Most of us have a checklist of things we want from a holiday. Sun, sea and sand is usually a must, but what about history, culture, good food, nightlife and an accepting gay scene? Barcelona has it all.
It took just one and a half hours to fly from London to Barcelona – and it was raining! Luckily it didn’t last long and the next day was shorts and T-Shirt weather (at least for a Brit abroad anyway). Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a small region in northern Spain. For years the Catalonian people have talked about and wanted independence. I stayed with a resident there and he explained that they even have their own language. Don’t worry though, it is very similar to Spanish and most people do speak both languages, as well as English. The city is a bustling hive of activity and excitement. With only 1.5 million residents, it is the sea of tourists who plug up the main areas. You’ll hear a cosmopolitan mix of languages as you walk through Las Ramblas or any of the monuments and parks. There is so much to see and do, it is wise to take one of the bus tours on your first few days, just to get your bearings and see what this beautiful city has to offer.
Barcelona boasts many golden beaches just 20 minutes’ walk from the centre. As well as the many regular beaches there are also two gay friendly and clothing optional ones as well. The first is Mar Bella and is especially popular with locals on a weekend. It’s situated at the northern end of the seafront next to the beach bar, Chiringuito. The second is Sant Sebastia. This town beach is south of Mar Bella behind the marina. It’s strange to think that just a few decades ago; Barcelona didn’t even have a beach. Industry dominated the coastline and the sand had been washed away. It was only after the Olympics in 1992 that Barcelona became a major tourist destination and the massive waterfront was revitalised; the industrial buildings have long since been relocated and replaced with the almost mile long beach. It is so impressive that National Geographic have voted it the best city beach in the Mediterranean. So whether you want to walk barefoot on the golden sand, have a swim in the clear, blue ocean or just sunbath without the worry of gaining a tan, Barcelona has you covered.
There is also a thriving gay scene in Barcelona. As with a lot of European cities, the bars don’t usually get busy until midnight, but there are plenty of shops, cafes and even saunas to keep you entertained in the interim. Barcelona is known for its circuit party style clubs with hot, muscle boys gyrating in nothing more than a jock and a cheeky smile – and that’s always worth seeing. Try and pick up a discount entry flyer at one of the bars for cheaper admittance and remember that most entrance prices include one free drink.