Book Tickets
June 21 is when the summer officially starts. Barcelona is the perfect city to enjoy this season. In addition to its many cultural and leisure plans, it also has a great beach and that’s not all!
To help you get the very most out of this unbeatable city, we propose these ideas.
Summer cinema
Going to the summer movies is one of the best things to do,the good news is that in Barcelona there are many opportunities to do so. On the one hand, we have “Cinema a la fresca” (Sala Montjüic) from July 1 to August 5 in the moat of the incredible Montjuïc castle. In addition, before all the films there is a concert or the screening of a short. Although you are welcome to bring your own picnic, there is gastronomy for all tastes. To make the experience a perfect ten, a sun lounger rental service so you can be really comfortable. Some nights, it is advisable to bring a blanket, since it may be chilly in that area. Another option is the “Cinema lliure a la platja” festival, celebrated on different beaches along the Catalan coast as well as in Mallorca, Palma, Andratx and Pollença. Independently produced films are shown for free. The twelfth edition will be held this July and August. Before the screening of the film they show shorts from the FILMETS festival and the “Nou Talent” open to film students from Catalonia.
1, 2, 3… splash!
As well as the beach, an ideal way to enjoy summer is by taking a dip in some of the best outdoor pools in Barcelona. This is our selection:
Bernat Picornell Pools
Located in the Montjuïc Olympic Ring are three swimming pools for public use, an indoor and an outdoor pool, both 50 m and a diving pool too. Inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the XII European Swimming Championships and renovated in 1990 to host the swimming competitions, synchronized swimming, the final phase of the water polo tournament and the modern pentathlon of the XXV Olympic Games. The views of Barcelona from the bar of these facilities are spectacular.
Can Caralleu
The swimming pools of this Sant Gervasi sports center are discovered in summer, since in winter they are covered. They have a grassed area, a hot tub and a cafe with a terrace to have a drink.
Atlètic-Barceloneta Swimming Club
The Club Natació Atlètic Barceloneta boasts two outdoor pools, with great views of the Mediterranean Sea. It also has a solarium and later you can go just around the corner to Barceloneta and eat a delicious paella.
OKEYMAS CEM Parc de la Ciutadella
This Fitness club has very complete facilities, where the solarium and the summer pool stand out, as it has two other decks. A good option if you are looking to do some sport and then sunbathe or take a dip outdoors.
The Forum’s bathing area
The Forum’s bathing area is an unconventional space where you can do the same activities as at the pool or beach, such as sunbathing or bathing. The Forum’s bathing area is special and great fun to visit by bike and enjoy the entire Forum area.
The beach bar, the beach bar (el chiringuito)!
Summer is synonymous with beach bars and here we offer you our selection:
Camping Mar
Belonging to the En Compañía de Lobos group, of the Tragaluz Group, it is to be found in the new Marina Vela area, behind the Vela Hotel. It has a spectacular terrace and an extensive menu where the crab croquettes are notable, the sticky crayfish rice or the black rice with cuttlefish and artichokes or the crab burger. As they themselves say, a visit to Camping Mar is like “leaving Barcelona without leaving Barcelona”.
Ca la Nuri Xiroi
Cozy beach bar with terrace, located in front of Nova Icária beach and with lovely sea views. Great atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Surf House Barcelona
Urban beach bar with a Californian spirit next to Barceloneta. Laid-back atmosphere and a menu based on high quality “Fast food” but “Healthy” such as their marinated tuna tacos on wild rice or the Surfers burrito.
Xiringuito Escribà
This is one of THE places to eat rice on the seafront in Barcelona. Since 1992 it has been run by the famous family of pastry chefs, its rice dishes, its fresh fish dishes and its desserts are a total success.
Hit the beach
In summer the beaches of Barcelona get busy, so think about renting a car and going to Badalona, Gavà, Sitges or directly to Girona, where there are some great beaches and, above all, some impressive coves. However, if you prefer to stay in Barcelona, the most popular are Barceloneta, Sant Miquel and Sant Sebastià. Nova Mar Bella and Levante are generally the quietest.
Delicious ice cream!
What cannot be missed this season of the year is a cold, cold ice cream just like the ones we recommend here:
Delacrem
These artisanal ice creams cause a sensation. Creator Massimo Pignata, has achieved the very best version of authentic Italian ice cream. His pistachio ice cream is incredible.
Rocambolesc
These ice creams are the work of Jordi Roca, the youngest of the Roca brothers, considered the best pastry chef in the world. His recipes are inspired by the desserts at Celler de Can Roca. The place is small, but oozes charm and is located next to the Lyceum. In addition to being very delicious, you can personalise your choice with different toppings.
Parallelo Gelato
Considered the most cultured ice cream parlour in Barcelona. All their ice creams are artisanal, 100% natural with seasonal ingredients. And whenever possible only organic and kilometre zero products are used. They also have chocolate-covered ice cream sticks, which are delicious.
Baboia Gelateria d’Especialitat Catalana
Located in the Born neighbourhood on Canvis Vells street, next to Santa Maria del Mar. This ice cream parlour specialises in artisan ice creams flavoured with Catalan products: Nun’s Fart, Ratafía, Catalan Cream or Cava with Tangerine from San Sadurní de Anoia, among many others. Don’t miss them!
Popular festivals
Summer is also synonymous with popular festivals. And if you are in Barcelona you just cannot miss the festival in the Gràcia neighbourhood, the most popular for its tradition and history, as well as for the great atmosphere that is experienced every summer night in its streets. Starting on August 15 for seven days, the streets of this central neighbourhood take on a different and special atmosphere, as the neighbours decorate the streets with ingenuity, skill and creativity. There are street concerts, food stalls and markets. Other popular festivals worth experiencing are those in the Sants neighbourhood. And of course, no summer is worth celebrating without the San Juan festival (June 23). This festival is very popular in Barcelona, beach bonfires are organised, there are concerts, firecrackers are thrown and a very delicious sweet “Coca de San Juan” is eaten. An unforgettable night.
Barcelona from a Viewpoint
Barcelona has different viewpoints from which to enjoy its beautiful skyline. These are some of our favourites: Bunkers del Carmel; the terraces of the MNAC; Glòries Tower, which also has a new viewpoint; the Sagrada Familia: the Collserola Tower; The Church of Santa María del Mar; the Hotel W or the Tibidabo. Great views are guaranteed from all these places.
Concerts and music festivals
Other great summer plans in Barcelona are concerts and music festivals. One of the most notable is the El Grec Festival, which is an international festival of theatre, dance, music and circus, held outdoors in a beautiful Greek theatre surrounded by gardens. Another plan, sure to delight you, is the “Magical Nights” at Casa Batlló, concerts of classical music, soul, rumba, jazz or flamenco on the roof, with a glass of cava and wonderful views. During the month of August go to Poble Espanyol, located at the foot of the Olympic mountain of Montjuïc. Rumba concerts are held here every Sunday afternoon, coinciding with sunset. But if you are looking for concerts by great international artists, Barcelona has these too, this year Harry Styles and The Weeknd, among many others, will perform here.
