Summer Edition 2013
SAVE THE DATE! SÓNAR FESTIVAL de Música
June June 13 13 -- 15 15 One of the One of the biggest biggest electronic electronic music music festivals festivals in in Europe Europe
NIT de Sant Joan
June June 23 23 -- 24 24 Beach Beach bonfires bonfires and and fireworks fireworks light light up up the the skies skies
GREC FESTIVAL de Barcelona
July July 11 -- 31 31 A month-long A month-long celebration celebration of of dance, dance, theatre, theatre, circus circus and and more more
FESTA MAJOR de Gràcia
August August 15 15 -- 21 21 Barcelona’s Barcelona’s most most colourful colourful street party street party
SUMMERTIME in BARCELONA
As the weather gets warmer, the drinks get cooler and the music gets louder, Barcelona is definitely the place to be this summer! Kick back with a cocktail on one of the many beautiful Mediterranean beaches, have a picnic at the colourful Park Güell, surrounded by amazing architecture, or catch your favourite artists at some of Europe’s biggest and best music festivals.
APARTMENT BARCELONA In this issue of our online mag, we’ll tell you how to make the most of your stay in Barcelona this summer. And with some cool Catalan traditions, tips on where to find the best ice-cream in the city plus an essential guide to the ‘playas’ of Barcelona thrown in, all you have to do when you arrive is sit back and enjoy your sensational summer getaway.
Sónar Festival de Música
Nit de Sant Joan Nit de Sant Joan
Sónar Festival de Música
WHEN June 13-15 2013
WHEN June 23-24 2013
WHAT One of the biggest electronic
WHAT A massive midsummer celebration
WHERE Fira Montjuïc at Plaça de Espanya and
WHERE All throughout Barcelona in bars,
Whether you’re an electro fan or just have an itch to get the massive music festival experience, Sónar is one unmissable Barcelona event this summer. The city’s 20th International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, to give it its full title, is ready to take over the Catalan capital from June 13-15. Festival-goers will be blown away by three days of non-stop action, with big names such as Skrillex, Two Door Cinema Club and Luciano set to tingle those musical taste buds at Sónar by Night. Watch out for an amazing 3D show by Kraftwerk on Friday June 14 and be sure to catch the cool expos at Sónar by Day, which after 19 years at the MACBA and CCCB museums, has finally changed venues to the Fira Montjuïc, making it easier to get from the evening concerts to the daytime events. For more information on tickets, the full line-up of performers and how to get to the venues, visit the Sónar Festival official website.
Get ready for a night of festivities, fire and fun on June 23. To celebrate Saint John’s Day on June 24, the evening before sees Barcelona’s skies come to life with colour. From massive firework shows and bonfires on the beach attracting around 75.000 people to wild parties at bars and clubs all across the city, this is one fantastic fiesta you don’t want to miss. Traditionally beginning with the lighting of the flame of Canigó, a holy peak in the Pyrenees Mountains, on this night the streets of Barcelona become filled with revellers until the early hours, many even taking part in some ageold customs like fire-jumping, burning old possessions and writing notes with their wishes for the year then placing them into the flames. If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer party, the Nit de Sant Joan should be top of your list.
music festivals in Europe
the Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet
nightclubs and on the beach
Summer Edition 2013
Grec Festival
Festa Major de Gràcia Grec Festival
Grec Festival
Festa Major de Gràcia
WHEN July 1 - 31 2013
WHEN August 15 – 21 2013
WHAT An annual festival of dance, theatre,
WHAT A colourful Catalan fiesta
WHERE Various venues across the city
WHERE The district of Gràcia in Barcelona
The annual dance, theatre and music festival, El Grec, is returning this summer with an awesome line-up. Taking place at various venues in the city, such as the open-air Teatre Grec on Montjuïc Hill, this exciting festival runs for the entire month of July. As always, the Grec Festival will bring together amazing performers in dance, theatre, music and even circus from all over the globe, providing some inspirational acts and demonstrating the very best in stage arts. This year, the festival will introduce some new initiatives like MiniGrec, a series of performances for family audiences. For more information and tickets, take a look at the Grec website.
Enjoy Barcelona’s biggest block party this August as the distinctively Catalan neighbourhood of Gràcia is transformed into a colourful hive of live music, parades and traditional celebrations. This week-long fiesta draws in thousands of visitors and city residents each year looking to catch a glimpse of the ‘castellers’ (human towers), ‘sardanes’ (folk dancing) and the exhilarating ‘correfocs’ (fire-runs), along with many other spectacular festivities. Arguably the biggest attraction of the Festa Major de Gràcia is the competition of ‘best decorated street’, where neighbours cover around 19 streets and plazas in creative homemade decorations based on a different theme each year. Be sure to check out Carrer Verdi for some of the best designs and don’t forget to grab a Mojito, on sale around every corner!
arts and music
Grab a picnic and head to Park G端ell this summer [Photo via www.goseewrite.com]
Summer Edition 2013
Park Life
Picnic Anyone? Grab a picnic an a head to Park Güell this summer
For amazing views of Barcelona and some of the most incredible architecture, head to Gaudí’s colourful playground, Park Güell! This park offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets, as well as an in-depth look at the signature styles from the Catalan native, Antoni Gaudí. A perfect day out, this green space is a must-see on your trip to Barcelona. You can even grab a picnic basket and enjoy lunch by the dazzling sea serpent benches, the iconic dragon fountain and the amazing room of columns. Don’t forget to head to the stone cross at the highest point of the park for some astounding panoramic views of the city, too.
Amorino ice-cream parlour
I Scream for Ice-Cream
Cool Treats
Barcelona’s summers can be hot. And we mean hot. So, if you’re looking to cool down quickly, then what tastier way than by grabbing a delicious icecream? The varieties of flavours and toppings that can be found around the Catalan capital are endless, ensuring that even the pickiest of taste buds are sure to be satisfied! We recommend checking out the Italian ‘Amorino’. This ice cream parlour group has stores dotted around the city centre offering a little bit of homemade heaven amongst the sights.
‘Eyescream and Friends’ is another parlour not to be missed. This cool and quirky “heladería” will give you the most unusual ice-cream experience where you can choose from a wide range of toppings, adding edible eyes for a unique twist. Located on the famous Passeig Joan de Borbó, visitors can enjoy digging into these one-of-a-kind treats while strolling along the beach promenade.
Summer Edition 2013
Fun from Dusk ‘til Dawn
Bars & Nightlife If you’re headed to Barcelona this summer, then kicking back at one of the popular ‘chiringuitos’ that line the beach is an absolute must.
These trendy beach bars are located right on the sands and offer quick snacks and fresh drinks for those feeling the heat in Barcelona, with some even going all-out with extensive menus and juicy cocktails. As the sun sets, many chiringuitos host live DJs and beach parties, too. We recommend Princesa 23 at the Barceloneta Beach for some top tunes and cool Caipirinhas. If you’re looking for a real taste of Barcelona nightlife, be sure to check out the stylish CDLC or glamorous Shôko, just two of the clubs which can been found along the beachfront at Vila Olímpica.
Want more of a chilled-out experience? Don’t miss your chance to unwind as you enjoy anything from a classic cocktail to a summer-inspired mix at one of the many terrace bars in Barcelona. We suggest heading to the Sunset Lounge Bar at Via Laietana, 24, where laid-back sofas make it easy to enjoy the views that stretch down all the way to the Med - best experienced at night when the city lights add a special touch of sparkle.
Shôko club, Barcelona
Family Escapes
Day trip to Maresme
Looking to escape the city for a day? If so, be sure to head to Maresme, situated about 30 minutes from Barcelona. Lying between the Catalan capital and the Costa Brava, this region is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out, whether you wish to spend some time on one of the many sandy beaches, take a stroll through the pine forest or visit one of the local villages that lie among the mountains. A day trip to Maresme is ideal for families, too, as there are plenty of children’s play parks and even a marine zoo and water park. To get there, just hop aboard the R1 Cercanías Renfe train.
All Aboard!
Barcelona by Boat
For a unique way to see the city, why not hop on a Barcelona boat tour? Take in the stunning panoramic scene of the Catalan capital’s skyline from the cool waves of the Mediterranean. We recommend ‘Las Golondrinas Barcelona Sea Tour’ for two hours of fresh air and sunshine and the chance to cool off on the waves as you admire the views of the Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Games HQ, Frank Gehry’s Golden Fish, plus much more. With a bar on board, you will be able to take it all in while enjoying a refreshing beer or a glass of ‘vino’. With tours departing every 15-30 minutes from the port in front of the Christopher Columbus monument, you can enjoy Barcelona from a different angle on this 18 mile sailing tour. If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, then check out Feel Free Tours’ ‘Nautical Experience’ where an experienced instructor will show you the ropes (literally!) on this 2 hour sailing adventure down the coastline. This tour is exclusive to Apartment Barcelona clients, so drop us a line for more info!
Summer Edition 2013
One of the beatiful beaches at Maresme
Take a boat tour of Barcelona
A Short Guide to the
Beaches of Barcelona
Barcelona is home to around 4.5km of beaches where golden sands, a soothing sea breeze and breathtaking views provide a welcome retreat from the city buzz during summer. From sweet Sangria under the Spanish sun to sandcastle building, and even water sports for those adrenaline junkies, there’s plenty to get stuck into at the 7 beaches of Barcelona. Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach
Dubbed the ‘3rd best beach in the world’ by the Discovery Channel, this long stretch of sand has a lively atmosphere, offering sun worshippers the chance to kick back by the Med, enjoy a drink at one of the many ‘chiringuitos’ or even take up some beach sports, with volleyball and table tennis facilities dotted along the shore. Feeling peckish? This Barcelona beach is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. We recommend Cal Pinxo at Plaça de Pau Vila for those looking to dig into some delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Summer Edition 2013
Bogatell & Nova Icària Beaches
Nova Icària Beach
These beaches are a little further north along the coastline. Here you can enjoy a Mojito at one of the many bars on the seafront promenade or some delicious paella at one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Barcelona, Catamarán. End your day by hopping aboard a sailing boat from where breathtaking views of the Med await.
Mar Bella Beach
This stretch of sand may be Barcelona’s designated nudist beach, but going in your birthday suit is far from compulsory. The Mar Bella beach is also known for its waves that make water sports a dream on gusty days. For extra thrills, have a go at some windsurfing and kayaking. Windsurfing at Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella Beach
Known as one of Barcelona’s finest beaches due to its cleanliness and golden sands, Nova Mar Bella can be found in the Sant Marti-Poblenou district. This beach offers a quieter experience than the bustling Barceloneta, and is very popular with the younger crowd. Mochima, a cool chiringuito chain, can be found here, where you can wind down in peace at this tranquil setting during the day or party hard at night.
Mochima Bar, Nova Mar Bella Beach
Summer Edition 2013
Look out over the Mediterranean every day with a lovely sea view apartment in Barcelona
Enjoy dinner on the terrace with a fantastic beach apartment in Barcelona
Apartments
for your summer getaway
Create your perfect trip to Barcelona, whether it’s exploring Gaudí’s gems of ‘Modernisme’ at Park Güell, tickling those taste buds with a velvety icecream or dancing through the streets of Gràcia at the flamboyant Festa Major. As for your accommodation, why not opt for a beach apartment in Barcelona? With remarkable Mediterranean Sea views from Barceloneta, Port Olímpic and Diagonal Mar, plus easy access to all of the sights in the city, choosing an apartment by the beach is ideal for a summer getaway in Barcelona.
is an online tourist apartment agency with more than 700 Barcelona apartments to rent for both short and long-term stays. From luxury apartments in Barcelona to studios, and from Ramblas apartments to beach apartments in Barcelona, we have a great choice of accommodation in a wide variety of locations across the city.
Visit us at: www.apartmentbarcelona.com
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