Focus on Barcelona

Barcelona is a bit like Paris or Rome, with certainly some architecture and nightlife to match, only a wee bit smaller and a fraction of the Euros. It’s the trendiest city in Spain. All the chic and trendy European and American designers have boutiques here. It is also relatively safe and a doddle to get around. And one of its main attractions is the superb and sometimes eccentric architecture. But for many it is the city’s many bars, restaurants, and late-night hot spots that are the main attraction.

The architect who gets number one credit for the crazy looking buildings in this town is Antoni Gaudi. He devoted his life to the style that was dubbed Catalan Modernisme. His most famous work is of course, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, which was started in 1883. He lived on on the cathedral site for the sixteen years he was working on it. He was killed by a tram before the cathedral was completed and is buried in the crypt

For the strolling tourist the city is mostly a pleasure to be in and look at. There are wide, tree-lined boulevards, clean streets and sidewalks, very good shops, lots of theaters and interesting local and international restaurants. Of course there is a bull-ring and also large city parks. The port is fun and always packed with boats and action. For the culture vultures there are many museums and monuments.

Barcelona, like the rest of Spain, stays up pretty late, and this is something the visitor has to aclimatise to. From teenagers heading to the discos to middle-aged strollers and dog walkers, you'll see them all at 2 o’clock in the morning.

All in all, you can potentially have the time of your life in Barcelona, and here at Mirandasbeach we heartliy recommend this city - go for the Barcelona buzz and see what we mean !