Barcelona Holidays

Barcelona is a real all-round holiday destination. The bustling La Rambla is alive with street performers, quirky shops and numerous restaurants and bars; while Barceloneta Beach offers a little slice of tranquillity by the Mediterranean Sea. World-famous architecture and a deep-rooted history combine to make this magical city truly a place of wonder.

Beaches
Barcelona enjoys an impressive 4.5km stretch of sandy bays along its shoreline. From lively to peaceful; family to nudist, Barcelona has a beach to suit you. Barceloneta is the closest beach to the city centre and definitely the most populated. Restaurants and bars line the edge and there are plenty of stalls and vendors to buy knick-knacks from. The atmosphere is lively here and there are often entertainers, sand sculptors and music being played down the promenade. For a more relaxed vibe head north towards Port Olympic. Nova Icaria Beach and Bogatell Beach offer a more peaceful feel, with locals and families enjoying the calm waters and warm sands.

Food & Drink
Lying at the heart of the Catalan community, Barcelona offers a signature blend of traditional Spanish cuisine with unique Catalan classics. The proximity to the coast and large ports in the city also ensure a constant supply of fresh Mediterranean seafood. For a truly authentic experience try heading to one of the smaller tapas bars hidden away from the central street of La Rambla. We recommend trying the local cured Iberico ham, gazpacho soup and la bomba – a potato croquette served with a spicy tomato sauce and healthy dollop of aioli. And in typical Spanish style, no meal would be complete without a good beer to wash it down with, such as Barcelona’s famous Estrella.

Culture
Barcelona is a buzzing and vibrant city with the laid-back appeal of true Spanish culture. Whilst the main streets are busy and full of holidaymakers and locals alike, the hustle and bustle of large city doesn’t seem to affect the pace of life here. Restaurants and tapas bars open late and there is an overlying feeling of calm as people sit and watch the world go by. As the capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is a vibrant fusion of culture with both Spanish and Catalan languages being the norm. Catalan people are fiercely proud of their heritage and this is reflected in the unique Catalan references found throughout the city. Home to several museums, stunning Catalan architecture and signature tapas dishes taking influence from conflicts past, Barcelona definitely does not lack in culture.

Nightlife
Like many European cities, Barcelona comes alive at night. With everything from tapas bars open until the early hours, small backstreet tavernas and nightclubs that don’t stop until dawn, Barcelona is a hive of activity and loved by all who visit. La Rambla offers a string of outdoor restaurants, pitched perfectly down the middle strip, that offer the best spot for sitting back and relaxing while the city carries on around you. Look out for smaller bars hidden along here too such as Patagonia Bar. It may be accessed through a churro shop but the sangria and cocktail list is definitely worth a visit. Small backstreet bars often specialise in craft beer in a traditional setting and are a great place to socialise before heading to the lively clubs dotted across the city.

Important Information
Flight Time: 2hrs 30mins
Time Difference: +1hr
Currency: Euro
Official Language: Spanish/Catalan