Barcelona
Summer, sun, sea – from Barcelona to the beach
Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona and the beach – they just belong together! If you want to enjoy the sea and the beach, Barcelona offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of them. Many of the numerous beaches near the city centre are strung together like pearls, each offering a different atmosphere and range of activities. They cater to everyone’s tastes, whether you’re a night owl, someone seeking peace and quiet, or a sports enthusiast. What’s more, virtually every beach is easily accessible from the hotel by public transport such as bus and train.
The largest and best-known beach is Platja Barceloneta. This beach is 1.4 km from the hotel and very easy to reach. You can get to the beach in 20 minutes by public transport, such as the V19 bus. The beach is also easily accessible by bike. This lively and popular beach is a hub for the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Platja de Bogatell beach
If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, Platja de Bogatell is the perfect spot for you. Located 3 km from the Motel One, the beach not only offers plenty of space for sunbathing but is also ideal for sporting activities. This Barcelona beach is also easily and quickly accessible by public transport. The promenade is popular with joggers and locals alike, and beach volleyball nets are also available.
Platja de Llevant beach
Platja de Llevant is the northernmost beach in the ‘String of Pearls’ and lies just behind Nova Mar Bella beach. It’s an ideal one-hour walk from Barceloneta, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll along the beach. Platja de Llevant is ideal for families and offers everything you need for a perfect day at the beach – including the classic beach bars and kiosks known as chiringuitos.
Sant Sebastià Beach
To the south of our starting point, Barceloneta, lies Sant Sebastià Beach, which, at 1.1 km, is the longest beach in Barcelona. This beach is also very popular and busy thanks to its proximity to the city centre, and boasts a number of trendy restaurants. But it’s not just the food that makes this beach worth a visit; the numerous water sports clubs and the infamous banana boat rides also make it a great place to visit.
Extra tip: If you fancy a bit more nature
Platja de Garraf beach, in the village of the same name, is considered an insider’s tip and is located about 30 km south of Barcelona city centre. The journey from Barcelona to the beach on the RS 2 train takes about 45 minutes. The setting in Garraf is picturesque: the beach is situated in a stunning setting, in a small cove surrounded by rocks.
City Life
Places with a sense of rhythm
Festivals for every musical taste: from classic rock at Rock Fest, to the vibrant atmosphere of the Circuit Festival, or electronic music and house at the Barcelona Beach Festival – every year, Barcelona hosts numerous music festivals spanning all genres. Particularly worth mentioning are the Cruilla Festival, with one of the best locations – right by the water – and the Beach Festival – pure party atmosphere!
Tiki Taka: Are you more of a football fan than a culture vulture? Then head to the birthplace of Tiki Taka, FC Barcelona’s signature style of play. At its home stadium, Camp Nou, you can relive the football club’s successes. The Camp Nou stadium tour and the FC Barcelona Museum round off any football fan’s visit to Barcelona.
Culture & Leisure
Architectural masterpieces: Around every corner in Barcelona, you’ll find fascinating buildings from different eras. From Gaudí’s works, such as the Sagrada Familia or the Palau de la Música Catalana from the Modernisme period, to 14th-century Gothic churches like Santa Maria del Mar.
Shopping, browsing and exploring: Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s largest shopping street, is a hit not only for its numerous shops and traders, but also for its many sights and markets offering regional delicacies, such as the Mercat de la Boqueria.
One man defines a city
Antoni Gaudí is undoubtedly one of Barcelona’s most famous figures and is arguably the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernisme, the Spanish Art Nouveau movement. Active around the turn of the century, this architect is responsible for the city’s most famous buildings. His architectural style can be seen throughout the city and is a must-see for every visitor. Particular attention should be paid to:
- La Sagrada Familia:
Construction of the Roman Catholic basilica began as early as 1882 and remains unfinished to this day. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was even consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI.
- Casa Batlló:
Casa Batlló enchants visitors with its colourful façade and reflects the legend of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalonia.
- Casa Vicens:
Gaudí’s first major work is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colourful building is covered from top to bottom in ceramic tiles and is located in the Gràcia district.
- Parc Güell:
The park, designed by Gaudí for the industrialist and patron Eusebi Güell, is a tribute to nature and is quintessentially Gaudí. Located in the La Salud district, the park captivates all visitors with its sheer scale and unique charm.
- Casa Milà – La Pedrera:
Casa Milà, often referred to as La Pedrera (the quarry), is a masterpiece by Gaudí. Its design and orientation allow for natural ventilation, making air conditioning unnecessary – making it ideal for warm summer days.
Barcelona is a traditional summer destination, yet always has something new to offer. The Catalan capital is located directly on the azure blue Mediterranean coast and combines a beach holiday, festivals, sporting events, culture and more in one. Our base with a fantastic view of the city: Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella.