Archives: Barcelona Excursions

Passeig de Gracia

passeig de graciaThe Passeig de Gracia is a magnificent avenue in Barcelona and one of the most famous streets of the Catalan capital.

 

The 1.5 km long Passeig de Gracia is located in the Eixample district, connecting on his way to the city districts the disctrict Ciutat Vella in the southeast with the northwest district Gracia. It starts at Plaça de Catalunya and at the corner of Ronda de Sant Pere and ends near the Plaça de Joan Carles I and Avinguda Diagonal. In its course the street Passeig de Gracia crosses other important of the city, such as the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Carrer d´Arago.

 

Sights

 

The avenue is flanked by many houses, built in the late 19th and early 20th Century by Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956) and Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850-1923).

passeig de graciaThere the architectural ensemble of the Illa de la Discordia is represented between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d'Arago, further more the Casa Lleo Morera, Casa Batllo (1904-1906) and Casa Amatller (1898) are represented on the street.
But the most famous house on the street is the Casa Milà (also called "La Pedrera") built in 1906-1910.

Shops

 

Chanel passeig de graciaAside from being one of the best places to see Catalan Modernist architecture, this avenue is one of the major streets for shopping in Barcelona. All national and international fashion houses have their boutique here. Among prestigious designers, you will find Adolfo Dominguez, Loewe, Chanel, Yves-Saint-Laurent, Hermès, Laurel. Foreign brands, such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Max Mara, Escada and Armand Bassi stand beside Spanish ones such as Purificación García, Camper and Loewe. Even more accessible brands like Mango, Globe, Benetton and Laura Ashley.

 

How to get to Passeig de Gracia

 

You can take the Metro of Barcelona with the red line L1 and descend in Plaça de Catalunya (intersection L1 with the lines, L6 and L7) , from there you can walk to the Passeig de Gracia which is just 2 minutes away. Or you can take the L3 and descend in Passeig de Gracia station (intersection with the lines L2 and L4 and connection to the Rodalies and regional station Passeig de Gracia) or at diagonal station (crossing the line L5)which is the station at the end of the street. The yellow line L4 also provides a stop at Passeig de Gracia. On the surface there is also great density of buses.

 

Where to stay

 

And now if you ask yourself where to stay during your visit of the Passeig de Gracia in the wonderful metropolis Barcelona, we offer a wide range of Barcelona apartments or Barcelona hotels.

 

 

 

 

Passeig de Gracia

passeig de graciaThe Passeig de Gracia is a magnificent avenue in Barcelona and one of the most famous streets of the Catalan capital.

 

The 1.5 km long Passeig de Gracia is located in the Eixample district, connecting on his way to the city districts the disctrict Ciutat Vella in the southeast with the eponymous town in the northwest district Gracia. It starts at Plaça de Catalunya and at the corner of Ronda de Sant Pere and ends near the Plaça de Joan Carles I and Avinguda Diagonal. In its course the street Passeig de Gracia crosses other important of the city, such as the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Carrer d´Arago.

 

Sights

 

The avenue is flanked by many houses, built in the late 19th and early 20th Century by Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956) and Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850-1923).

passeig de graciaThere the architectural ensemble of the Illa de la Discordia is represented between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d'Arago, further more the Casa Lleo Morera, Casa Batllo (1904-1906) and Casa Amatller (1898) are represented on the street.
But the most famous house on the street is the Casa Milà (also called "La Pedrera") built in 1906-1910.

Shops

 

Chanel passeig de graciaAside from being one of the best places to see Catalan Modernist architecture, this avenue is one of the major streets for shopping in Barcelona. All national and international fashion houses have their boutique here. Among prestigious designers, you will find Adolfo Dominguez, Loewe, Chanel, Yves-Saint-Laurent, Hermès, Laurel. Foreign brands, such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Max Mara, Escada and Armand Bassi stand beside Spanish ones such as Purificación García, Camper and Loewe. Even more accessible brands like Mango, Globe, Benetton and Laura Ashley.

 

How to get to Passeig de Gracia

 

You can take the Metro of Barcelona with the red line L1 and descend in Plaça de Catalunya (intersection L1 with the lines, L6 and L7) , from there you can walk to the Passeig de Gracia which is just 2 minutes away. Or you can take the L3 and descend in Passeig de Gracia station (intersection with the lines L2 and L4 and connection to the Rodalies and regional station Passeig de Gracia) or at diagonal station (crossing the line L5)which is the station at the end of the street. The yellow line L4 also provides a stop at Passeig de Gracia. On the surface there is also great density of buses.

 

Where to stay

 

And now if you ask yourself where to stay during your visit of the Passeig de Gracia in the wonderful metropolis Barcelona, we offer a wide range of Barcelona apartments or Barcelona hotels.

 

 

 

 

Arc de Triomf Barcelona

During your stay in accommodation in Barcelona you have the chance to visit a lot of different sights, and when you plan to stroll around the Poblenou and El Borne area in Barcelona, you can also visit the famous Arc de Triomf in Barcelona.

The Arc de Triomf is, like the name suggests, a triumphal arch in Barcelona with interesting architecture and style. It was built by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas for the Universal Exhibition in 1888 and is made of red brick and detailed ornaments, with an inscription reading Barcelona welcomes the nations.

782px-ArcodeltriunfoBCN_by_Elemaki_GNU.jpgWhen booking an apartment in Barcelona near the Arc de Triomf, you not only have the benefit of staying in accommodation in Barcelona directly near the famous sight in Barcelona, but you also have a metro station of the same name near you. This makes it an excellent idea for Barcelona holidays in Spain, especially because you can use the Arc de Triomf Barcelona as a starting point for a small tour around the city.

To get to the Arc de Triomf in Barcelona, the easiest way is to have accommodation in Barcelona in an apartment in Barcelona near the Arc de Triomf, but of course you can reach this wonderful triumphal arch by means of public transport.

The most convenient solution is to take the red metro line L1 and step out at Arc de Triomf metro station in Barcelona, because you will directly see the impressing monument when you leave the metro.

If you prefer to take the bus, you can use the lines 39, 40, 41, 42, 51 and 141 and step out at Passeig de Lluís Companys-Arc de Triomf. It will be hard not to miss this station, because the bus stop is next to the Arc de Triomf and you can see it early enough in advance!

If you decide to see the beautiful Arc de Triomf Barcelona during your stay in an apartment in Barcelona, let me give you my personal recommendation for a tour around Arc de Triomf. It is a nice suggestion, because you can see many breathtaking sights in Barcelona in one walk or tour, which saves you a lot of time.

So for the Arc de Triomf walking tour in Barcelona, we use the of course the Arc de Triomf Barcelona as our starting point. If you don't stay in an apartment in Barcelona near Arc de Triomf, make sure to get from your accommodation in Barcelona to the triumphal arch with the transport system you prefer, as mentioned above.

800px-Spain_Catalonia_Barcelona_Arc_Trionf_Escultura_1_Josep_Reyn%C3%A9s_by_Year_of_the_Dragon_GNU_CC3.jpgAs one of the most intriguing sights in Barcelona, you should take your time and explore the details of the façade of the Arc de Triomf, which is very detailed, with different sculptures and ornaments. It is really impressing to stand directly beneath the arch and look up fully acknowledging the impressive height of the sight.

Next to that, you can enjoy a comfortable walk along the promenade that starts at the Arc de Triompf. The promenade is lined by palm trees and you can often see people from young to old sitting on the sides and enjoying life. In summer, sometimes there are concerts held on this promenade.

After strolling around the pleasant walk and passing a wonderful statue with an angel on top of it, you will stand in front of the Parc de la Ciutadella (you might want to read my article about the Parc de la Ciutadella Barcelona to know what you can admire in this park), which is a green sanctuary and a famous sight on its own.

Replenish your health and sit down on one of the many benches or even on the green grass if you prefer. You can visit the famous fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Catalan Parliament or even the Barcelona Zoo, which all of which are located within the boundaries of this park.

When you like to see even more, after you enjoyed the park, you can use the exit next to the entrance to the Barcelona Zoo and take a walk on the Passeig de Colom, which will lead you along beautiful buildings with impressive architecture to the famous statue of Christopher Columbus, at the end of Las Ramblas.

800px-Arc_de_Triomf_by_Qwerty510.jpg

You see, booking an apartment in Barcelona near the Arc de Triomf Barcelona is an outstanding choice of accommodation in Barcelona, because you are in a good position and central in Barcelona, and with the tour along the city you will see a lot of sights in Barcelona!

 

EIBTM 2010 in Barcelona

Starting from November 30th and lasting until December 2rd 2010, the EIBTM 2010 will take place in Barcelona. The Global Meetings & Events Exhibition or EIBTM 2010 in Barcelona is one of the most important exhibitions in this sector.

Anyone interested in visiting the fair, as a private person or professional exhibitor should look for accommodation in Barcelona already now, to find the best apartments and hotels in Barcelona.

eibtm_10_logo_all_details_outlines.jpgThe EIBTM 2010 in Barcelona is held in the Fira Gran Via, which is not located directly in the city centre, but in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, close to the airport. Of course the best solution is an Barcelona apartment or Barcelona hotel near to the Fira Gran Via, so that you don't need to travel a lot from the airport and can save time.

But for other accommodation in Barcelona, you can take the red L1 metro line and step out at Bellvitge. For more information about the Fira Gran Via, I strongly suggest you the http://www.barcelonaeventbureau.com website, which also has other useful information for business in and around Barcelona.

The industry for meetings, events and conferences displays during the EIBTM 2010 in Barcelona products and services from all over the country, making this fair in Barcelona also interesting for non professionals. You can experience many impressions and inform yourself about the newest events during your stay in Barcelona.

Also, after or before the EIBTM 2010 exhibition in Barcelona, you can discover the city from your Barcelona accommodation which serves as a perfect location for the fair - being a popular Spanish tourist destination and full of events by itself.

Park%20G%FCell.jpgSo do not miss this important event! For professionals, you can sign up as an exhibitor or press, depending on your profession. It is also possible to be sponsored if you meet certain requirements, but you should check the website for more information!

Now, plan your Barcelona vacation already now and attend the EIBTM 2010 in Barcelona - the Global Meetings and Events Exhibition!

Salon Nautico - Barcelona International Boat Show

Boat owners and those who want to have a boat in the future have now the chance to visit the annual Barcelona International Boat Show, Salon Nautico. The event will take place from November 6th until November 14th at Gran Via and Port Vell for the 49th time this year.

 

The Salon Nautico Barcelona has of course an ideal location for an International Boat Show because Barcelona is directly at the Mediterranean Sea and offers therefore many possibilities for boat owners.

 

If you plan to attend the Barcelona International Boat Show at Port Vell, you can walk comfortably from your Ramblas Barcelona Apartment along the famous Las Ramblas towards the harbor. This port is the ninth largest container port in Europe and besides a free trade zone also has the Maremagnum, a really big mall and a multiplex cinema. After the show or before you watch a movie or shop in one of the many different stores at Las Ramblas.

The best way to get to the Port Vell is if you take the L3 (the green one) until Drassanes and then walk towards the sea.

 

 

sunsailing_19.jpg 

But also the venue at Gran Via offers a great location with a lot of shops and impressing buildings to see. To get to the Gran Via venue it is easiest to use the bus 79 or, if you don't mind walking a little bit to enjoy the beautiful buildings, you can either take the L1 (red one) and step out at Bellvitge or the same line and step out at Santa Eulàlia. Both are more or less the same away from the Gran Via venue.

 

During the Salon Nautico Barcelona there will be different sections, for professionals as well as private persons. At Port Vell, large vessels like mega-yachts will be displayed, at Gran Via there will be more different displays. Examples include accessories, sailboats, speedboats, paints, a shopping area and many more.

 

Of course there will also be regattas that are exciting to watch. Don't miss them! But also for smaller visitors the Salon Nautico Barcelona could be very interesting: the Spanish Navy organizes seafaring baptisms for schoolchildren and there are many simulators for sailing or fishing (which also are interesting for adult visitors of course).

 

And for persons who want to exhibit at the Salon Nautica Barcelona, there is the possibility to book different options. After all, Barcelona is a very popular business centre and according to the fair, more than the half of all boat sales in Spain start at this important fair.

 So if you are in a Barcelona hotel or apartment during the 6th and 14th November, you should visit the International Boat Show in Barcelona, as it offers many possibilities for young and old or professional and private! 

Segway tour Barcelona: another fun way to discover the city

If you are staying in a Barcelona Hotel or in a Barcelona apartment you probably want to discover more of the city everyday but you don't know where to go exactly or how to do it in a fun way. Here is a nice vehicle to discover the sightseeings of the city in an original way: Segway Barcelona.

 

barcelona-segway-tour.jpgThe Segway is a two wheels electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It was first produced in 2002 and is now used all around the world for city tours or even by the police. It is possible to use it in major cities and you will be able to try it in Barcelona.

Segway Barcelona offers you different tours and packages so that you can discover most of the city. You must be at least two to create a group for visits and activities. It can be ideal if you are a couple or with friends. Segway is also a nice way for companies to entertain their employees or clients in Barcelona for business, during their free time.

Barcelona tours: Night Bus

There is a lot to see in Barcelona, and of course, a day is not enough to see all the sightseeing of the city! That's why, the Barcelona city tour buses offer you tours by night : instead of staying in your Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment after a good restaurant, jump in the night bus to see the amazing views of Barcelona by night!

 

logo_BusTuristicNit_t9.jpgBe on time for the departure at 9:30pm at Plaça Catalunya in front of the Corte Ingles since there is only one bus and it is "first come first served"! You even have to be there 20 minutes before to buy your tickets. You also have to remember that the touristic night bus only runs during the weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).


Montju%C3%AFc.jpgThe tour lasts 2 hours and a half, just the time to see the major monuments like Plaça Catalunya, la Sagrada Familia, La Casa Mila, La Casa Batllo, Plaça Espanya but you will also do a special stop to admire the Montjuic fountain and its lights.

Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo: Nostalgia with a view

The Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo is a theme park overlooking the whole city from the Tibidabo mountain, which is the local mountain of Barcelona. Soaring 512m into the Barcelona sky, the Tibidabo offers a magnificent view together with several park attractions.

If you have booked your family holidays at Costa Brava or directly arranged an accommodation in Barcelona, you and your family should not miss the Tibidabo mountain. Part of a mountain chain, the Tibidabo offers a great view over the city, sea and the surrounding areas. The theme park is the main attraction offering several nostalgic rides.

The park has been built at the beginning of the 20th century by a wealthy pharmacist. Several years ago, the park encountered financial problems, so that it has been bought by the City of Barcelona. Since then, the park has been renewed and renovated. Thus, it is onre of the main attractions for visitors.

In May, the park is usually open every weekend from 12am - 9pm. It will be also open at Whitsun 2010 (May 24th) and additionally in June (9./10. - 16./17./18. - 24./25.)  During Juli and Augsut, the park will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 12am to 11pm. The park can be reached easily by public transport from Plaza Catalunya.

VistasTibidabo.jpg  

Whitsun in Catalonia's capital Barcelona

The capital of the autonomic region in Northern Spain is worth travelling almost every time. Especially in spring, the city awakes from it's winter sleep. A lot of tourist use the days of Whitsun to take a short trip to this vivid metropolis.

Barcelona%20-%20Gaudi%20-%20Sagrada%20familia%20overview.jpgBarcelona incorporates art, culture, sun, sea and beach. It has all what you need to spend a relaxing short trip. No matter if you are staying in an apartment in Barcelona or in a hotel in Barcelona, there is something for every taste and every pocketbook.

This year, Whitsun takes place at 23 May and 24 May (Monday). For working people, it could be interesting to combine this with one or two days of a holiday. Due to its diversity, nice weather and cultural activities Barcelona is the perfect destination for a short trip. A good tip for visitors who have a limited time in the city are the numerous bus tours that are offered across the city. Buying a "day pass" gives you the opportunity to see most of the attraction within a short period of time. Be aware of the fact that there are several routes. Though, with a day pass you are eligible to use all of them as often as you like.

You can find cheap flights with low cost carriers that depart from numerous airports in the UK and Ireland. Ryanair for example offers cheap flights to Girona or Reus. Those airports are close to Barcelona and can be reached easily by bus. Also, using a low cost carries makes a lot of sense for short trips. Due to the severity restrictions you usually pay more for luggage that exceeds 10 - 15 kilos. Consequently, you will not only save money but also strech your nerves at the airport. 

Plaza Reial: Barcelona's gathering place

Located at the centre of Barcelona right next to "Las Ramblas", this scenic place can be reached very easily. Visitors that walk by, from one attraction to another, often recognize this beautiful place by chance. Most of them do not know that this is one of Barcelona's major gathering points.

2354598536_d5245a5717.jpgThe Plaza reial stands for little restaurants, bars and some clubs. Therefore, it is no wonder that the plaza is very vivid in the evening hours. Because it is no central, it can be reached within several walking minutes from one of the numerous central located hotels in Barcelona or one of the apartments in Barcelona.

This place became famous from the movie "The Spanish Inn" (original title: l'auberge espanole). The movie tells the story about a couple of international students that live to gether in an apartment in Barcelona. Also, some of you might know that Antoni Gaudi has designed one of the architectural sights at this place. He is one of the most famous artists that contributed a lot of other sights to the city.

Surrounded by tall palms that rise up to the sky makes this place a nic e place to rest during the day and a gathering point point for Barcelona's nightlife. At that time, you will recognize crowds of people pilgrimaging to the clubs. Being located at the Gothic quarter (Barri Gotico), you will also find there many small souvenir shops that are waiting for you! 

Cosmocaixa: Museum of Modern Science

The Cosmocaixa - Museum of Modern Science has opened its doors in 2005. Since then, it is one of the most modern and most innovative museums in Barcelona and even in Spain.

MuseuCosmoCaixa_t4.jpgThose who want to take advantage of their holidays in Barcelona beside exploring the culture and lying on the beach should visit this museum. 30,000 m² exhibition area with its unique attractions invite you not only to be lionized but also to be tried out. Interactivity and didactics are the main keywords when describing the concept of the museum.

Especielly for children, the different exibitions offer a variety of chances to improve their knowledge in the area of maths, technique, chemestry and geology. Adults are also very welcome to explore the interactive exhibitions throughout the museum. If you decide to spend an afternoon in the museum, you should be aware that you will need at least 2 - 3 hours to explore everything!

Beside fix exhibitions, like the planetarium, there are also flexible exhibitions throughout the year. Particularly interesting for visitors are the days that do not require an entrance fee. These are:

  • First Sunday in the month.
  • Weekend of Meteorology, 20 and 21 March.
  • World Museum Day, 16 May.
  • Weekend of Biological Diversity, 22 and 23 May.
  • Weekend of the Environment, 5 and 6 June.
  • Barcelona Holliday day - "La Mercè", 24, 25 and 26 September.
  • Science Week, from 13 to 21 November.
  •  

    Address: Isaac Newton, 26
    Town: 08022 Barcelona
    Phone: 932 126 050
    Web site: www.lacaixa.es/obrasocial
    How to get there: Bus 17, 22, 58, 60, 73, 75 and 196. | FGC, stop Av. Tibidabo + Tramvia Blau or bus 196. 

     

    Discovering Barcelona's surrounding regions

    Barcelona is the target of tourist from around the globe. In fact, Barcelona has a special flair. But this also goes for the surrounding regions, which are still an insider tip.

    f_circuitos.jpgFew visitors use the transport system of private bus companies. With them, you can explore the surrounding cities and landscape, such as the Costa Brava that offers beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere. South of Barcelona, the Costa Dorada = the golden coast - offers wonderful golden beaches and historic small cities.

    Having an apartment in Barcelona or a hotel in Barcelona let you use train or bus services directly from the Barcelona city center. The cheapest way to do so is by train. For instance, fares are only 4 Euros reaching Sitges, which is an hour and a half. Of course, there are several destinations available as well. Fares are oriented towards the type of train you use.

    Exploring Catalonia by bus is very easy. Sagalés is one of the bus companies. One of its destinations is Sabadell, a small city in the catchment area of Barcelona. There are also other numerous destinations. Visitors from Barcelona can easily explore the region, the people and particularly the breathtaking landscape.

    Another bus company is Sarfa. With them, it is possible to reach destinations like Roses, Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar. Both bus companies use the Estació del Nord, which is located at the city center and can easily be approached by metro using line 1 (Arc de Triomf) and line 2 (Tetuan).

    In general, the bus fares are higher than the train fares. Therefore, it is more comfortable to travel by bus. Also, the bus can reach destinations that cannot be reached by train. Tossa de Mar, for example, can be reached better by bus, because Tossa de Mar does not have an own train station. So, the travel method depends on the destination you have chosen. 

      

    Follow the trails of your favorite movies

    Since very recently Barcelona offers the so-called "Movie walks" where one can find the original setting spots of famous movies which were turned in the city.

    Are you going to spend some time during summer in Barcelona? If not, why don't you come and spend some exciting holidays in Barcelona in either a Barcelona hotel or an apartment in Barcelona?

    Beside the typical sights that Barcelona can offer you, you could get to know the city from another point of view: Namely, as the scene of plenty of internationally known movies. The latest well-known movie which was shot in the metropolis was Woody Allen's successful movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Yet, there are many other movies which were actually shot in Barcelona but didn't play in the city, for instance "The perfume".

    The medieval Gothic quarter "Barrio Gotico", where one can also find many comfortable Barcelona apartments and the dry Mediterranean climate ensure ideal conditions for many movies.

    When spending some Barcelona holidays, you should definitely participate in a Barcelona Movie walk and explore the original settings. Beside the tours "The Barcelona of Woody Allen" and "The Barcelona of Perfume" one can also take the tours "The Barcelona of "Salvador"" and "The Barcelona of Pedro Almodavar". Of course there are also tours which bring you to the French movie settings of "L'Auberge Espagnole - Barcelona for a year" as well as to the movie settings of the Italian movie "Manuale d'amore 2".
    In case you don't want to participate in a guided tour, you can just follow the movie tracks by yourself. On the webpage WITUR you can find the certain movie walks.

    The Barcelona of Woody Allen.jpg

    Tutankhamun in Barcelona

    Tutankhamun in Barcelona.jpg
    Starting on the 6th of June until the 6th of september 2009, a very special exhibition takes place in the Barcelona Maritim Museum, called „Tutankhamun: Discover its tomb with its magnificant treasures".
    Tutankhamun's tomb was found and opened for the first time in the year 1922 - And you have the great chance to visit it in Barcelona.If you are - like me too - an inspired fan of the history and myths of the ancient Egypt you should definitely NOT miss visiting this exhibition. It enables you to see all precious objects of Tutankhamun's gravesite.

    pharao egyptian.jpg Besides, you can visit the exhibition of Tutankhamun with a monitoring audio-guide which can be obtained for free when buying an entry-ticket. This tool guides you through the whole exhibition and informs you with practical and supporting information and facts.


    Entry fees for the Tutankhamun-exhibition:

    Adults: 17 €
    Retirees (65+): 11 €
    Students: 11 €
    Children: 9 €

    Yet, there are some special offers. For instance the "family rate" (2 adults, 1 child). Tickets can be obtained either directly at the entry or via ServiCaixa.

    My personal recommendation:
    Spend a informative, and at the same time relaxing, summer-weekend in Barcelona by the sea, from where you are only a stone's throw away of the Barcelona Maritim Museum and its exhibition. A cheaper option would be to go for a Barcelona holiday apartment at the sea. Strandferienwohnung in Barcelona.jpg
    For instance in a comfortable Barcelona beach apartment, located in the charming district Barceloneta, just beside the sea. This location is the perfect starting point in order to discover Barcelona by foot and also let one's minds wander in the evenings at the Barceloneta beach in an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.


    Holidays at the Costa Dorada

    Did you already come up with some plans for the coming summer holidays?
    No?? Well, then it's eaxtly the right time to do so...

    Costa_Dorada.jpg

    What about spending a relaxing summer holiday at the beautiful Costa Daurada which

    Costa Daurada map.gifranges along the Spanish east-coast to the south of Barcelona?
    Numerous, kilometer-long (and partially untouched) sandy beaches, pleasant Mediterranean temperatures as well as plenty of famous holiday destinations, such as Sitges, Tarragona, Cambrils, Salou and Deltebre expect you there and ensure you a wonderful holiday in Spain together with your family or friends.
    Salou Port Aventura.jpg If you, for instance, go for holidays in Salou where you stay in a comfortable Salou hotel, make sure that you visit the amazing theme park "Port Aventura".

    My tip:
    Don't miss to book a cozy Costa Dorada apartment or a attractive Costa Dorada hotel early enough - And your holidays can begin...

    Trip to Sitges

    Sitges from above.jpg Barcelona itself has loads of attractions and sights to offer BUT also the surrounding area is absolutely well worth seeing it. So, if you are staying in Barcelona over a longer period in a comfortable Barcelona apartment, you should definitely take your time to explore it.
    My tip is - among others- to make an excursion to Sitges (with the Renfe train from Sants Estacio). The charming coastal city is located only 40km away from Barcelona and belongs to one of the most famous and attractive destination for people who are spending their holidays at the Costa Dorada.
    Kilometer-long sand-beaches invite its' guests to swim in the turquoise-blue sea. The international gay-scene, which annually meets in the gay-friendly city Sitges, assures to place emphasis amongst the tourist-hypes. A walk through the picturesque, Mediterranean old town or along the beautiful boardwalk ensures you the feeling of "pure holiday".
    When strolling along the beach, the small baroque church "Sant Bartolomeu I Santa Tecla", also called "La Punta" (the tongue) is immediately catching one's eye, not least for its amazing location: It is directly bordered to the sea. Numerous (fish-) restaurants, bars and café's invite its' guests to allay their hunger or thirst...of course including sea-view!

    You could also conversely visit Barcelona from your holiday accommodation in Sitges. View from the apartment.jpg

    For instance, the Sitges apartment "Sitges Apartment Sea View" literally invites you to enjoy a really relaxing Spain holiday in the small but lovely city Sitges. The well-equipped Sitges holiday apartment offers a sleeping capacity of up to 4 persons and besides the community garden it offers a swimming-pool as well as a balcony with sea-view. What more would you want?


    You are generally a Spain fan?
    Then you should also visit the following blogs:
    Coasts in Spain - Blog
    Ibiza & Majorca - Blog

    Ship Ahoy!

    Today I would like to suggest you a typical „Sunday-afternoon-programm" for your Barcelona holiday: A small Barcelona excursion on the deck of the so-called "Las Gollondrinas" boats.
    The Barcelona Las Gollondrinas offer different tours within the Barcelona harbor and along the coast of Barcelona.

    Tour 1:
    Departure in a typical wooden boat from Portal de la Pau. The journey goes through Barcelona's harbor from where one will see the World Trade Center, the bridge "Porta d'Europe", the international sea-station and the new harbor entrance.
    This tour takes approximately 35 minutes and the costs for adults, retirees and students are 6€ whereas the costs for children between age 4-10 are only 2.60€.

    Tour 2:
    Departure also from Portal de la Pau in a catamaran. Riding this tour will also enable you to see the World Trade Center, the bridge "Portal d'Europa", the international sea-station. In addition, you will pass by Barcelona's beautiful beach-district Barceloneta, the different beaches of Barcelona and further to Vila Olimpica, the Port Forum and to Sant Adria de Besós.
    This journey lasts about 1.5 hours and costs 12.50€ for adults, 10€ for retirees and students and 5€ for children between 4-10 years.

    Watch the following video of Las Gollondrinas and get an insight of this superb boat ride:

    For more information about the Las Gollondrinas, visit the official website http://www.lasgolondrinas.com/index-ang.html.

    Departure location is at Portal de la Pau, just vis-à-vis of the Columbus-statue at Barcelona's Port Vell.

    © 2009 Barcelona Point, Tous droits réservés.