Day 338 - Barcelona Beaches

One of Barcelona's jewels is the long stretch of seven golden, sandy beaches. Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches are the largest, oldest and the most frequented beaches, and are closest to the city center. The Olympic port separates them from the other city beaches: Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant.

For sun worshippers you could do worse than renting an apartment or hostal for a week along one of these beaches. The beaches are clean (but VERY crowded) and filled with partygoers. Much of the late night party scene happens along the beach bars as well, making this a good location for young travellers looking for fun.

For those who simply want to enjoy a stroll along the beach during the day, there is plenty of activity and people watching to keep you entertained. You will even find strange architecture on the beach, not surprising for Barcelona.

We didn't go swimming. After seeing the crystal clear waters of the north western Mallorca coast, let's just say that I am glad that we stuck to strolling along the boardwalk, taking in the sights and sipping the occasional cerveza at one of the many 'restaurants that lined the beach.

There is no shortage of sights along the boardwalk. One highlight is the giant copper fish sculpture, designed by architect Frank Gehry for the 1992 Olympic games.

The boardwalk that lines the beaches is perfect for rollerbladers and bikers. The lanes are flat and cover a nice distance over 4 kms in length. They have separate lanes for bikers (pictured), rollerbladers and pedestrians.