Now you're thinking that I'm obviously the long-lost twin sister of the Grinch. The one who hated the beach. Dr. Suess wrote a book about me as well but it was deemed to depressing to publish.
But you know who does like the beach? Kids! Kids love the beach and mine are no exception. Actually, kids love getting wet in just about any form and Barcelona has plenty of places to do just that. Here are five great spots to cool off on a hot summer day with your kids. Additionally you can check out this interesting article on the history of Barcelona and its beaches. If only the beaches were still teeming with “pirates, corsairs and crossbowmen”, perhaps then I might find them more to my liking...
1. Mar Bella Beach. If given a choice between an excess of tourists and an excess of naked people, which would you choose? If you said the latter, Mar Bella is a nice little beach for you. Not many tourists and a small, fairly inconspicuous nude area. There is also a children’s play area and nearby grassy spots for picnics. In July and August, they have the biblioplatja, a beach library that offers daily press, magazines, books and comic books (in multiple languages) for all beach goers.
Transport: Bus: 36, 71, 141. Metro: Line 4 - Selva de Mar. Tram: T4 - Selva de Mar
2. Club Natacío Barcelona has been around for more than 100 years and is one of the oldest swimming clubs in the city. It ain’t free (monthly memberships run around 80-90 Euros for adults, 10-20 Euros for children) but there are plenty of perks to be had. In addition to numerous sport options (gyms, tennis courts, beach football, sailing, etc.), there are several pools including one specifically for children under 2.5 years, and a large sea water swimming pool overlooking the beach. There is a also a ludoteca where kids (ages 0-12) can play and do arts and crafts while supervised by a monitor.
3. Zona de Banys, Parc del Fòrum. Advertised in some places as “a beach without sand,” this is the perfect spot for grit-phobics such as myself. The swimming area consists of enclosed sea water pools that can be accessed via a series of concrete slabs and platforms. With no grass nor greenery, it has been described as having the “charm of a U-boat base.” However, the swimming areas are shallow (a relief for the vigilant parent) and there are also lots of fun water activities available for both kids and adults. How to get there: Metro: L4, El Maresme/Fòrum. Bus: 7, 36, 41 and 141. Tram (T4), Selva de Mar or El Maresme.
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