How To Build A Beach Vacation Into Your Trip To Barcelona

Spain has many gems. However, Barcelona will always hold a special place. It's the land of spice, paella, nonstop nightlife, and incredible architecture. The city itself offers a renowned yet refreshing take and is diverse. It's also mesmerizing and provides the perfect escape while being immersed in history. What is there not to love?

While Barcelona may be located in Spain, the region is very unique. So unique that there are two official languages that are currently spoken in Barcelona: Spanish and Catalan. According to census data (via Culture Trip), 9 million people speak the latter worldwide. So brushing up on a few pointers will certainly add bonus points from locals.

According to World Cities Culture Forum, Barcelona welcomed over 8.5 million visitors in 2019 and there are plenty of reasons why. Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and is located in the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula, which means a stunning coastal presence. There are a plethora of reasons to visit Barcelona; just take a glance at this curated list from Culture Trip. For starters, the city delivers on the Mediterranean climate and is dripping with history, otherworldly monuments, and crave-worthy tapas. Seeing it all may seem impossible, however, fitting in this one particular neighborhood will make it worth your while and provide a scenery many dream about.

Barceloneta is a quaint seaside town in Barcelona, and relaxation is key in this slice of paradise alongside a city of wonder. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, this town provides the perfect melting pot of all things Barcelona. According to Culture Trip, Barceloneta was once a fisherman's village, but now boasts exciting nightlife, attractive beaches, and impressive architecture, and is loved by locals and tourists. Not only does it have beautiful beaches, there is also an interesting historical tidbit. According to Hotels.com, Barceloneta may have been the setting for the conflict between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon.

The area consists of several beaches that are within walking distance of a variety of destinations. The Sant Sebastià beach is near the chic W Barcelona, while the Sant Miquel beach is home to the incredible "L'Estel Ferit" sculpture (which translates to "Wounded Star"). Created by Rebecca Horn, the 10-meter-high sculpture pays homage to the fishing district of Barcelona. Composed of four stacked leaning steel cubes, the contemporary piece draws in crowds from all over and is known by locals as "Los Cubos."

While Barceloneta is a great escape to squeeze into your trip, there are other stops that are worth visiting as well. Out of the many attractions, one that continues to reign supreme is the incredible La Sagrada Familia: architect Antoni Gaudí's Gothic Revival church (and now a museum) that began construction in the 1880s. Despite being under construction for over a century the unique site is not only the tallest religious building in Europe, per Catalonia Hotels, but it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. This site alone is one of Barcelona's top tourist destinations and welcomes 5 million people each year, per Cuddly Nest. The intricate design is complex and truly a sight to behold, and a stop at La Sagrada Familia will leave you in awe.

Whether it's a food-focused culinary adventure and diving into the region's impressive Michelin-star restaurants, a trip to see incredible gothic sculptures, or a beachside retreat — there is an area (barrio) for you! There are 10 different districts according to Barcelona Life. Get excited for the adventure that lies ahead as the charm of Barcelona is sure to win you over.