We will be travelling throughout Europe for almost a month in June and will be spending about four days in Barcelona. My birthday falls on one of those days and I wanted to spend it relaxing on a beautiful beach with a pina colada (or something along those lines). I read in RS book that the beach in Barcelona is man made. Is it really a nice beach or is it kind of tacky and not worth spending my birthday there. Thanks!
Posted by
San Diego, CA
129 posts
It's an ok beach. You do have to walk a bit from the Metro in your flipflops. There are people walking back and forth selling "cola, fanta, cerveza, beer" and offering massages (masaje?). The sand and water are nice and warm, but it can be a bit crowded. I was there in July/August which might be different than June. It's not very relaxing for a beach as you have to watch your stuff constantly. This goes true for most beaches, but especially Barcelona. Don't leave your stuff unattended even for a minute. The "vendors" try to look at your stuff as they walk by and then are on it like vultures if you get up to go swimming. My first day to the beach, we witnessed someone have their stuff get stolen, only another beachcomber was on them and they returned the stuff. Later we found out that couples strategically placed around the beaches are actually "undercover" cops. Not to frighten you, but it's something to be aware of. IMHO, it's not very relaxing having to watch your stuff nonstop. It's fine for a day if that's all you have, but more than that I'd say no. The beaches in Costa Brava (just outside Barcelona) are also pretty tacky (think Cancun) with a whole bunch of drunk 18-year-olds (we didn't know this til after we got there). Can you hop over to the Algarve in Portugal or Croatia? Much more relaxing beaches, I think, especially in June. Check out Ryan Air, I know they fly from Madrid to Faro.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Although I am not very familiar with these areas check out Stiges a coastal area to the south of Barcelona or the Costa Brava to the north. Have had friends go to the Costa Brava beaches and they loved them. You will have fun in Barcelona (or nearby) and have a great birthday. Bobbie
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
19 posts
I second the Sitges recommendation I was there with a group of friends over Thanksgiving one year, and it was calm and beautiful, with amazing weather and some of the best beach-combing ever: we came back with buckets full of shells! It was a very easy train trip too, as I recall simple & quick. I haven't been there in June; it may be more crowded then...but we had a good time! In November, the cute little shops around the train stop closed early, but might not be the case in June (unless it's during siesta-time). Enjoy!
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA (Bath, UK for 2010)
79 posts
The beach at Barcelona is just so-so. If you really want a beach day, I would take the other posters advice. But I was just in Barcelona a few weeks ago and couldn't get enough. I wouldn't worry about being disappointed by a birthday in Barcelona!
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, CO, USA
47 posts
Thanks to everyone for the advise!
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
I vote for Sitges as well. It's about a 45 min. train ride from Barcelona. We stayed there last April and had a great time. A really nice town with restaurants, cafes, small hotels and stores along a beach promenade. It's an easy walk from the train station to the beach. The beach is SAND not pebbles. If you need any snacks or supplies buy them at the grocery store next to the station. This is an Artists community and there are a few galleries of interest. You will enjoy your birthday 'party' in Sitges!