Beaches
Plan an afternoon at the beach in Barcelona. Transformed with the 1992 Olympics, the city beaches of Barceloneta and Port Olímpic are popular spots with locals and tourists. Rent boats and surfboards to enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll the nearly 2.5 miles of public city beaches and find the perfect picnic spot. Bring a bottle of Cava to enjoy in the hot afternoon sun. Public facilities include showers, volleyball courts, beach chairs and lifeguards. Be watchful for bag snatchers and beach vendors when the deal seems too good.
Bike Rides
Explore Barcelona on a bike. Barcelona is a pedestrian-friendly city, but when your time is limited, riding a bike gets you from site to site quickly. Pedaling around the city provides a unique view of many sites you wouldn't see riding the metro. Several shops in different areas of the city rent bikes for the day. Ask for a map that outlines the city's bike lanes. There are more than 40 miles of bike lanes in Barcelona. Try riding along the coast and enjoying the sea or along the Diagonal. Ask the bike rental shop about tours of Barcelona that offer tourist attractions.
Kayaking and Rafting
Consider a day trip from Barcelona to ride the rapids on La Noguera Pallaresa. Rent a kayak or raft and jump into one of the best rivers for white-water sports. Consider a trip in late spring as the snows from the Pyrenees start to thaw. Just off the Barcelona shores, consider a night kayaking adventure with Nàutica Base. Available from June through September, Nàutica Base provides equipment and insurance, while kayakers can bring a beverage of their choice. Day water activities are also available.
Nàutica Base
Avinguda del Litoral s/n
Platja Mar Bella 08005 Barcelona
93 221 04 32
http://www.basenautica.org/
Article Written By Erica Green
Erica Green has been a freelance journalist since 2008. She has contributed to the Atlantic Publishing Company, Texas Sports, Confessions of a Homeowner and more. Green is currently pursuing a degree in Spanish, and she tutors English Language Learner students. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas and is a certified middle school teacher.
