Barcelona Beach: is it Difficult to Relax?

Barcelona Life on August 12, 2009 1:24 pm

Barcelona is a very pleasant city, of which one of the principal advantages is its ideal location on the edge of the Mediterranean. After a day of sightseeing, it is quite nice to go for a refreshing swim. However, if you’re thinking of going to Barcelona beach in order to have a little nap, think again! Indeed, about every 3 or 4 minutes somebody comes along trying to sell something to you:

Massages

In Barcelona, many girls traipse along the beach in order to offer you their massages: “masaje masaje, massage, massage! ”, in all imaginable languages (or almost all). You will hear them soliciting you all day, and although one may try to be oblivious to their offers, it is almost impossible. After all, everyone has the right to work and I am absolutely sure that a number of you will greatly appreciate being able to have a good massage at the hands of an expert whilst lying on the beach.

french donut salesman with triangle on the beach in barcelona

Beer (and other fresh drinks) salesmen

Once the masseuses have passed by, it is the turn of the beer salesmen to offer their refreshments to you: “cerveza, beer”, “beer, cerveza!” Then come the non-alcoholic drinks “cola fanta”, and again in reverse, “fanta cola”! . When one decides to go to the beach in order to chill out, hearing all day long the same scratched disc and having your head filled with coke, fanta, and beer doesn’t exactly turn your stomach but it can slightly get on your nerves!

The final noise which could mess up your sleep is that of the public information system: “watch out for pickpockets, keep your personal belongings on you at all times”, equally in every imaginable language! And at 6 p.m., the eagerly awaited notice, to tell you that the lifeguards have finished their day, which is the moment to really open your eyes and see these lush muscular young men. And you might even be graced with the notice “Warning! Jellyfish!!”- what the hell are they talking about? Where?

You now know that you shouldn’t come to the beach in Barcelona if you’re thinking of taking a nap, but on the other hand the beach is really pleasant with its lively environment, its musicians and its sand sculptures. If you are looking for a little more tranquility, you can go to the beaches a little further on towards the Olympic port, or in other towns outside of Barcelona, such as Casteldefells, Mongat, Sitges which offer you a little more peace. Follow the link for a comprehensive guide to the beaches around Barcelona.

You also want to be chilled out when you go to the beach? Tell us here. Do you know about calm beaches where you only hear the noise of the flies flying? Your recommendations are welcome.

Carole