Barcelona is known for its beaches, hot temperatures and sunny climate. If you have young children or you are simply not a heat enthusiast, then we recommend the following swimming pools where you will be able to cool down during a hot summer´s day.

Montjuïc swimming pool

Located on the Montjuïc Hill, this swimming pool was initially built for the 1992 Olympic Games. You will be able to swim in it as well as enjoy the magnificent view over the whole city of Barcelona. It is open Monday to Sunday from 11am till 6.30pm (price for adults: 4.5€).

Dir Diagonal swimming pool 

Possibly the most complex and most developed pool in Barcelona. Part of the Sport DIR club situated in various areas of Barcelona, this swimming pool offers a wide range of activities. Amongst these are: thermal baths, spas, solariums as well as golf and nutrition services. Its pools are truly enjoyable, one being indoors and the other outdoors. It is the ideal place to spend a lovely relaxing afternoon with your children or simply as a couple. It is open everyday till 11.45pm and till 9pm on Saturdays. 

Piconell swimming pool

This pool is also located in the Montjuïc Park. It offers numerous activities like swimming lessons, water fitness lessons, steps, areobox, but also taï-chi, physiotherapy and other esthetic services and massages. Entry costs 5.75€.

For the full list of Barcelona´s pools, here is a useful link:
http://www.cyberpadres.com/tiempo_libre/carteleras/piscinas/piscinas_barna.htm

Come enjoy and cool down in Barcelona´s swimming pools and book now for your holiday apartment with ComeToBarcelona.

A nice video to give you an idea of the mediterranean city! The song "BCN" by FUFÜ-AI, a french spanish band from barcelona!

Interested? Book now your apartment with ComeToBarcelona to visit Barcelona, an get a grat discount!

Come and experience a "discovery" ride in a hot-air baloon!

"BALLOONING"   Located 30 minutes outside Barcelona offer you a high quality experience full of emotions : A hot-air balloon ride over spectacular Catalonian landscapes, a magical and unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a new sensation of freedom and the tranquility of floating through the air with a panoramic view from up to 3000 feet high. Discount for groups and or families are offered as well as special events.

Find information at: www.ballooning.es

If you're in Barcelona, it's a guarantee that you've noticed the large mountain on the northern side of the city. This spectacular feature of Barcelona is somewhat mysterious to people who have yet to visit, although they see it everyday. Mount Tibidabo offers much more than just an incredible view of the whole city of Barcelona.

Mount Tibidao is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the strip that separates Barcelona from the plains to the north. There are various ways to make the journey up to the top of the mountain, including bus and car, but the other options provide a much more rewarding experience. There is a tram that can take you through a gorgeous neighborhood on the way up, and goes all the way to the base of the mountain. A funicular railway will then serve as the means to reach the very peak, providing astonishing views the whole way up. Looking out the window you will see the whole city of Barcelona, bordered by the impressive Mediterranean Sea. This breath-taking view is a must-see of Barcelona, but there's more to Mount Tibidabo than reaching the top.

This is home to Barcelona's oldest amusement park, which has been in operation for over a century. Although it's not packed with high roller coasters that twist and turn, the somewhat smaller rides provide a more quaint feel, and the ferris wheel only furthers the impressive view. Tibidabo is also home to the Temple de Sagrat Cor, a church built back in 1806. More recently renovated in 1902, the gorgeous church has a lift to the top which provides the highest view from the peak of the mountain. There are also numerous places around to just sit down, relax, and have a picnic while taking in the amazing view.

Make sure that you book your apartment soon so that you can get to the top of Tibidabo and see Barcelona like never before.

Even the slightest increase in temperature and hint of sunlight brings tourists and locals to flock to their favorite spot in Barcelona…the beach. Right on the coast of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has many options for beachgoers, whether they want to swim, read a book and relax, or even attend a beach party with locals. Each one of these beaches has it´s own style and people that frequent the area so take some time to explore each one and then decide on your favorite!

Barceloneta Beach
The most popular of all Barcelona beaches, Barceloneta beach is located about a ten minute walk off of the Barceloneta stop on the metro (Yellow Line-L4) and is the closest to the Barcelona city center. Barceloneta beach is most likely going to be the most crowded, but with good reason. The Barceloneta area is filled with small beachy restaurants and cozy apartments and the beach itself is lined with bars and huts for a cool drink on a hot day. There are a medly of characters occupying this beach, including a man selling mojitos and bagels out of a cart. You´ll never have a dull moment watching the visitors on Barceloneta Beach!

Icaria Beach
Another great and perhaps more peaceful beach in Barcelona is the Icaria Beach, located off the Ciutadella Via Olimpica stop on the metro (Yellow Line-L4). From the metro just turn right and walk about 10 minutes towards the twin towers. This beach is great if you´re looking for a place to picnic with friends, read a good book, or even take windsurfing lessons!

Marbella and Bogatell Beach
Marbella and Bogatell Beach are a little farther away from the city center of Barcelona, but they are possibly the most exciting beaches in Barcelona, even having parties on the sand at night during the weekend. To get to these beaches, take the Yellow Metro Line (L4) again to Bogatell and walk about 20 minutes. There are no signs for Marbella beach so remember to take a map with you in case you get lost. A word of warning: don´t be alarmed to see some nudists on this beach! Marbella is technically an unofficial nude beach, though majority of it´s patrons choose to keep their clothes on.
Before leaving Barcelona check out all of these beaches and see the different styles exhibited by each one. Book your apartment in Barceloneta today to be right next to the water and all of the fun and excitement that comes with warm weather!

As you may know, Barcelona is divided into multiple different neighborhoods or "barrios", each with its' own vibe and defining characteristics. Depending on what you're looking to experience, a certain neighborhood is sure to provide just that.

L'Eixample is a pleasant, upscale neighborhood just outside of the middle of the city. The name means "extension" in Catalan and was originally created as a place to live for those who could not afford to live in the center of Barcelona. However, almost the opposite had happened by the end of its' creation and it is now one of the posh, wealthy areas of Barcelona. Streets are lined with stores of international designers such as Armani, Chanel, and Burberry, but there is much more to see than just these high-end shops.
Passeig de Gracia is home to two of Antonio Gaudí's works of art, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. Also, a couple blocks further down the road is one of Gaudi's unfinished masterpieces, The Sagrada Familia. The unfinished church has been worked on by various architects throughout the years and has come to be known as one of the important symbols of Barcelona. If you're looking to experience some brilliant architecture and do some shopping, this is the place for you.

Near L'Eixample is the neighborhood Gracia, which begins at the intersection of Avingunda Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia and goes north. It was originally a village of its' own but was connected to the rest of Barcelona when L'Eixample was created. However, it has a different feel than L'Eixample, with an active community that has a more relaxed attitude.Various different plazas throughout the neighborhood help provide a sense of authenticity that the neighborhood maintains. The gem of Gracia is Park Güell, a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona. The elaborate park features various creations of Gaudi and an experience of art unlike any other. Gracia is the place to go to experience the real sense of neighborhood here in Barcelona.

Heading in the other direction, el Born is one of the more modern neighborhoods in Barcelona. What began as a settlement for medeival fairs and celebrations has become a haven for small boutiques and excellent tapas bars. The different cafes and stores provide a relaxing way to spend the day as well as good places to go at night. El Born is also home to the Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum, as the original textile mills were located here. One of the most fascinating pieces of el Born is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, an elegant church showcasing some of the gothic architecture seen throughout the city. El Born also provides the ideal location for those looking to experience cultural aspects of the city as well as the beach. A ten minute walk to the city center and a ten minute walk to the beach make it one of the ideal places to stay in Barcelona.

For those looking to experience the beach and an exciting night scene, Barceloneta is the place to be. One of the largest beaches in Barcelona, it has over 1,000 meters of beach for one to enjoy. Frequented by tourists, Barceloneta is the perfect place to spend the day lying in the sun and eating at one of the many restaurants located on the boardwalk. The boardwalk is also home to many extravagant bars and nightclubs, with stellar views of the beach. Barceloneta provides both fun and sun.

No matter what it is you're looking for, Barcelona is bound to offer it. Pick your favorite barrio and book your apartment there now!

With the sun shining and spring finally here, there´s no better way to get to know Barcelona than with a bike tour of the city. You´ll be able to see and experience parts of the city unseen by bus tours with a guide explaining the deeper insights of Barcelona and the secrets of the different neighborhoods and quarters. The bike tours are great for families and kids of all ages with plenty of stops at the city´s best restaurants and bars to grab a refreshment or snack on the way. The bike tour is a great way to see all the most famous sites in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia and the sunny beaches as well as some lesser known attractions. There are a variety of tour options, varying in length and area, but each one gets you around faster than on foot and more in depth than on a tour bus.  Book your apartment in Barcelona today and sign up for a  tour to get to know the best of this amazing city!

Want to get to know some new friends when visiting Barcelona? Reach out to your inner child and join a game of Cops and Robbers in the Barcelona city center! There are three teams of cops and one robber, everyone equipped with a  GPS system and a cellphone. True to tradition, the robber has to complete as many tasks as possible throughout the city without getting caught by any of the cops, trying to reach the winning “one million euros.¨ This game guarantees a fun time, no matter how old you are! Book your apartment in Barcelona today and be a part of all the fun and games the city has to offer!

Next time you´re planning a day trip; consider traveling up the coast line of Spain to the picturesque landscape of Costa Brava. Take a one day excursion to the beautiful and secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear water. With the weather warming up, the Mediterranean coast of Spain is a great place for a relaxing weekend to swim, snorkel or catch some sunny rays. When you´re nice and relaxed, explore the quaint villages and take the age-old trail that winds between them. You´ll be able to learn a little more about Catalonia´s history while seeing old monastery ruins, olive orchards, and terraced mountain sides, losing yourself in the charming peacefulness of the charming Costa Brava villages. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch by the beach or at a local mountain restaurant, and take in the sea breeze and the sun a little more before heading back to Barcelona. Book your apartment today to enjoy Barcelona and day trips down the coast of Spain.

Snowcapped mountains full of ski lifts might not be the first picture that comes to mind when one imagines Spain, but just a few hours north of Barcelona, the Pyrenées provide a skier’s paradise. With peaks of over 3000 meters and accompanying ski resorts with more than one could ask for, a trip to hit the slopes in the Pyrenees is the ideal weekend trip for the thrill-seeking. 

Grandvalira offers the ultimate skiing and snowboarding experience. With more than 100 slopes and 64 lifts, it provides the largest skiable domain in all of the Pyrenees. No two slopes are alike, making each leap off of the ski lift a new adventure. While more experienced skiers make their marks on the black slopes, beginners can give the green slopes a shot, while snowboarders can shred powder in one of the three freestyle areas. Grandvalaria has peaks of over 2600 meters, providing both thrill and tranquility. Although slightly further from Barcelona than other ski resorts, the extra travel is sure to be worth it.

Roughly half the size of Grandvalaria, La Molina is a smaller, equally exciting ski resort outside of Barcelona. Also located amidst the beauty of the Pyrenees, it is the closest ski resort to Barcelona, roughly an hour and a half away. It has 53 slopes, ranging from beginner to expert. Complete with a snowboarding superpipe and a kiddie park, everyone is able to find their place at La Molina. With peaks of nearly 2500 meters and a great location, it is no surprise that La Molina is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain.

Vall de Nuria is the smallest resort of the bunch, but its’ peaks are the highest. Peaks of over 3000 meters provide amazing scenery to complement the 11 slopes of various levels. With a new, enlarged snowpark and new boarder cross, snowboarders can hit the banks and get air like never before. Located in the Eastern Pyrenees, Vall de Nuria is a quick hour and forty-five minutes from Barcelona.

All three of these ski resorts provide excellent opportunities to hit the slopes, along with breath-taking views of the Pyrenees. With prices ranging from 35€ to 42€ for a day full of fun and adventure, it is sure to be money well spent. Barcelona provides many ways to experience Spain and a short trip up north provides another. Sure, you can take a trip to hike along part of the Pyrenees, but why walk when you can soar?

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona to ensure you’ve got an apartment to relax at when you’re done shredding the slopes!