Best Beaches In Barcelona

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A beach beckons in Spain: Els Muntanyans beach, the last remaining large natural beach on the Catalan coast between the Llobregat Delta to the south of Barcelona and the Ebro Delta. Photo credit: Jorge Franganillo.

Lela wrote this guest post about exploring the best beaches in Barcelona. She is a world traveler who works as a writer for HostelBookers.

From the soaring spires of the Sagrada Familia to the bustling cobble-stoned streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations.

Barcelona is well-known for its stunning coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. Boasting seven beaches with nearly three miles of sand, Barcelona is a fantasy land for tourists hoping to bask in the sun and splash in the sea. With so many sensational beaches to choose from, visitors are bound to enjoy their time spent at these beaches in this Spanish city.

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Barcelona beaches. Photo credit: Wistula.

Sant Sebastià

Located in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, Sant Sebastià is one of the oldest and largest beaches in the city. Those looking for a more exclusive feel are bound to appreciate all that Sant Sebastià has to offer. Not only do tourists love spending time on the sand at Sant Sebastià, but this sensational beach is by far the most popular with those who call Barcelona home. This stunning stretch along the water has played an important role in the history of the city, and the beach remains one of the most iconic sites in Barcelona. Transport links with local buses and the metro make it easy and convenient for visitors.

Mar Bella Beach

For those looking to engage in a bit of water sport action, Mar Bella Beach is by far the best destination in Barcelona. Tourists and residents alike can choose from activities including kayaking and windsurfing. Mar Bella is also popular with those looking for the opportunity to disrobe, with a small nudist area giving visitors the chance to work on their full-body tan. The beach’s close proximity to the Poblenou metro station makes it easy to access, while neighborhood restaurants and cafes give visitors the chance to cool off and refresh after a long day in the water.

Nova Icària

Stretching some 400 meters along the water, Nova Icària is a popular area for families and visitors looking to relax peacefully on the sand. Located directly across from the former Olympic Village, Nova Icària has plenty of game and recreational areas for both young children and adults alike. The beach is also accessible for the disabled, with various services provided by the local authorities. The neighborhood where the beach sits is also a destination in and of itself, with plenty of entertainment options to explore and fantastic restaurants.

La Barceloneta

Perhaps the busiest beach in all of Barcelona, La Barceloneta is centrally-located, which partly explains its popularity. This area of the city was largely redesigned for the Olympic Games in 1992, and it has since become a bustling beach where the action never stops. The beach and its surrounding area is dotted with seafood restaurants, giving visitors the chance to taste some of Barcelona’s finest dishes. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach, while surfers regularly hit the waves that crash off of La Barceloneta.

To enjoy the most of it, you would probably need a place to stay at a walking distance from the sand. You can find on the HostelBookers website a list of nice and affordable hotels close to the beach.

A Beach Day

 

“The recipe for a perfect beach day: sunny skies, warm air and good friends.” – Timberland.

Fancy spending a day at the beach?  If you can’t get away, check out this upbeat, feel good beach video Make it a Beach Day by Timberland showcasing the brand’s Spring 2013 collection.

Life’s A Beach

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Life’s a Beach, the Caribtours & The Private Travel Company magazine. Photo credit: Caribtours.

We love all things beach travel and life.

So we fancy the cover of the magazine Life’s a Beach from the Caribtours & The Private Travel Company’s magazine. The magazine highlights what’s hot and what’s hip this summer in luxury travelLife’s a Beach features recipes and restaurant recommendations, best active and romance holiday tips and quizzes for the indecisive traveler.

Hip + Urban In Bali

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Hip + urban in Bali: hotel IZE – seminyak. Photo credit: Lifestyle Retreats.

Looking for a hip, urban hotel in Bali? In Bali’s lively, fashionable suburb of Seminyak, there is a design chic hotel called IZE – seminyak.

Recognized for its modernist architecture, this Bali design hotel, which is managed by Lifestyle Retreats, features “chic, modern accommodation aimed at young, sophisticated travelers.” Near the hotel, guests can choose to spend the day at the beach, go shopping in Seminyak or visit local temples.

Says Jose Luis Calle, managing director of Lifestyle Retreats:

“Bali has a deserved reputation for elegant tropical resorts on the beach or in lush rural areas – IZE – seminyak has reinvented that model for an urban market. It’s Bali, with a twist.”

Stylish and cutting edge, the hotel’s interiors include cool snow-white and sky-blue colors, blond-wood furniture and ‘light balconies’ which highlight the equatorial sunshine.

Besides the stylish design, good food and Balinese service, Calle says the Bali hotel has a less-formal atmosphere. IZE – seminyak also features two swimming pools designed to create the perfect Balinese urban tropical retreat. In the evenings, guests can enjoy sunset cocktails up at the Rooftop Lounge & Bar and dine at the hotel’s Meja Restaurant & Bar.

In Bali, Lifestyle Retreats also manages The Balé Nusa Dua, The Amala in Seminyak and The Menjangan inWest Bali National Park.

IZE – seminyak

Jalan Kayu Aya (Laksmana – Oberoi) No. 68

Seminyak, Bali – Indonesia

Website: www.ize-seminyak.com

Here are more scenes of the hotel:

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All images of IZE – seminyak courtesy of Lifestyle Retreats.

Gulp, A Beach Animation Film

 

We’re captivated by ‘Gulp’, a short stop-motion animated film created by the animators Sumo Science at Aardman and sand artists Sandinyoureye.

Shot on location at Pendine Beach in South Wales using the Nokia N8, the film, from Nokia HD on Vimeo, depicts a fisherman and his daily catch. See the charming ‘Gulp’ (above) and ‘Gulp. the making of.’ video (below).

Australia’s 10 Best Travel Secrets

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Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Travel Secrets of Australia issue. Photo credit: Australian Traveller.

Do you know Australia’s 10 Best Travel Secrets?  If you’re curious, take a look at Australia travel magazine Australian Traveller which has named the 10 Best Travel Secrets of Australia.

The stunning White’s Beach in Byron Bay topped the list as Australia’s number one best travel secret. Australian Traveller published the list in its 100 Best Travel Secrets of Australia special collectors’ issue.

“This list really highlights how many incredible locations and experiences we have on offer here in Australia,” says Georgia Rickard, editor of Australian Traveller.

“It just goes to show, you don’t have to go to big name destinations, or pay premium prices in order to have an amazing holiday. There are hidden gems everywhere in this country.”

Australian Traveller received 1,000 plus nominations from the magazine’s readers, tourism operators and local and international travelers.

A panel of eleven Australian travel experts determined the top 100 list after extensive traveling across the country. These experts included Catriona Rowntree, Pat Rafter, Tony Wheeler, Dr Chris Brown, Kate Ritchie, Camilla Franks, Tim ‘Rosso’ Ross, Daniel Scott, Sonia Kruger, Andrew McEvoy and Australian Traveller editor Georgia Rickard.

According to Australian Traveller, here are the Top 10 Best Travel Secrets of Australia:

  1. White’s Beach, Byron Bay, NSW
  2. Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, SA
  3. Swimming with Minke Whales, QLD
  4. Baird Bay Eco Experience, SA
  5. Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, NSW
  6. Cape Range National Park, WA
  7. Shelly Beach near Manly, NSW
  8. Karijini National Park, WA
  9. Paperbark Camp, NSW
  10. Secret Bush Camps of Arnhemland, NT