August has arrived with record highest temperatures and heat waves. However, no need to worry! Here you have Hostemplo to bring you the most refreshing plans to enjoy your best summer in Barcelona. Are you travelling alone, in a couple, or with kids? It doesn’t matter! We have plans for all of you, follow us!
Photo El Pont del Petroli de Badalona – Eduardo Riol
1. LET’S GO TO THE BEACH!!
Photo Illa Roja, Begur – surfingtheplanet.com
The good thing about hot weather in coastal cities is that you can go to the beach at any time and, as you already may know, Barcelona has great beaches! In our previous post about beach bars (chiringuitos) we gave a rough outline to the trendiest beaches in the city: Barceloneta, Nova Icària, Mar Bella… etc. or, like the one on the picture above, El Pont del Petroli in Badalona. If you are planning to spend a few days in Barcelona, you may also think of visiting beaches that a bit further away. We’ll give you our top 3 beaches in Catalonia, one on each part of the coast:
- Illa Roja: Begur, Costa Brava. How do I get there?
- Playa del Fangar, Delta del Ebre. How do I get there?
- Cala Fonda, Costa Daurada. How do I get there?
2. REFRESHING SPORTS
Photo Kite surfing in Barcelona – shbarcelona.es
Paddle Surf
It is with no doubts the sport trending the most in the latest years in Barcelona! Everyday, lots of beginners or lovers of this curious sport mixing rowing and surf, pass by the paddle-surf schools. Along the Barcelona coast, you will be able to rent all the required materials and even take classes.
Yoga
Thanks to the sand, the sea and the sunrise as an idyllic background, practicing yoga or any other meditation sport, or just stretching, is fantastic. The best time to do it is at dawn and the sunset; on one hand, due to the heat, to avoid a sunstroke, on the other hand, also because of the calm. Sign up for the best yoga retreats!
Swimming
Thanks to the calmed waters of the Mediterranean, our sea is ideal for practicing open water swimming. Watch out for the current and jellyfish!
Surf
Although it is not frequent to see big waves at the Mediterranean, the surf activity at the Barceloneta is strong and constant. Just have a look how many people get into the water on a wavy day… Interested in learning?
Kite Surf
It is another trending sport in Barcelona. There are certain elements to be taken into account: cost of the material, you need to be quite fit and, above all, weather elements: no wind, no action; nevertheless, there are several spots to practice Kite surf in Barcelona if the weather is suitable for it.
3. WATER AND AMUSEMENT PARKS IN BARCELONA
Photo Ferris Wheel at Tibidabo – pequeviajes.com
If you are travelling with kids, this is for you! Children love amusement and water parks; you know that, don’t you? This kind of activities is a must in almost every parents’ agenda. We also have this type of entertainment in Barcelona, plenty of them! We recommend:
Go up to Tibidabo, Barcelona’s amusement park. Feel the magic of its centenary history. Enjoy the attractions, both the classical and the modern ones, while admiring the city scenery at your feet. Get your camera ready, because you will experience an unforgettable day! And, it also has a water park area that will amaze you!
Illa fantasía:
Over 22 water rides, 3 giant swimming pools, and large recreation areas. No hurries, no need to queue and counting on professional staff to let you enjoy an unforgettable day with the family. Illa Fantasia is with no doubts Barcelona’s top water park!
And if you are planning to spend a few days a bit further away from Barcelona, close to Salou, for example, we recommend you to visit Port Aventura! We also leave here a full list of the water or amusement parks along the catalan coast.
4. CINEMA A LA FRESCA – OPEN AIR CINEMA
GandulesFestival – Photo inandoutbarcelona.net
This is one of the most popular activities in the various districts of Barcelona as summertime arrives. It takes place at the beach, main neighborhood squares, Montjuïc (Sala Montjuïc)… and almost every film is are played in subtitled original version, so if you understand English, go ahead!
For August this year we recommend Gàndules, a free, open-air cinema festival at the CCCB’s yard. Alternative and indie films for free and including a hammock, are you gonna miss it?
5. ICE CREAM SHOPS: THE MOST REFRESHING SWEET 
Ice-cream photo of Delacrem – Foto inandoutbarcelona.net
Last but not least, let us suggest you the tastiest way to cool off. We do believe this section deserves a whole post itself, a bible or specialized guide of Barcelona’s ice creams. Because Barcelona is full of great ice cream shops to drink an horchata (tiger nut milk drink), a slush or a perfect Italian gelato. Some expert foodies we follow: Timeout, Barcelonafoodieguide and Inandoutbarcelona… talk a lot about the following ice cream shops, and if they do so, you’d rather have a try!
- Delacrem
Massimo Pignata left his home Italy to open this artisan ice cream shop in L’Eixample. What else do you need to know?
Where? 15, Enric Granados, 08007, Barcelona.
- Sirvent
One of the classics in the city. Since 1920! Do we need to add anything to that?
Where? 56, Parlament de Catalunya Street, 08015, Barcelona.
- Ochiai
Japan, sweet and Barcelona. One of the most appealing proposals: cakes, ice cream, sweets… A must go in our opinion!
Where? 110, Comte Urgell, 08011, Barcelona.
So, did you cool off already? We remind you that at Hostemplo we offer all comforts for making your stay in Barcelona a top one: air-conditioning, breakfast, extraordinary locations. Check all our rooms and apartments! And remember, if you book on our web, you will have FREE breakfast on your first night! So much action deserves a good rest; at Hostemplo you’ll get it for sure. See you in August?
