Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PORT VELL, BARCELONETA & PORT OLIMPIC
The heady allure of the Mediterraneanpermeates Barcelona, and a dip into
its azure waters is only a few metro stops (or a brisk walk) away. Barcelona's
beaches were once hidden behind an industrial wasteland, but things
changed radically in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. The rallying cry was
to create a new Barcelona oberta al mar (open to the sea); the result is phe-
nomenal, as is the presence of large crowds seeking sun and sea. Tons of
sand were transported to create miles of silky beaches from the fisherman's
quarter of Barceloneta to Port Olímpic and beyond. Palm trees were
planted, water cleanliness standards implemented and, this being design-
obsessed Barcelona, numerous contemporary sculptures erected. The city's
first two skyscrapers, the Torre Mapfre office building and the five-star
Hotel Arts, punctuate the port's skyline, while the nearby Port Olímpic
throbs with scores of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Google Map
1. BEACHES
Fancy a splash in the Mediterranean? Trot down to the end of La Rambla, wander
alongthepalmtree-linedMolldelaFusta,downrestaurant-packedPasseigJoande
Borbó,
et voilà
, the sea beckons. More than 4 km (2.5 miles) of blue flag beaches
stretchnorthfromBarcelonetatoPortOlímpicandbeyond.Facilitiesaretop-notch,
includingshowers,deckchairs,beachvolleyballcourtsandlifeguards.Convenience,
however,meanscrowds,sofindingaspotamongthemassesofoiledbodiescanbea
challenge, particularly in the summer.
Google Map
