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Things to do in Barcelona

Cycling

Voted by many as one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in the world, Barcelona is home to a large network of cycling lanes and bike routes. A ‘green ring’ surrounds the metropolitan area of Barcelona with a bike path. The automated bicycle system known as Bicing is an economical and convenient way to hire a bike. While there are plenty of cycling opportunities within the city, explorations of the surrounding countryside are best suited for experienced bikers or guided bike tours as routes are not signposted or well-marked.

Bicing
Tel: (902) 315 531.
Website:www.bicing.cat

Cruising

Cruising is big business in Barcelona, thanks to its strategic location along the Mediterranean. With the second largest Mediterranean cruise centre, Barcelona offers a myriad of cruise options: from one-hour sightseeing cruises along the coast, leisurely day-cruises to full-blown luxury cruises. There are ferries to the Balearic Islands as well as week-long Mediterranean cruises that travel to Italy and beyond.

Water sports

Best known for its excellent weather and gorgeous city beaches, Barcelona has no shortage of aquatic activities on offer. The best time to engage in water sports is definitely summer, but with Barcelona’s mild temperatures, spring and autumn also prove to be popular periods. Activities range from surfing to wakeboarding, sailing and jet-skiing. Equipment are easily available from operators at the port or along Barceloneta. To avoid crowds and catch bigger waves, the beaches further north such as Poble Nou, El Masnou and Montgat are highly recommended.

Diving

The entire coastline of Costa Brava is packed with marine life and underwater adventures, all within a short drive away. Barcelona has its fair share of diving opportunities although visibility and marine life might not be as good here as the other parts of the coastline. Numerous dive shops offer various PADI diving courses, equipment and excursions.

Raya’s Diving Center
Calle Badajoz 113, 08018
Tel. 93 309 9461.

Skiing

Strategically located close to the best skiing slopes in the region, Barcelona makes an excellent base. Most of the ski resorts in the Pyrenees, Andorra and Catalonia are within a two-hour drive away. These slopes suit all levels, ranging from first-timers to advanced skiers. The most popular resorts are namely La Molina (nearest to Barcelona), Vall de Núria and Gran Valira (Andorra). They are hardly the Alps, but the affordable prices, après-ski nightlife and proximity to the Mediterranean definitely making skiing here an excellent choice.

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