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Monday, 01 March 2010 15:04 |
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Running is very popular in Barcelona so it is not surprising the Barcelona Marathon is an important yearly appointment. The Marato' Barcelona this year takes place on Sunday 7th of March. 8000 participants, half of which are visitors from abroad who have come to Barcelona to take part in the event, will run over 42 km past the fabulous landmarks of the city. The race starts and finishes at the Montjuic fountain and goes past Camp Nou, Gaudi's La Pedrera and La Sagrada Familia. After a stretch down the waterfront the route goes past the Ciutadella Park up to Placa Catalunya, then down La Rambla and back up along Parallel, Ronda St. Pau and Sepulveda to the finish line in Palca Espanya. For a full route of the marathon visit the Marato' Barcelona official site. |
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Thursday, 18 February 2010 14:45 |
 The first time I visited Barcelona I was amazed to see rows of bicycles on the streets that were clearly part of a transport system. I assumed it was some kind of automated rental service, but when I looked into it I found they were actually an integral part of Barcelona's public transport. How cool is that? The service started back in 2007 and was immediately a huge success with the city's residents who pay 24 Euros a year and get to use the bicycles whenever they want. The bicycles are positioned in strategic places to cover various areas of the city and they can be picked up at one station and dropped off at another. So how do the authorities make sure people don't monopolise a bike for a long period of time? Simple, they are to be considered mediums of transport and not leisure vehicles as such a journey has a maximum length of 30 minutes, any exceeding time for a single bike ride is charged at 0.30€ for every half hour. Unfortunately this service is not available for tourists yet as a valid Barcelona address must be provided on registration. |
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Thursday, 11 February 2010 08:26 |
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Tourists and locals alike will be able to shop at the newly opened H&M store in Barcelona last month. The shop opened in the most commercial street in Barcelona Portal de l'Angel in a spectacular 19th century building. The outstanding shop's interior is the creation of Estudio Mariscal whose expertise is evident in the beautiful contrast between 19th century architecture and modern fittings with an exquisite use of bright colours next to black and white and the use of metal fittings in contrast with the existing wood and stone. |
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 15:03 |
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 We had a lot of fun at the Poble Espanyol when we visited last May, unfortunately we didn't know about the fabulous treasure hunts in place for families with kids aged between 3 and 9 so it is definitely an excuse to return. Barcelona is one of our favourite cities and since we are so close geographically we tend to go back frequently. I love museum's backpacks and exploring activities for families so I am really quite curious to try this one out with my six year old. Museum's activities really are the best way to turn culture into a game. Backpacks are available in English, Spanish and Catalan everyday from 10am to 6pm at the cost of €5 (this charge does not include entry to the Poble Espanyol); one backpack is suitable for a maximum of 5 participants. More information is available here.
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Tuesday, 26 January 2010 09:31 |
 I fell in love with Barcelona the first time I set foot there. I love the fact that Barcelona has everything a big city has to offer, but there is much more to it. For starters it is by the sea, which in my book is a big plus, and the sun shines most of the time. There is no better combination than this for outdoor living and great holiday adventures like taking a cruise at sunset. After a day of sightseeing, a cruise out to sea listening to Jazz and sipping wine is just what you need before dinner. The trip last about two hours and lives just before sunset, just in time to enjoy the orange glow covering the city from the sea, and leaves from Port Vell. For bookings and further details click here. |
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Wednesday, 20 January 2010 12:22 |
 Barcelona is a city that fills me with a lot of good sporting intentions and particularly for those appealing outdoor activities. The parks, the seafront and the weather are all very inspiring so it's not unusual to be surrounded by people of all ages cycling, skating or running. Tourists are even encouraged to maintain their training while on holiday with sights jogging tours readily available. The jogging tours can take the form of a one to one session or a group affair (maximum 4 people) with hotel pick up by the guide at the arranged time. There are 8 different routes to choose from with varying levels of difficulty. The tours are available everyday with an early morning option as well as a choice to run at dusk at the scenic Montjuic Hill. This is ideal for tourists who don't want to break their training routine during their holiday while making the most of their time in a new city. It is undoubtedly an active way to discover Barcelona. For booking details and price click here. |
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Monday, 11 January 2010 20:13 |
 Qualified divers can experience diving with sharks at the Barcelona aquarium by taking part to the Shark Course, which includes a theoretical part on sharks, a guided tour of L’Aquàrium de Barcelona and diving in the Oceanarium. It takes place every Wednesday and on weekends from 9.30 to 2pm with a maximum capacity of 4 divers. In order to take part you need to bring your diving qualifications and diving register. For more information on reservations and costs visit the Barcelona’s Aquarium page. http://www.aquariumbcn.com/AQUARIUM/index.php?wlang=en
More shark activities for non divers are available on weekend for Children aged between 8 and 12 can experience sleeping with Sharks and other marine creatures on weekend nights throughout the year between 8pm and 10am. Tickets of €75 include activities, dinner, breakfast and explorers’ handbook. The evening is set up with a class on sharks before dinner, dinner, night games about shark’s senses and shark stories after dinner, breakfast and a visit to the technical area to find out how the animals at the aquarium wake up. Kids need to bring their own sleeping bag and hygiene essentials. Places are limited so reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Classes are available in Spanish and Catalan. |
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