| Ibiza, Majorca, Tenerife, the Costa del Sol. Spain is | | | | for bathers. There is also an excellent provision of |
| just filled with superb beaches, which has made it | | | | disabled access. One word of warning however: |
| such a popular holiday destination. But have you ever | | | | watch out for the waves. On windy days the surf |
| thought of spending your beach holiday in one of | | | | can get a bit rough, so weaker swimmers are |
| Spain's biggest cities? Well, in Barcelona you can do | | | | advised to stay close to the shore. |
| just that, where one of Europe's most important | | | | This fact has made Barcelona's beaches very popular |
| cities and seven beaches await you. | | | | with surfers. You can see surfers taking their boards |
| Since the Olympic Games in 1992 sparked a | | | | to the beaches all through the year. One reason for |
| rejuvenation of Barcelona's beaches, their number has | | | | this is the cleanliness of all of the city's beaches. A |
| grown from one to seven. They are situated along a | | | | clean beach campaign was started in 2006 to raise |
| 5km stretch of the city's coastline, from North to | | | | pollution awareness among bathers and the water |
| South. Manned by lifeguards from June to | | | | quality has improved no end. |
| September, they cater for a growing number of | | | | Depending on what kind of beach experience you are |
| tourists and can be accessed in only 20 minutes from | | | | looking for might affect where you decide to stay. |
| the city centre. | | | | As always, renting an apartment is the cheapest way |
| More than 3.5million tourists now visit the beaches | | | | to stay in Barcelona. The beaches at the southern |
| every year. The city's council is continually improving | | | | end of the city - Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta - are |
| services, creating a cleaner and safer place. Part of | | | | closest to its centre and are livelier. For students and |
| this mission has included the establishment of the | | | | young travellers, these are the places to pick out an |
| Barcelona Beach Center. Here you can take part in a | | | | apartment. |
| number of free exhibitions and activities or simply | | | | For those looking for somewhere a bit quieter, the |
| relax with the day's newspapers. | | | | beaches to the North will suit better. These include |
| In each Barcelona beach section, from Sant Sebastia | | | | Nova Mar Bella and Llevant. They are much less busy |
| to Llevant, you'll find beach bars called 'chiringuitos'. | | | | and are used more often by families and residents |
| Serving a good range of drinks and food, they are | | | | looking for peace and quiet. For easy access to |
| always very popular. The chiringuitos can be more | | | | these you will want to find an apartment around |
| expensive, however, given their beachfront position. | | | | Poblenou or Selva de Mar. |
| Some of these bars are known to throw beach | | | | Being away from the city centre, you'll probably find |
| parties, regularly going on late into the evening. DJs | | | | rent is slightly lower around the beach. You will also |
| are often hired to play music and attract lots of | | | | have a wide selection of apartments to choose from, |
| revellers who come to dance on the sand. With no | | | | catering for young groups, couples and families. There |
| one to disturb and the sea close by for a midnight | | | | is nowhere better to base yourself. |
| dip, Barcelona's beach parties have become | | | | With some truly sensational beaches, Barcelona ranks |
| legendary. | | | | alongside Spain's most popular destinations for a |
| But dancing isn't the only physical activity that you | | | | summer vacation. With seven beaches on offer, |
| can do on Barcelona's beaches. During any visit to the | | | | there are those to cater for every class of person. |
| sandy shores you're bound to see joggers and | | | | Whether you are away with family or on a break |
| walkers. The promenades are also always busy with | | | | with friends, there are lots of apartments to meet |
| skaters, rollerbladers and cyclists looking to keep fit. | | | | your requirements. You can also combine the best of |
| And, of course, no beach in Spain would be complete | | | | both worlds with a city retreat coupled with a beach |
| without teams taking part in a volleyball match. | | | | break. So, before you head for one of the islands, or |
| The sea is also very safe, with no major currents, | | | | Spain's famous 'Sunshine Coast', you should always |
| making it popular with swimmers. All of Barcelona's | | | | consider Barcelona. |
| beaches have the EU Blue Star rating making it ideal | | | | |