Barceloneta beach
Cable Car from Port Vell to Montjuïc
The W Hotel
The Barcelona cable car stretches from Barceloneta to Montjüic Mountain
History
Barcelona’s port used to be a blot on the landscape. In the 1980s it was completely transformed from a run down industrial fishing port to a beautiful seafront with shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and of course beaches worthy of a city like Barcelona.
The neighbourhood of Barceloneta was virtually uninhabited until the middle of the 18th century when the land was reclaimed from the sea and a new district was created out of what was a swamp. The first houses were built in the 1700s by engineer Juan Martín Cermeño and ever since then the area has taken on a life of its own. The houses were built for local workers and became astonishingly overcrowded as the original buildings only had two storeys, supposedly so that cannons from La Ciutadella could pass over them!
Sightseeing
Transbordador Aeri del Port, or the Cable Car of the Port, is a top sightseeing feature in Barcelona. It starts from the Torre Sant Sebastía near Barceloneta, crosses the port at Torre Jaume I and takes you to the top of Montjüic mountain. During you ride you will see unforgettable aerial views of the city.
The leaning tower of Barceloneta.
The Beach is the most important part of the Barceloneta neighbourhood; its golden beaches are popular with the many European holidaymakers that come every year. During the summer months the beach is full of visitors and locals. Everything you desire is at your fingertips, from a cold mojito to a warm massage. Beach traders also sell an assortment of sarongs which you can put next your towel to save your space on the sand while you take a swim. Remebmber, never leave your valuables unattended on the beach – or anywhere else in Barcelona.
Homenatge a la Barceloneta is a famous art work on the beach of Barceloneta. It is also known as “L’Estel Ferit,” or “The Wounded Star,” or simply “the cubes”. This leaning tower is iconic point of reference and a great meeting place for friends. The tower is simple, creative and eye-catching.
Dining & Nightlife
The W Hotel has the perfect beach location, but you do not have to pay the high price for a room to take advantage of the elegant atmosphere. There are 3 restaurants inside the hotel, 1 cocktail lounge and 1 club, all open to the anyone wanting to have a classy night out.
Address: Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1
Eclipse Bar cocktail lounge at the W Hotel.
La Gavina offers traditional Catalan and Mediterranean seafood dishes, which is only fitting considering the area you are in. Barcelona is known for it’s fresh seafood and this restaurant does it well, including a traditional paella dish that does not disappoint.
Address: Plaça de Pau Vila, 1
Absenta is a bar for those seeking adventure; it might serve you your first taste of real absinthe. It stocks many different strengths and varieties. See how this extremely alcoholi liquor known as the “the green fairy” agrees with you, in this dark and dingy bar that is sure to provide a memorable experience in Barcelona.
Address: Carrer de Sant Carles, 36
How to get there
The metro L4 will take you to Barceloneta but there are also several bus routes passing through the area which often can get you a bit closer to the beach if you don’t feel like walking quite so far.
