Barcelona is probably one of the hottest spots in Europe currently. The city enjoys year round sunshine, very low rainfall and a very mild winter – an enviable climate which is a major factor in its popularity. Barcelona has an incredible buzz come the summer months and it is an exciting time of year to experience the city and its breathtaking architecture.
So no surprise then that the peak season for tourism is the summer, when the city and its beaches are packed with visitors enjoy the warm weather and the Spanish outdoor lifestyle as well as the spectacles of Las Ramblas, the old town, the Sagrada Familia and FC Barcelona and the Camp Nou.
Barcelona is of course famous for its beaches and very few cities can boast such a potent mix of cosmopolitan city and Mediterranean beach life. If you are a beach lover then Barcelona is definitely the city for you.
It is easy to reach Barcelona’s 4.5 kilometres of beaches either on foot or by public transport, and the beaches begin right in the old town no more than 15 minutes from Las Ramblas! If you are seeking refreshment then stop off in a chiringuito beach bar, these are dotted at regular intervals along the coast and can stay open long into the night.
But of course Barcelona has far more to offer then just the beach, tapas, restaurants, architecture, shopping, fashion, museums, cafes and bars! Here are some of the top summer events to look out for in the city.
Festival Grec
Running throughout the summer, the Festival Grec includes music, theatre, dance and circus. It takes place at the open-air theatre the Teatre Grec on Montjuïc as well as other interesting cultural landmarks in the city, such as the Miró Museum.
Musicians that have played at the Festival Grec over the years in the past include Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Lou Reed, B.B. King and Bob Dylan.
Sonar
DJs from the cutting edge of dance music from all over the world attend Sónar each June; electronic music styles such as techno, house, drum and bass and hip hop are represented.
Sonar is now a global music event Sao Paulo and Tokyo as well as Barcelona, bringing music to a new global corporate level. The event is divided into Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night. Additional concerts take place at L’Auditori de Barcelona.
Festes de Gràcia
Not for the feint hearted, the longest, largest and loudest of Barcelona’s street parties takes place in August, the 8-day long Festes de Gràcia. The neighbourhood is transformed into a riot of colour and noise, with decorated streets and free concerts, much like a carnival.
An inclusive event for all generations, it features Geants (giant mannequins with a person inside) and Castellers in the scenic Plaça Rius i Taulet, and reaches its apex with a correfoc (street firework display) and a castell de focs.
La Vuelta
In August LaVuelta passes through Catalunya and Barcelona most summers, Catalunya being excellent cycling country.
The route competitors take usually coming over the Pyrenees from Andorra on its way to Barcelona, ending at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
If you are coming to Barcelona remember that an apartment in Barcelona is an affordable option at any time of year as well as comfortable and convenient.