From Saturday November 26th to Thursday December 22nd the biggest Christmas market in Barcelona will officially be open and ready to be swarmed with eager locals and tourists! This year is special, as it will mark the 225^th anniversary of the Fira de Santa Llúcia! This fair gives you the best of Catalan culture and is filled with handmade gifts, nativity scenes, and much, much more!

You will find this wonderful Christmas market just outside the Catedral de Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter of the city. If you choose to stay in a city centre Barcelona apartment or a Ramblas apartment you can arrive at the Christmas market on foot, otherwise you can take the metro L4 to Jaume I, leaving you

right outside the fair. The Fira de Santa Llúcia will be open from 10:30am until around 8:30-9:30pm, and with over 275 stalls, the atmosphere is filled with Christmas joy and holiday cheer!

History

The market is named after Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, and dates back to 1786. Each year on December 13^th, people would flood the streets surrounding the

Barcelona Cathedral to commemorate the life of Saint Lucy. As she was known to be the patroness of seamstresses, tailors, needleworkers, and the blind, people would gather inside the Cathedral and worship her, praying for clarity and eyesight. Right outside the Cathedral is where the Fira de Santa Llúcia took

place. Similar to today, there were many stalls and festivities spreading holiday spirit throughout Barcelona. History also named this the ¨girls´ fair¨ as many people thought unmarried young ladies would go there in the hope of finding their future husbands.

The Day of Saint Lucy

A great day to visit the market is December 13^th, the day of Santa Llúcia. On this day, the market dedicates all of its

activities to Catalan Christmas traditions. You may find yourself chiming into the Christmas carols which can be heard throughout the fair, or partaking in a crib scene making course taught by the Association Crib Scene Makers of Barcelona. On this day, the famous Tió de Nadal is displayed. Tradition states that the children will hit their own smaller versions of this smiley-faced wooden log with a stick on Christmas day until they find presents or candies underneath its red blanket. You can also stumble upon the Carassa de Nadal parade during this day, during which sweets are thrown to the children as the Christmas figures pass by on lavish floats. 

The Market

The Fira de Santa Llúcia is split up into four sections so you can easily find what you´re looking for: Nativity and Figurines, Greenery and Plants, Crafts, and

Simbombes.The Nativity and Figurines section offers various items to make your own nativity scene such as Christmas lights, baubles, candles, and handmade models. In the Greenery and Plants area you can find the popular Tió de Nadal figures, lucky branches, and natural and artificial trees. The crafts section contains thousands of homemade gifts such as jewellery, clothes, and accessories. The Simbombes section presents musical instruments and adds the final touches to your Christmas holiday!

Whether you are looking to participate in the Christmas festivities or purchase gifts for your loved ones, the Fira de Santa Llúcia is definitely something you do not want to miss! You can find many Barcelona apartment special offers online to accommodate your stay in Barcelona, and our friendly staff will direct you to the Christmas market!

There is so much to see when visiting the beautiful city of Barcelona, it can be difficult to find the time to do everything that you would like to. However, there are some places you absolutely must visit on your trip to Barcelona, and below we give you our top ten.

1. Sagrada Família

Admire Gaudí´s unfinished masterpiece towering over the quaint Eixample streets below. Dedicated to the Holy Family, Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the construction of this incredible church in 1883, radically changing the design. Boasting a modernist style and breath-taking intricate features, the Sagrada Família has yet to be completed to this day. Don´t forget to visit the museum inside to explore some of Gaudí´s most interesting work.

Metro stop: Sagrada Familia (L2 & L5)

2. Las Ramblas

An experience you can´t miss is a stroll down Las Ramblas. Actually made up of five distinct boulevards or ´ramblas´, this famous 1.2km avenue in Barcelona is constantly buzzing with musicians, street performers, artists, living statues and stalls. Around halfway down Las Ramblas you will find the most famous market in Barcelona: La Boqueria. This is a fantastic place to visit with its colourful fruit stands and delicious tapas stalls. It is also great for picking up some fresh ingredients to try out some Spanish recipes of your own.

Metro stop: Catalunya, Liceu or Drassanes (L3)

3. Montjuïc

Visiting Montjuïc is an absolute must on your Barcelona trip as there are so many fantastic places on and around the hill to experience. For example, the very top you will find the historic Castell de Montjuïc, which was once an old military prison. Also, at the foot of the hill, the Magic Fountain offers you some amazing water acrobatics, which coupled with some bright colours and patterns, creates a stunning view, especially at twilight.

Metro stop for the fountain: Espanya (L3 & L1)

Metro stop for the hill: Paral-lel (L2 & L3) – then take the Funicular de Montjuïc train up the hill

4. El Born District

You will find the trendy El Born district on the opposite side of Via Laietana from the Gothic Quarter. Here you will encounter some fantastic museums as well as some of the quirkiest boutiques in Barcelona. The Picasso Museum is located in this vibrant area, as well as the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana, just a short walk away in the neighboring 'barrio' of Sant Pere. This concert hall opened in 1908 and was designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Over the years it has been host to some of the world’s best known orchestras.

Metro stop: Urquinaona (L4)

5. Camp Nou

Whether you are a football fan or not, a trip around the F.C. Barcelona stadium is essential to your visit to Barcelona. Here you can purchase tickets for matches as well as take the ´Camp Nou Experience´ - a tour around the impressive venue and its museum. The tour has an audioguide allowing you to explore the stadium at your own pace. Feel the true Barça passion when you see the most emblematic areas of the Camp Nou.

Metro stop: Collblanc (L5)

6. Parc Güell

Next on the list of Barcelona´s best attractions is Parc Güell. Also designed by Gaudí, this gorgeous park is decorated with mosaic-style sculptures and glasswork. Situated on a hill, its lush vegetation and beautiful architectural elements make this a great place to visit when the sun is shining. Plan for a relaxed stroll through the park with a few stops to admire the sculptures, and don’t forget to visit the museum inside the park.

Metro stop: Lesseps (L3)

7. Gothic Quarter

As you turn off Las Ramblas you will find the historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This area is known as the heart of the city and is best explored on foot as its narrow, winding paths lead you to some fabulous Catalan-Gothic architectural sights, including the famous Catedral de Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter was once an ancient Roman village, so look out for some of the ruins that still stand today. Also, don´t forget to make a stop at some of this district´s charming squares including the Plaça Reial, which is home to a beautiful fountain, some lampposts decorated by Gaudí and a few tasty restaurants.

Metro stop: Jaume I (L4)

8. Tibidabo

The mountain of Tibidabo is definitely worth visiting when staying in Barcelona. At night you can see its majestic church lit up against the dark backdrop of the sky and during the day it offers amazing view of the city. Also home to an amusement park, it is a great place to spend a few hours if you are coming to the city with children.

Metro stop: Catalunya (L3 & L1) – take the Ferrocarril L7 to Av. Tibidabo station, then take the Tramvia Blau up to the Funicular del Tibidabo, which will then take you the rest of the way to the church and the amusement park

9. Passeig de Gràcia

The grand Passeig de Gràcia is known to be the financial and shopping hub of the city. Adorned with tall trees and bright lights, you will find some of the world´s most luxurious designer stores on this wide avenue such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, as well as some high-street names, including Zara and Bershka, a little further along. As you amble down this beautiful street, don´t forget to look out for two more of Gaudí´s finest buildings: La Pedrera and Casa Battló.

Metro stop: Passeig de Gràcia (L3)

10. Barceloneta

During the hotter months of the year, you can spend some time cooling down in the sunny Barceloneta area. Hit the beach and soak up the sun or enjoy a couple of cervezas (beers) in true Spanish style! If you are coming to Barcelona outside the summer months, you can still visit this laid-back part of the city as it has some fantastic seafood restaurants as well as many bars and cafés lining the beach.

Metro stop: Barceloneta (L4)

Whether you are coming to Barcelona for a short weekend break, a couple of weeks holidays or even a business trip, you can´t miss out on these fantastic attractions. Staying in a Barcelona apartment is a great way to enjoy the city as you can relax in the privacy and comfort of your fully equipped home-away-from-home (with your own living room and kitchen) after a long day of sightseeing!

November isn’t always sunny, but it isn’t always cold either. It is a good time to visit Barcelona as you can enjoy not just the pleasant autumn scenery, but also the cooling atmosphere and a great line up of events happening in the city. From Halloween specials to magic shows, here is a sneak preview of some of the most talked about events this month.

International Jazz Festival 2011

This year, Barcelona is hosting the 43^rd edition of the International Jazz Festival. Well underway by November, this concert goes on until December 1^st and boasts of an interesting line up of bands and artists from all over the world. It takes place in 15 different venues in Barcelona with 80 planned concerts. If you are a jazz fan, you will love the opportunity to experience everything jazz from pianos, bass guitars and many reed instruments to foot tapping African melodies. In addition to the musical extravaganza, there will be free prologue concerts, family concerts, exhibitions, fringe events and jazz and gastronomy events, which combine jazz with wine tasting, cocktails and dinners. Stay at an apartment in the center of Barcelona and enjoy some concert hopping and a musical vacation in this wonderful city! For more information visit http://www.theproject.es/en/global/index.php.

Halloween at PortAventura

November is the perfect time to visit the theme park PortAventura as it celebrates Halloween with great style and gusto throughout the autumn season. Every year, PortAventura completely transforms in to a Halloween inspired spooky scene with 12,000 pumpkins, and 2011 will be no different as the park introduces 8 new shows. This is a great time to experience PortAventura as fear, screams, horror and, most importantly, a ton of fun awaits you. Only an hour’s train ride from Barcelona, you can plan a fun day trip to PortAventura while you stay in Barcelona, or alternatively you can rent an apartment in Costa Dorada and plan an action packed weekend. For more information on Halloween at PortAventura visit the official website.

Salón Náutico – International Boat Show

One of the biggest events of its kind in Spain, the Barcelona International Boat Show will be celebrating a very special event this year – its 50^th anniversary. Attended by visitors from all over the world, this show will be held from November 5^th to November 13^th, and will exhibit the newest products for all things boat and sea-related. Open to everyone, this event covers everything from accessories and nautical clothing to dinghies, mega yachts and motor boats. And there are plenty of fun activities to take part in such as windsurfing. Whether you are a boating enthusiast or simply just a sea lover, this show is for you. Stay in one of the beach apartments in Barcelona and make sure to attend this show!

For more information on the Salón Náutico visit http://www.salonnautico.com.

Barcelona Shopping Night 2011

The second edition of this exciting event of gala shopping is organized by the elegant shops lining the grand Passeig de Gràcia. Stores remain open beyond normal closing times until 1am with many special and festive events planned to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Organized in association with Harpers Bazaar, this event is inspired by the Vogue international fashion night out. Scheduled for the 30^th of November this year, the shopping night involves open stores, special offers, concerts on the street, food tasting and other fun on the most chic street of Barcelona. The only thing you need to do to take part is purchase a ‘shopping passport’. Check out our Facebook page for more information on how to pick up a passport, closer to the time.

Magic Internacional 2011

This is your chance to know everything you always wanted to about magic. Held from the 4^th to 6^th of November, the Magic Internacional is a fair involving magicians and mystics. In  the fair, you can expect to experience the world of magic through both the exhibition stands and the interesting services like palmistry, clairvoyance, massage, natural diet and therapy, cleansing and relaxation, tarot readings and much, much more! Tickets for Magic Internacional cost 11 Euros per day and can be purchased at the ticket office on the day you attend. For more information visit http://www.firabcn.es/.

Book your apartment in Barcelona now and don’t miss the chance to experience these fantastic events in Barcelona this November, as well as all of the other fabulous attractions this beautiful city has to offer.  

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. As the capital of Catalonia, and the second largest city in Spain, there’s always something exciting going on. That’s why the question of ‘when is the best time to visit Barcelona?’ can be difficult to answer. No matter when you visit, you’re likely to have a fabulous time.

Of course, some times are better than others (depending what you’re looking for). Before you book your flights, you should consider what you want from your Catalan city break. If you want to avoid the crowds, but still get the weather, then we recommend June and September; the start and end of the summer respectively.

As tourist season begins in June, Barcelona flights will be busier. Don’t let that put you off or you will miss out on the Festa dels Cors de Barceloneta. This is a huge street party in the Barceloneta neighbourhood, and a great local secret.

Men dance in bizarre costumes, with double sided axes, as fireworks go off around them. This festival traditionally marked the return of sea traders and fishermen; it’s joked that the axes were a warning to any wives who managed to get pregnant while their husbands were at sea!

The end of June has plenty of festivities too; the 24^th is the Festival of Sant Joan. This is time for summer to begin, with bonfires traditionally fed with schoolbooks and paperwork. Look out for all night parties on the beach, where you can eat Coca de Sant Joan (flat bread topped with candied fruit) and drink endless bottles of cava until the sun comes up.

According to the Barcelona Review, the best time to visit is September. The workers of the city are getting back into their routine, and the tourists are starting to leave. You’ll be pleased to know that, although tourist season officially ends on the 15^th, the sea is still warm for most of the month and the beach huts remain open until mid-October.

There are lots of festivals around this time of year too. The 11^th commemorates La Diada, or Catalonia’s national day. This can get a bit rowdy, so take care. Mercé at the end of the month (around the 24^th) marks the parallel to the Festival of Sant Joan and the end of the summer. Expect musical acts, fireworks, and local residents forming human towers (castellers).

Autumn is also a perfect time to visit Barcelona, a city which enjoys wonderful weather for more than half a year.  A trip in October means you can really discover all the culture which the city has to offer without the bustle of high season, and still be able to relax and catch a tan from time to time at one of the many beaches or beautiful city parks. Barcelona has something for everyone no matter what the season.

No matter when you visit Barcelona, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing time. Remember to pack your party hat.

Calling all film fans! If you´re coming to the beautiful city of Barcelona this October then don´t miss the Sitges Film Festival 2011! Beginning Thursday 6^th October until Sunday 16^th October, the picturesque town of Sitges, just outside Barcelona, will once again transform into a bustling scene of movie lovers and cinema producers as it hosts the annual International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia.

The event is known as the number one fantasy film festival in the world and it is a great attraction for movie-lovers, producers, directors and actors alike. Quentin Tarantino, George A. Romero, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cameron Diaz and Jodie Foster are just some of the big names in Hollywood who, over the years, have experienced the wonders of one of Spain´s oldest film festivals.

This year will be the 44^th edition of the festival and to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Steven Spielberg´s film ´A.I. Artificial Intelligence,´ the event will have a theme centred around the main concepts of the movie. Artificial intelligence is often associated with robots and futuristic machines with human emotions, so many of the movies which will be presented at the festival will take this opportunity to demonstrate the latest in today´s audiovisual and technological cinema production.

As well as showcasing the up and coming horror and fantasy movies, the event is also home to the annual Sitges Zombie Walk - a spectacular gathering of film fanatics, who for one night only, fill the streets impressively disguised as the living dead. This year it will be held on October 14^th at 20:30, led by the stars of the movie ´Juan de los Muertos´ (also being screened at the festival). A free make-up zone will be set up from 12 noon in the Sitges Miramar Building, but seats are limited so get there fast! The Walk will be followed by a free beach party with fantastic music from Los Tiki Phantoms and Dj Niño - not to be missed!

Tickets to the Sitges Film Festival are available online from www.servicaixa.com or from various box offices in the town itself. For a full list of prices, screenings and more information on what else you can expect to see at the festival, visit www.sitgesfilmfestival.com/eng.

If you are staying in Barcelona this October and do not want to miss out on this amazing event, RENFE trains run regularly from Paseo de Gracia and Sants train stations in the city centre to Sitges and the journey takes less than 40 minutes. However, for those who would like to be closer to the action, renting a Sitges apartment is a great option. Soak up some Spanish sun on the beautiful beach before you head out to one of the festival´s many attractions, and who knows, you might find yourself sharing a restaurant with some A-list stars!

This weekend Barcelona will be giving residents and tourists alike the chance to see some amazing exhibitions free of charge!

If you are staying in Barcelona this Saturday 24^th September, not only will you be lucky enough to experience the city´s biggest free festival, la Fiesta de La Mercè, but you are also invited to some of the best museums in Catalonia, without the admission fee.

Featuring a range of exhibitions from art to science, many of the participating museums will be offering free workshops for all ages as well as guided tours and other activities. Even if exhibitions are not your thing, don´t miss this opportunity to visit some of the historical buildings in central Barcelona, such as the Palau de la Virreina on Las Ramblas, and get glimpse of the incredible architecture inside. Combined with all the festivities of La Mercè, this is the perfect weekend in Barcelona for those who want to see a bit of everything.

Below we give you some of our must-see features of this weekend:

The MACBA (Museu d´Art Contemporani de Barcelona) is open on Saturday from 10am until 2pm and will be offering a free workshop where visitors can become creatively involved in the world of Àngels Ribé. The museum is currently holding an exhibition by the unique artist which includes works created from unconventional materials such as water and light.

Where: Plaça dels Angels – Metro L1, L3 Catalunya

The Museu Picasso contains over 3,800 of Picasso´s works, and this Saturday you will be able to visit the exhibition ´Feasting on Paris - Picasso 1900-1907´completely free. The interesting collection follows his development from his arrival in Paris in 1900 until he first became known as an avant-garde leader.

Where: Montcada 15-23 – Metro L4 Jame I

Disseny Hub Barcelona is a laboratory/museum which centres on both teaching and learning the understanding and use of design. Through research, activities, exhibitions and collaboration with businesses, Disseny Hub invites you to enjoy the design world this Saturday, with a range of displays, including ´Dressing the Body´- a tour of the history of clothing throughout significant periods (at DHUB Museums).

Where: 2 locations - DHUB Carrer de Montcada 12 - L4 Jaume I and DHUB Museums in Palau de Pedralbes on Avinguda Diagonal 686 – Metro L3 - Palau Reial (see http://www.dhub-bcn.cat/en/activity/merce-2011 for which exhibitions are at which locations)

CosmoCaixa is a fantastic museum to visit if you are travelling with children this weekend. It has an incredible 1000 square metre reconstruction of the Amazon rainforest and will be offering activities centred around astronomy as it celebrates its 7^th anniversary.

Where: C/ Teodor Roviralta – Take the Ferrocaril (FGC) Line 7 from Plaça Catalunya to Av. del Tibidabo. You can either walk 800 metres or take bus 196 one stop.

Spring-Summer in Barcelona : crowded city full of color and energy with open air Café-Terraces,chiringuitos (beach bars), flower filled parks, summer festivities and traditional cuisine is just the perfect season to be in the most amazing city of Spain, Barcelona!

Spring-Summer Flower Bloom  Barcelona is definitely a sea of color in spring-summer. There is many suggestions when it comes to this season. Collserola Natural Park located behind the hill of TIbidabo a place where you can do any kind of sports without venturing far from the city. This place offers walking trails, biking trails and lots of other things you can do to enjoy natural fresh air. Twice a month except on August this park offers “astronomy nights” with great information and hands-on telescope experience. Another iconic place to visit is Park Guell of Gaudí where you can enjoy amazing views from the terrace. If you are a rose lover Parc de Cervantes I Rosera is the park for you. With a collection of over 2,000 different species.

 Café Terraces  Roof top Bars in amazing hotels, Open Spaces, terraces over looking the Mediterranean Sea.This chill out terraces where you can go with friends and have a cocktail night with stunning city views.
From Ramblas to Raval, Passeig the Gracia to Barceloneta just to mention few of them. This season definitely marks the beginning of a great weather for you to enjoy this open spaces and roof top gatherings.

Beaches in Barcelona  A city known around the world for having the best beaches. When the weather is heating up, you definitely need to be ready for an awesome time. From La Nova Icaria Beach, Mar Bella Beach, San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Paseig Maritimo to Barceloneta and few more. The long coast line is just full of great beaches and people hanging out at the chiringuitos or “beach bars” listening to live music sitting and enjoying a cocktail and light meal with friends and family.

 Catalan Cuisine  Spring-Summer season is definitely the most enjoyable. As the beaches of Barcelona comes to life you may enjoy a tasty paella, a traditional seafood noodle broth at sea side. Or just a great shrimp salad with seasonal vegetables. Spring-Summer is a good excuse to be inventive in the kitchen and this cuisine experts are definitely great on being creative.

While the city warms up and starts leaving some winter clothing behind and submerse themselves into a great weather, this up coming season is definitely ready to give you an amazing time in Barcelona!

Check out an easy to book apartment in Barcelona: early booking or last minute offers. If you are coming to Barcelona you can stay in the city centre or at a beach apartment in Barceloneta. You will have a more private and relaxing time with your loved ones when you stay in a Barcelona apartment. It is becoming really popular to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel. This way you are able to discover the city freely in a whole new perspective. You will have a sense of independence that you will not find in a single hotel room. If you are traveling for holidays or business trip, you can take advantage of a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen that is definitely a big plus for your trip. Rent an apartment in Barcelona and enjoy your stay in perfect accommodation!

 Join on  Facebook fan page now! and you will be instantly participating to win a weekend accommodation in a luxurious apartment in Barcelona Spain! Also for great city insights to help plan your trip ahead in Barcelona!

It won’t be enough to call the Bullí « a good restaurant ». A better term to rename it would be “the best restaurant of the world”. The expression wouldn’t be hyperbolic because the address has been elected as the best of the planet for 4 consecutive years. His Chief is one, or the best of the world: Ferrán Adrià. According to some experts, he is “The best genius of ever”.

To find his restaurant “El Bullí », you will have to go through a little path whose sea views are really appreciable. This restaurant could have been a cold and modern decorated place as many restaurants, but the Bulli is another type of address. It welcomes you in a large Spanish house situated near of Rosas. Its traditional ambience is absolutely contrasting with the modern aspect of its dishes.

Ferrán Adrià and the Bullí represent a gastronomic revolution in the entire world, thanks to his capacity to create and reinvent the cooking. The master chief has created an international gastronomic school of excellence.  The chief is each year more innovative by changing the culinary art techniques and principles.

Through his excellence dishes you will be able to try the melon caviar, olives, honey/flower/pistachio, in the seafood: the seaweed salad, tonic soup with rose y zucchini, Pork brain in its juice…  More and more tasty plates which certificates that Adría’s cooking has never been such imaginative.

Here are some examples of the chief dishes for the year 2007 : Mango leaves and zucchini flowers, meringue and profiteroles beet with yogurt, citrus LYO, jellyfish tuna mousse on a bed of caviar, sweetbreads and yellow eggs mackerel, caviar of sesame oil, the dacquoise green pineapple and sprockets, and so much more!

Finally, while proliferating fruits, flowers abound, as dried fruits are brimming, Adría also pays tribute to the algae and the sea, between acidity and sweetness. You will find in his dishes air dry, freeze-dried, the fresh air, crust filled with creams or liquids, sculptural forms ... work very surprising that calls all the senses.

Bulli Ferran and lambasted the basics of cooking and have provided new dimensions to this art. Taste, smell, sight, touch and even hearing, are involved in each creation that becomes a tribute dinner clean.

Caution if you had the idea to go these without reserving! You have to make an appointment sometimes 4 or 6 month before the date as long is the queue to try Adría’s dishes. 

We give you here all the information to find this unbelievable place.

Ferrán Adrià

Town: Adresse: 17480 Roses (Girone - Espagne)

Address: street Montjoi, 7 kmfrom the center of the city.

Phone: (+34) 972150457
Web site : bulli@elbulli.com

Opening: Opened between the 1st of april and the 1st of october only for diner. During april, may and june, closed on the Monday and Tuesday.

Price: 200/300 €

Price for the tasting menu: 180 €

From August 15 until the 21, 2010 

Will be celebrated the famous festivals of Gràcia. This event is one of the most attended and popular “Fiestas” in the summer of  Barcelona

In this occasion, the entire streets are decorated by the neighborhood associations, which this year will be 17 different associations, each one  with its own theme with and magical atmosphere.

For twelve consecutive years, Gracia is being entertaining with a contest of decorating balconies and entrances where they are also rewarded by creativity and artistic concept. For one week will be events and activities organized from morning until late evening.

There will be activities for the whole family you can find: Markets, sports competitions, photographic and gastronomic, exhibitions, film screenings to outdoor, etc..

The cuisine will also be present this year will be hosted by Ismael Prados, who runs the restaurant “Els Jardinets de Gracia” (Passeig de Gracia, 116), and who will be the chief guest at the party. Check out the official agenda, will be surprised by the multiple activities!

  Some information on the Gracia festival Schedule  :

Sunday  July 15 :
8h : Big innaguration, fireworks and firecrackers will anounce the beginning of the festival in different points of Gracia  for example at Plaza Rovira.
13h : 4rto Gastronomic competition « Snails a la Graciença » Plaza Manuel Torrente.
18h : 5to Concert festival with the Dani Perez Trio at  Plaza Rovira.
22h30 :La Carrau concert  at  plaza del Sol.

Monday  July 16:
10h : Expositions  through out the whole event at Passeig Sant Joan.
13h :  D’All i Oli Competition (aioli) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
14h : Popular “Botifarrada” (Catalán grilled sausage testing) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
23h : Shiva Sound, Concert at Espai  Plaza Joanic.
Mid Night : Rumba NIght, an homenaje to at Gato Perez, Plaza de la Vila.

Tuesday  July 17:
12h : Truites competition (Omellete) at Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
21h : Sardinada (Grilled Sardine testing) at  Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
22h : Ball Plaza Swing at  Plaza Diamant.

etc.

 ¡Map of the neighborhood with reference points!

Be ready to experience one of the most cultural and exciting events in GRACIA !

 Rent an apartment with us in the Gracia Area ComeToBarcelona

“La Barceloneta”  was an area virtually uninhabited until the mid eighteenth century. Because of its proximity to the sea, fishermen were the first to settle in this part of the city, but their conditions were really poor at the time. In 1754 they began building the first houses and the neighborhood was filled with fishermen and people related to port activities.

Currently, the neighborhood still with that air of little town outside the city that have always characterized it. But the environment has changed a lot, especially in the summer. The beach is one of the biggest attractions in the city.
 It all starts when they open the beach bars “chiringuitos” and  set the music there in the sand where you can go after enjoying an amazing day at the beach and have dinner or have a  drink until late.

Along with this modern face, Barceloneta still has that salty smell and marine environment. For many it is a luxury that is preserved in a neighborhood of a city like Barcelona. Is somewhat surprising that on this narrow streets, and wet and blackened by salt sidewalks, exist many of the best restaurants in the city and luxurious cruise ships arrive in this port .

La Barceloneta is one of the best places in town to test fresh seafood. And if you prefer not to eat off the menu you can always do the famous “tapas”. The most typical one is called   “La bomba” , which is  a potato dumpling stuffed with meat and accompanied by hot sauce or the classic All i Oli.
The location of the neighborhood is perfect for families who come on holidays with their children and for people who just love the beach. The beach is not far from the city centre and is well communicated with city transportation.

ComeToBarcelona offers more than 200 apartments for rent in this area filled with  history. Located right next to the beach or at the very centre of Barceloneta, many of these apartments have a beautiful ocean view. Fully equipped, can be rented for days, weeks or months.