfie stick. They sell them in almost every Barcelona souvenir store, but it be will cheaper if you bring it from home. The other choice is bothering people asking them to take a picture of you. You can do that, but the selfie stick will allow you to spend more time and work on the perfect snap.

Money in cash

Nowadays you can travel with just credit or debit cards. In Barcelona, it is common for people to pay with a card and most establishments have data phones, although sometimes with a minimum purchase amount. Ask before in the markets. There are lots of stores and restaurants in markets that only accept money in cash. However, it never hurts to carry cash (in this case it would be euros, Europe official currency), at least to buy simple things such as bottles of water, snacks or souvenirs. It will be so much easier.

Conversation guide in Spanish and/or Catalan

In Barcelona, there are two official languages, Castilian (also known as Spanish), the official language in most of the country, and Catalan, the language of Catalonia. Having a guide with basic phrases in both idioms will come in handy. In addition, Catalans feel very proud of their language and talking a little bit it’s a good way to meet local people. Having an internet connection in your smartphone that would allow you to connect with google translator at any time would also be a great idea. Just in case.

Enjoy your Summer Trip!

Der Beitrag A Packing List for Barcelona in Summer erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Barcelona’s beach bars and chiringuitos are the perfect spot to chill out over the summer months. You can eat and drink as much as you like, all while taking in the sights and sounds that are associated with beach life.

There are many Barcelona beach bars, though, making it difficult if you’re trying to find the best chiringuitos Barcelona has to offer. But we’re here to help. Here’s a closer look at the very best spots that you will love.

Barcelona Beach Bars and Chiringuitos for this Summer

Bambú Beach Bar

When it comes to the best beach bars in Barcelona, Bambú Beach Bar is a breathtaking option. Inspired by the relaxed and paradisiacal vibes of Southeast Asia, the bar has adopted the magic and strength of the region.

A fresh and relaxed spirit awaits, giving you amazing views of the Mediterranean that can be enjoyed while indulging in the very best drinks and cocktails. As nice additions, you’ll also find that free wi-fi is on offer, sports events are shown on the terrace, and that children are comfortably welcomed.

Where is it? Ronda Litoral
Website

Café del Mar Barcelona

This Barcelona beach cocktail bar is a little further out of the way on the outskirts of the city, but it’s definitely worth a visit. This place offers an exclusive atmosphere by the iconic Ibizan powerhouse Café del Mar.

The beach bar is one of the hottest spots in Barcelona. A private swimming pool awaits with luxurious beds around it and fantastic live DJs perform each day over the course of the summer. Café del Mar is the place to be if you look for a chic and exclusive vibe in Barcelona.

Where is it? Maremagnum-Moll d’Espanya, 5
Website

La Guingueta

When it comes to beach chiringuitos Barcelona has a lot of options but this is one of the most intriguing. Located at the Bogatell Beach, this place was initially created by Carles Abellan – one of Barcelona’s foremost chefs – and Joan Escribà – a recognized pastry chef – as an homage to the tradition of the chiringuito.

You will find a huge range of delicious and traditional tapas on offer, as well as many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. If you want to blend together traditional Spanish cuisine with your chiringuito experience, this is a really strong option we’re sure that you’ll love.

Where is it? Av. del Litoral, 62
Website

Eclipse Barcelona at W Hotel

You have probably already heard of the famous W Hotel in Barcelona. It is a permanent feature on Barcelona’s skyline and its iconic shape is a symbol of chic luxury. You can also enjoy life from the W Hotel by visiting Eclipse, perhaps the best Barcelona Beach rooftop bar out there.

Wrap-around windows give you unbeatable views of the coast. You’ll love the opportunity to enjoy signature cocktails in this classy environment and you can also tuck into some Dim Sum cuisine if you’re peckish. Quality DJs spin some amazing beats throughout the day and night, so this is a really great place if you’re looking for music too.

Where is it? W Hotel, Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1
Website

Surf House Barcelona

Surf House is effortlessly cool, bringing Californian lifestyle and culture to Barcelona. The location prides itself on being casual and different while offering quality food. Healthy breakfasts are on offer to welcome you in the morning, while amazing cocktails can give you the perfect end to a perfect day in Barcelona.

Due to its location on the beach and its support of the Californian culture, the business also offers you the chance to enjoy a range of physical activities on the sea. Always fancied paddle boarding or learning to surf? Be sure to check in with the helpful and friendly staff here.

Where is it? Carrer de Emilia Llorca Martin, 22
Website

La Deliciosa

If you are looking for the quintessential chiringuito experience, then you might find it here at La Deliciosa. You are treated to amazing views of Barceloneta, as well as a vintage and fun environment. The décor represents a return to the past and the entire location serves as a tribute to Barcelona’s beach.

Fun and good food are staples here. The staff is friendly and helpful, while a range of amenities makes your stay as comfortable as possible. You’ll enjoy daily menus, VIP lounges, ambient music, free wi-fi, and more.

Where is it? Playa San Miquel, Paseo Marítimo
Website

Vai Moana

Located on Bogatell beach, very popular with families, this beach bar has one of the best menus for children. With a traditional menu of Catalan and Spanish dishes, as well as a great cocktail menu, this chiringuito has something for everyone. At night, funky melodies play and during the day, the atmosphere is very surfer.

An attentive and dynamic service turns this little piece of the beach into a paradise of elegant and careful relaxation. Enjoy on the sand or in a comfortable hammock that you can rent for 12€  a day.You can also delight yourself in some of their dishes at home or at the office since they have take-away.

Where is it? Av. del Litoral

Website 

La Daurada

If what you are looking for is a place near Barcelona to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the breeze and the sand, La Daurada is your place. It is a diverse beach club that serves both as a bathing area, a restaurant, a bar to watch the sunset with a mojito in hand, or a concert hall. Families with children are welcome, there are monitors who propose entertainment activities. In addition, it is a joy to contemplate the sea and the small bay from the table enjoying the shade of the candles.

 On the menu, based on Mediterranean cuisine, fish and rice dishes shine like the sea bream in marinade, cod fritters with honey or its magnificent creamy rice with blue crab. Delicious prawns and mussels come out of the Josper grill and the steak tartare is a must order. Remember to always leave room for desserts!

Where is it? Plaça Trajo de Garbí

Website

Salt Restaurant & Beach Club

Located in the most emblematic hotel in Barcelona, ​​the Hotel W, and the most chic beach in the city, are the two perfect parameters to find a chiringuito with the air of a restaurant. Here the atmosphere is relaxed but fresh and you can see that elegant touch in every corner of the room. We can’t forget to mention the luxurious service that makes a difference based on details.

As for the culinary offer, It is a good option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. On the menu you can find delicious cuisine, such as signature burgers and dishes with Iberian pork that will convince the most gourmet person. The amazing main dishes and desserts are just some of the proposals on the menu at the Salt Beach Club, considered one of the best beach bars in all of Barcelona.

Where is it? Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19

Website

Escribà Beach Bar

One of the classics in Playa del Bogatell for almost 27 years is the chiringuito Escribà. It was opened in 1992, when eating on the beaches of Barcelona was not as favorable and competitive as it is now. Its privileged position and fantastic food keep it undefeated among locals in the area.

You cannot fail to try its variety of rice dishes prepared in front of everyone, tapas and seafood, which are the delight of both tourists and locals. There are also dishes for vegetarians and options for celiacs. An unmissable culinary reference if you are in Barcelona!

Where it is? Av. del Litoral, 62

Website

Enjoy the Barcelona Beach Bars and Chiringuitos!

Your beach bar experience is going to be amazing, you’ll soon have the sand between your toes and a cocktail in your hand! Add a Barcelona Segway Tour and get the sights of the city prior to you beach escapade!

Credits: Jordiferrer

Der Beitrag The Best Barcelona Beach Bars and Chiringuitos erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Spain is the second biggest consumer of fish and seafood in the world, after Japan. In every region of the country, especially those that are seaside, there are fish and seafood dishes available in almost every bar and restaurant. The Spanish sea gastronomy is very rich and diverse, from expensive dishes to tasty snacks. There are fish casseroles, enormous seafood combos called “mariscadas” and all kind of preserved fish and seafood, such as anchovies, sardines and cockles.

If you love fish and seafood as much as we do, we invite you to visit some of the most notorious restaurants in the Catalan capital; Barcelona’s best seafood restaurants where you can get fresh fish every day of the week. Some of them are located near the sea, so you not only get to enjoy the taste, but also the gorgeous views of areas like the Barcelona Olympic Harbour.

A nice view gets even more attractive with the delicious taste of fried shrimps in your mouth. So, if you don’t want to miss this experience, check the list below with the best seafood restaurants in the Port Olimpic of Barcelona, and start to salivate.

Where to eat seafood in Barcelona?

1. Maná 75º

Where is it? Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 101
mana75.es

The senses play an important role when it comes to enjoying the Port of Barcelona, and Maná 75º is the perfect to spot to do it so. With premises full of big rooms, large windows and with a unique decoration, Maná 75º is an ideal place to enjoy a seafood dish while staring at the Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant is famous for their fish rice and paellas, without forgetting the fideuas (a dish like the paella but with noodles instead of rice).

2. La Barca del Salamanca

Where is it? Moll de Gregal, 17
labarcadelsalamanca.com

You wouldn’t leave Barcelona without visiting the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell, right? Well, you cannot leave it without eating at La Barca del Salamanca. Their menu is composed by traditional Spanish cuisine, from the well-known tapas to delicious desserts. La Barca de Salamanca is famous for its Guijuelo sausages, their Mediterranean dishes and the wood coating that makes the restaurant look like the interior of a ship. You have all the information in its complete web page, which allows you to book online and solve any doubts with its customer service section.

3. La Taberna Gallega

Where is it? Moll de Gregal, 24
www.latabernagallega.com

Galicia is a region of Spain located in the north of the country. It’s famous in the whole world for nurturing the best fish in their coasts and the best seafood in their marshlands. Anywhere you go, if you bump into a Galician restaurant, we recommend you try it, like Barcelona’s La Taberna Gallega. With a tavern lounge with capacity for 60 guests, a terrace for 52 and a terrace lounge for more than 250 guests, we are sure that you will find the perfect spot for you. Rice, seafood, octopus and turbot stand out in their menu, plus their high-quality steaks and their galician wines such as the Albariño and the Verdejo.

4. AGUA

Where is it? Passeig Marítim, 30
grupotragaluz.com/en/restaurant/agua

The name of this seafood restaurant in Barcelona means water, but that doesn’t mean you have to order it for drinking. AGUA is located in the Barcelona seafront, where the monkfish, hake and stew are the main protagonists. They allegedly brought back the Barceloneta spirit, meaning that they offer the type of menu and the atmosphere from what the neighborhood used to be in the 80-90´s, before the arrival of the tourism wave. They offer a diverse menu, a young spirit decoration and a fast service with very friendly staff. If you are a beach-person more than a port-person, go get some AGUA!

5. La Fonda del Port Olímpic

Where is it? Moll de Gregal, 7-10
lafondadelport.com

La Fonda del Port Olimpic is very well-known seafood restaurant in Barcelona because it does what is colloquially called “la compra” (the purchase). La compra means that the restaurant managers buy everyday the freshest products of the market and that’s what they offer on the menu. It doesn’t depend on prices, menus or any other reason but what´s fresh. That’s why every time you go to La Fonda is an adventure. The product offered is divided into fish and seafood of the day, premium meats made on the grill and an economic daily menu for 13 euros.

6. El Cangrejo Loco

Where is it? Moll de Gregal, 29 – 30
www.elcangrejoloco.com

The Cangrejo Loco (The Crazy Crab) is the perfect place to enjoy with all your friends. The kitchen is prepared to cook individual menus, “My way” menus for up to 12 people or menus for events and special meals for more than 12 people. In addition, you can also enjoy maximum discretion in their private rooms or eating on their terraces while staring at the Mediterranean Sea. They are famous for their Suquet de rape (Monkfish Suquet), fish rices and wines. Plus, the walls are covered by cool vintage pictures of the 1992 Olympic games.

7. Arenal

Where is it? Passeig Marítim La Barceloneta, s/n
www.arenalrestaurant.com

High cuisine, fresh product, great service and sea views. That’s what Arenal restaurant has to offer to all the seafood lovers out there. Their dishes of rice and fish are very popular, and they get a lot of business thanks to their capacity to organize social events and weddings. They have several choices for their menus, one daily and one executive, so you can make the best choice for the time of the day. Our recommendation is to enjoy its terrace and order some of their fish grills, the cod or the rice.

8. Touché

Where is it? Carrer de la Marina, 19 Local 1 D
www.touchebcn.com

Touché is one of the quirkiest options of this list, that’s why it’s coming in the last place. Located in the Carrer de la Marina, it´s menu combines seafood, fish and other product in an original and avant-garde cuisine, a little far from the classic fish restaurants. Honorary mention for their cocktails, prepared by the mixologist Marc López, and with an acid touch of fruits and citrus. A terrific ending for a fresh fish or seafood meal!

Enjoy your seafood!
We hope you like our selection with Barcelona’s best seafood restaurants around the Port Olímpic.
If you are visiting Barcelona, you will enjoy these places. They usually have a daily menu, but you can also choose other dishes from the carte. Don’t think it so much and try one of them. You won’t regret it!

Der Beitrag Port Olímpic: Barcelona’s best seafood restaurants for fresh fish dishes erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Barcelona’s most important beaches, attractions of the city

Barcelona currently has nine beaches: Sant Sebastià, Sant Miquel, Barceloneta, Somorrostro, Nova Icaria, Marbella, Nova Marbella and Llevant. Each of them has its own history and also it’s own personality at present.

The first four are the most popular among tourists for being closer to the city centre and for having all kind of services next to them.

San Sebastià Beach and Mar Bella are beaches where nude bathing is permitted; Nova Icaria gives place to plenty of sports activities especially VolleyBall, as also Sailing sports since it is next to the Barcelona’s Municipal Sailing Centre (Centro Municipal de Vela de Barcelona).

The Somorrostro was the name of the former neighborhood behind, now it has many restaurants on the beach coast and some of the best and most vibrant nightclubs however this beach has a very different past and deserves our attention.

Somorrostro began to rise above the sand of the beach as a shanty town in the last third of the nineteenth century with a poor immigrant population that had no home or means.

There used to live over 15.000 people who were living in precarious conditions in more than 2.400 huts. It was a big “gypsies” colony being living there.

The famous flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya was born there, and “Los Tarantos”, a well-known movie about flamenco, bringing impressions of the life of Amaya, was filmed there in 1963.

The neighborhood disappeared in the year 1966, just when Franco had to attend a few naval maneuvers and as a consequence over 600 huts were destroyed. In continuation, people were moved to a Social Housing project.

In 2011 Barcelona’s Town Hall recovered the Somorrostro denomination to designate the beach stretch where the old quarter was located, between the Hospital del Mar and Port Olimpic (Olympic Harbor).

Have a look and find out more about Barcelona’s most important beaches and seafront transformation.

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The Festival of Sant Joan in Barcelona, or Saint John, officially June 24, is celebrated in many countries on the eve prior, or June 23, and Spain is no exception. Although celebrated throughout all of Spain, Catalonia is especially proud of its traditional take on this day – not to mention any excuse at practicing pyrotechnics! Of all the symbolism present during this holiday, the most important are that of fire – in fact, it’s given the nickname “La Nit del Foc” in the local Catalan language, or “Night of Fire.”

Bonfires on the beach, traditional Catalan sweets called coques (pronounced “cocas” – sweet dough with candied fruit, pine nuts and powdered sugar – recipe here!) and general revelling are the rule of the day on this feast which commemorates the birth of Saint John the Baptist.

An old pagan holiday absorbed into Christianity, the Festival of Sant Joan in Barcelona also commemorates the longest day of the year – that is, the shortest evening. And although the night of June 23 may be the year’s shortest, it seems like it never gets completely dark – besides the beach bonfires is another rowdy Catalan tradition – “correfocs“- or literally “running fires“. These high speeds, portable firecrackers whip and reel round and round, producing sharp sounds, bursting cracks and of course, shooting flames of fire! And if that isn’t enough, the local tradition in Barcelona is to run around and underneath those throwing the fire!

Many locals will celebrate by getting together on friends’ terraces to watch the fireworks. Others may gather round the crowded plazas throughout the old city. For those visiting Barcelona or those residents without terraces, the beach is your best bet. So, a word to the wise, for those with children, go to the beaches early to claim your spot, to enjoy the bonfires, and to make an early exit before the serious correfocs start up!

Worried you may stay up too late enjoying all the fun and festivities? Don’t worry – June 24 in Barcelona is a national holiday! You can check out all of the programmed festivities on the Barcelona City Hall website here. Enjoy!

Der Beitrag Night of Fun & Fire! The Festival of Sant Joan in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

As well Barcelona’s chiringuitos, which are annually returning, are opening their doors again for all thirsty and hungry visitors.

The origin of the chiringuitos, or so-called “snack bar” dates back far into the past where locals used to have some relaxed social moments while they were fishing or working close the sea.

A typical chiringuito is always opened to the beach or nature, reduced to the most necessary furniture inviting to have an intense sunbath.

Due-to the Olympic Games, which took place in Barcelona in 1992, its seafront area, as also all the chiringuitos, have been upgraded to a completely new level.

Instead of an industrial area which was recently located at the cost and dedicated to “business”, Barcelona today is shining with 6 centric new beaches, which became main tourist’s destinations for relaxing and enjoying some “luxury” in their holidays.

During the winter season, all of Barcelona’s chiringuitos disappear and celebrate their “come back” from March onwards.

Chiringuitos like La Deliciosa, Escribá and Blue, are some of the first 9 bars, which are already opened at the central Barceloneta beach and are already serving delicious snacks, like “patatas bravas”, calamars, salads, smoothies and aperitives up to cocktails to celebrate the ongoing season. Hungry?

They are usually all opened from 9:00 am to midnight and as soon as the temperatures allow it, there will be even couches and parasols provided for all their guests, who prefer direct contact with the sand.

Until 1st of June, there will be a total number of 19 chiringuitos spread out at Barcelona’s beach – a huge “hurray” to high season !!

Der Beitrag Barcelona’s chiringuitos – opening summer season! erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.