Barcelona for a sun/beach holiday

Bassfish

Hey, myself and the missus want to go away next month. She's looking for a chilled out week on a beach/by a pool, I don't mind a bit of that but i get bored pretty quick and i like to see interesting things and check out some sights. We were wondering would Barcelona be best of both worlds?
I know Barcelona is full of sights but are the beaches there good or at least as good as you get in most of your typical beach resorts?
Also how expensive is food and drink away from the main tourist hubs like las Ramblas? Cheers

solerina

I have been to barcelona and the beach towns around it a few times and I dont find it all that expensive at all...its similar to Ireland but probably a little cheaper in some areas (unless you go to the Port area in Barca..thats very dear to eat/drink in)

ThunbergsAreGo

Bassfish wrote: »

Hey, myself and the missus want to go away next month. She's looking for a chilled out week on a beach/by a pool, I don't mind a bit of that but i get bored pretty quick and i like to see interesting things and check out some sights. We were wondering would Barcelona be best of both worlds?
I know Barcelona is full of sights but are the beaches there good or at least as good as you get in most of your typical beach resorts?
Also how expensive is food and drink away from the main tourist hubs like las Ramblas? Cheers

I think you have made a good call.

FYI, and it might just be my geeky self, but there is a cool free Science musuem place in Barca. It has a "Rainforest" Room which is pretty cool. well worth a visit

I am pie

The train service in Barcelona is really good and great value. If you drag yourself up out of bed early enough there a lot of small beach towns along the cast which you can reach within 45 mins to an hour on the train. The city beaches themselves are also good but maybe not 'resort' standard. The sea wouldn't be as clean as there is a fairly active city port in Barcelona. Better to head up the coast each day. Be aware that Barcelona will be really hot in July ! Will be an idea to get up and get out to the beach each day and do the sights early or late.

Tess Walsh

We are thinking of taking a city/resort holiday in Barcelona on a self catering basis - we are looking at the end of May or the first week in June, any comments or advice please

The Davestator

Tess Walsh wrote: »

We are thinking of taking a city/resort holiday in Barcelona on a self catering basis - we are looking at the end of May or the first week in June, any comments or advice please

I went to Santa Susana a few years back and loved it. An hour by train from Barcelona but close to the Ryanair airport!
Lots of nice places to eat and a lovely beach.

mfceiling

Tess Walsh wrote: »

We are thinking of taking a city/resort holiday in Barcelona on a self catering basis - we are looking at the end of May or the first week in June, any comments or advice please

Go for it.........what a great city.

Was there for 3 days last year with the kids and wife. Loads to do and see. Not an expensive city at all as long as you avoid Las Ramblas (small bottle of water on las ramblas €2....shop beside our apartment 30 cent for a litre bottle!!)

It isn't expensive to eat out neither - nice little tapas bar beside our apartment was less than €50 for me, herself and the 3 kids - a good mix of every kind of food and soft drinks and wine.

naughtysmurf

Personally I'd stay either a little north or south of the city and go in and out when I wish, best of both worlds for you then, the transport links are good, even Salou is only about 1hr15 by train

goldiejam

Having lived in many parts of the city i would recommend Barceloneta, which is beside the beach, the apartments are small but you are outside the madness of the city centre.
This beach is man-made, built for the Olympics.

Also there is still a genuine catalonian vibe going on down there with some really nice traditional places to get some pinchos and wine

check out this site for self catering apartments, ive known lots of people that have used it before, no worries. Its well cheaper than some of the massive prices that holiday rental companies charge that can be found through google.

http://rentals.loquo.com/english/barcelona&t=apt

also its quite easy to get the train north or south to smaller towns , castelldelfells, sitges, tarragona etc

naughtysmurf

Bassfish wrote: »

Hey, myself and the missus want to go away next month.

Don't think it will be beach weather next month but ok for a city break

RandolphEsq

naughtysmurf wrote: »

Don't think it will be beach weather next month but ok for a city break

Bassfish

naughtysmurf wrote: »

Don't think it will be beach weather next month but ok for a city break

Thanks but note date of the original post

naughtysmurf

Bassfish wrote: »

Thanks but note date of the original post

Noted

FunkyDa2

Tess Walsh wrote: »

We are thinking of taking a city/resort holiday in Barcelona on a self catering basis - we are looking at the end of May or the first week in June, any comments or advice please

We've stayed in Blanes, up the coast(a handy commuter train ride). It's got most of the trappings of a full blown resort, and Lloret de Mar is nearby if you want a waterpark, or a casino to gamble in