PARKS AND BEACHES
1. Parc de Cervantes
Av Diagonal 708 • Open 10am–dusk
Built in 1964 to celebrate 25 years of Franco’s rule, this beautiful park on the outskirts of Barcelona would have been more appropriately named Park of the Roses. There are over 11,000 rose bushes of 245 varieties; when in bloom, their scent pervades the entire park. People pour in at weekends, but the park is blissfully deserted during the week.
2. Parc Güell
The twisting pathways and avenues of columned arches of Parc Güell blend in with the hillside, playfully fusing nature and fantasy. From the esplanade, with its stunning mosaic bench, visitors have spectacular views of the city and of the fairy-tale gatehouses below.
Vibrant mosaic at Parc Güell
3. Jardins del Palau de Pedralbes
Av Diagonal 686 • Open 10am–dusk
These picturesque gardens lie just in front of the former Palau Reial (royal palace) of Pedralbes. Under an enormous eucalyptus tree, near a small bamboo forest, is the Fountain of Hercules with a wrought-iron dragon-head spout by Gaudí which was only discovered in 1984.
4. Parc de la Ciutadella
Pg Pujades • Open 10am–10:30pm; zoo timings vary, check website • Adm (for the zoo) • www.zoobarcelona.cat/en
The largest landscaped park in Barcelona offers a green, tranquil antidote to city life. Once the location of the 18th-century military citadel, this lovely, serene 19th-century park is now home to the city zoo, the Catalan parliament, a placid boating lake and a variety of works by Catalan sculptors as well as modern artists. It also has the flamboyant Cascada fountain, which Gaudí helped design.
Cascada fountain, Parc de la Ciutadella
5. Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Dating back to 1791, these enchanting gardens are among the city’s oldest. Situated above the city, where the air is cooler and cleaner, the park includes themed gardens, water-falls and a small canal (see Parc del Laberint d’Horta). The highlight is the vast maze with a statue of Eros at its centre.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
6. Parc de Joan Miró
C/Tarragona 74 • Open 10am–11pm
Also known as Parc de l’Escorxador, this park was built on the site of a 19th-century slaughterhouse (escorxador). Dominating the paved upper level of the park is Miró’s striking 22-m (72-ft) sculpture, Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird), created in 1983. There are several play areas for kids and a couple of kiosk cafés.
7. Parc de l’Espanya Industrial
C/Muntadas 37 • Open 10am–midnight
Located on the site of a former textile factory, this modern park was built in 1986 by Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui. It is an appealing space, with 10 lighthouse-style viewing towers along one side of the boating lake and an enormous cast-iron dragon that doubles as a slide. There is a good terrace bar with a playground for kids.
8. City Beaches
The beaches of Barcelona were once insalubrious areas to be avoided. With the 1992 Olympics they underwent a radical face-lift and today the stretches of Barceloneta and the Port Olímpic are a people magnet (see Beaches). A short hop on the metro from the city centre, the beaches are regularly cleaned and the facilities include showers, toilets, play areas for kids, volleyball nets and an open-air gym. Boats and surfboards can be hired. Be aware, though, that bag snatching is endemic.
9. Castelldefels
Train to Platja de Castelldefels from Estació de Sants or Passeig de Gràcia
Just 20 km (12 miles) south of Barcelona are 5 km (3 miles) of wide sandy beaches with shallow waters. Beach bars entice weekend sun worshippers out of the afternoon sun for long, lazy seafood lunches and jugs of sangria. Windsurfers are available for hire.
Castelldefels beach
10. Premià de Mar and El Masnou
Train to Premià or El Masnou from Plaça de Catalunya or Estació de Sants
Arguably the best beaches within easy reach of Barcelona, just 20 km (12 miles) to the north of the city, these two adjoining beaches lure locals with golden sand and clear, blue waters.
