SUMMERTIME in BARCELONAAs the weather gets warmer, the drinks get cooler and the music gets louder, Barcelona is definitely the place to be this summer! Kick back with a cocktail on one of the many beautiful Mediterranean beaches, have a pic-nic at the colourful Park Güell, surrounded by amazing architecture, or catch your favourite artists at some of Europe’s biggest and best music festivals.

In this issue of our online mag, we’ll tell you how to make the most of your stay in Barcelona this summer. And with some cool Catalan traditions, tips on where to find the best ice-cream in the city plus an essential guide to the ‘playas’ of Barcelona thrown in, all you have to do when you arrive is sit back and enjoy your sensational summer getaway.

SÓNAR FESTIVAL de MúsicaJune 13 - 15One of the biggest electronic music festivals in Europe

GREC FESTIVALde BarcelonaJuly 1 - 31 A month-long celebration of dance, theatre, circus and more

FESTA MAJORde GràciaAugust 15 - 21Barcelona’s most colourful street party

NIT deSant JoanJune 23 - 24Beach bon�res and �reworks light up the skies

SÓNAR FESTIVAL de MúsicaJune 13 - 15One of the biggest electronic music festivals in Europe

GREC FESTIVALde BarcelonaJuly 1 - 31 A month-long celebration ofdance, theatre, circus and more

FESTA MAJORde GràciaAugust 15 - 21Barcelona’s most colourful street party

NIT deSant JoanJune 23 - 24Beach bon�res and �reworks light up the skies

SAVE THE DATE!

Summer Edition 2013

APARTMENT BARCELONA

Sónar Festival de Música

Get ready for a night of festivities, �re and fun on June 23. To celebrate Saint John’s Day on June 24, the evening before sees Barcelona’s skies come to life with colour. From massive �rework shows and bon�res on the beach attracting around 75.000 people to wild parties at bars and clubs all across the city, this is one fantastic �esta you don’t want to miss. Traditionally begin-ning with the lighting of the �ame of Canigó, a holy peak in the Pyrenees Moun-tains, on this night the streets of Barcelona become �lled with revellers until the early hours, many even taking part in some age-old customs like �re-jumping, burning old possessions and writing notes with their wishes for the year then placing them into the �ames. If you’re looking for an unfor-gettable summer party, the Nit de Sant Joan should be top of your list.

Nit de Sant Joan

Whether you’re an electro fan or just have an itch to get the massive music festival experience, Sónar is one unmissable Barce-lona event this summer. The city’s 20th International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, to give it its full title, is ready to take over the Catalan capital from June 13-15. Festival-goers will be blown away by three days of non-stop action, with big names such as Skrillex, Two Door Cinema Club and Luciano set to tingle those musical taste buds at Sónar by Night. Watch out for an amazing 3D show by Kraftwerk on Friday June 14 and be sure to catch the cool expos at Sónar by Day, which after 19 years at the MACBA and CCCB museums, has �nally changed venues to the Fira Montjuïc, making it easier to get from the evening concerts to the daytime events. For more information on tickets, the full line-up of performers and how to get to the venues, visit the Sónar Festival o�cial website.

WHENJune 13-15 2013

WHATOne of the biggest electronic music festivals in Europe

WHENJune 23-24 2013

WHATA massive midsummer celebration

WHEREFira Montjuïc at Plaça de Espanya and the Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet

WHEREAll throughout Barcelona in bars, nightclubs and on the beach

Sónar Festival de Música

Nit de Sant Joan

Grec Festival

Grec Festival Festa Major de Gràcia

The annual dance, theatre and music festi-val, El Grec, is returning this summer with an awesome line-up. Taking place at various venues in the city, such as the open-air Teatre Grec on Montjuïc Hill, this exciting festival runs for the entire month of July. As always, the Grec Festival will bring together amazing performers in dance, theatre, music and even circus from all over the globe, providing some inspirational acts and demonstrating the very best in stage arts. This year, the festival will introduce some new initiatives like MiniGrec, a series of performances for family audiences. For more information and tickets, take a look at the Grec website.

Enjoy Barcelona’s biggest block party this August as the distinctively Catalan neigh-bourhood of Gràcia is transformed into a colourful hive of live music, parades and traditional celebrations. This week-long �esta draws in thousands of visitors and city residents each year looking to catch a glimpse of the ‘castellers’ (human towers), ‘sardanes’ (folk dancing) and the exhil-arating ‘correfocs’ (�re-runs), along with many other spectacular festivities. Arguably the biggest attraction of the Festa Major de Gràcia is the competition of ‘best decorated street’, where neighbours cover around 19 streets and plazas in creative homemade decorations based on a di�erent theme each year. Be sure to check out Carrer Verdi for some of the best designs and don’t forget to grab a Mojito, on sale around every corner!

Summer Edition 2013

WHENJuly 1 - 31 2013

WHATAn annual festival of dance, theatre, arts and music

WHENAugust 15 – 21 2013

WHATA colourful Catalan �esta

WHEREVarious venues across the city

WHEREThe district of Gràcia in Barcelona

Grec Festival

Festa Major de Gràcia

Grab a picnic and head to Park Güell this summer[Photo via www.goseewrite.com]

Park Life

Picnic Anyone?

For amazing views of Barcelona and some of the most incredible architec-ture, head to Gaudí’s colourful play-ground, Park Güell! This park o�ers a serene escape from the bustling city streets, as well as an in-depth look at the signature styles from the Catalan native, Antoni Gaudí. A perfect day out, this green space is a must-see on your trip to Barcelona. You can even grab a picnic basket and enjoy lunch by the dazzling sea serpent benches, the iconic dragon fountain and the ama-zing room of columns. Don’t forget to head to the stone cross at the highest point of the park for some astounding panoramic views of the city, too.

Summer Edition 2013

Grab a picnic an a head to Park Güell this summer

I Scream for Ice-Cream

Cool Treats

Barcelona’s summers can be hot. And we mean hot. So, if you’re looking to cool down quickly, then what tastier way than by grabbing a delicious ice-cream? The varieties of �avours and toppings that can be found around the Catalan capital are endless, ensuring that even the pickiest of taste buds are sure to be satis�ed! We recommend checking out the Italian ‘Amorino’. This ice cream parlour group has stores dotted around the city centre o�ering a little bit of homemade heaven amongst the sights.

‘Eyescream and Friends’ is another parlour not to be missed. This cool and quirky “heladería” will give you the most unusual ice-cream experience where you can choose from a wide range of toppings, adding edible eyes for a unique twist. Located on the famous Passeig Joan de Borbó, visitors can enjoy digging into these one-of-a-kind treats while strolling along the beach promenade.

Amorino ice-cream parlour

Fun from Dusk ‘til Dawn

Bars & NightlifeThese trendy beach bars are located right on the sands and o�er quick snacks and fresh drinks for those feeling the heat in Barcelona, with some even going all-out with exten-sive menus and juicy cocktails. As the sun sets, many chiringuitos host live DJs and beach parties, too. We recommend Princesa 23 at the Barce-loneta Beach for some top tunes and cool Caipirinhas. If you’re looking for a real taste of Barcelona nightlife, be sure to check out the stylish CDLC or glamorous Shôko, just two of the clubs which can been found along the beachfront at Vila Olímpica.

Want more of a chilled-out experien-ce? Don’t miss your chance to unwind as you enjoy anything from a classic cocktail to a summer-inspired mix at one of the many terrace bars in Barce-lona. We suggest heading to the Sunset Lounge Bar at Via Laietana, 24, where laid-back sofas make it easy to enjoy the views that stretch down all the way to the Med - best experienced at night when the city lights add a special touch of sparkle.

Shôko club, Barcelona

If you’re headed to Barcelona this summer, then kicking back at one of the popular ‘chiringuitos’ that line the beach is an absolute must.

Summer Edition 2013

Family Escapes

Day trip to MaresmeLooking to escape the city for a day? If so, be sure to head to Maresme, situated about 30 minutes from Barcelona. Lying between the Catalan capital and the Costa Brava, this region is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out, whether you wish to spend some time on one of the many sandy beaches, take a stroll through the pine forest or visit one of the local villages that lie among the moun-tains. A day trip to Maresme is ideal for families, too, as there are plenty of children’s play parks and even a marine zoo and water park. To get there, just hop aboard the R1 Cercanías Renfe train.

All Aboard!

Barcelona by BoatFor a unique way to see the city, why not hop on a Barcelona boat tour? Take in the stunning panoramic scene of the Catalan capital’s skyline from the cool waves of the Mediterranean. We recommend ‘Las Golondrinas Barcelona Sea Tour’ for two hours of fresh air and sunshine and the chance to cool o� on the waves as you admire the views of the Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Games HQ, Frank Gehry’s Golden Fish, plus much more. With a bar on board, you will be able to take it all in while enjoying a refreshing beer or a glass of ‘vino’. With tours departing every 15-30 minutes from the port in front of the Christopher Columbus monument, you can enjoy Barcelona from a di�erent angle on this 18 mile sailing tour.

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, then check out Feel Free Tours’ ‘Nautical Experience’ where an experienced instructor will show you the ropes (literally!) on this 2 hour sailing adventure down the coastline. This tour is exclusive to Apartment Barcelona clients, so drop us a line for more info!

Take a boat tour of Barcelona

One of the beatiful beaches at Maresme

Summer Edition 2013

A Short Guide to the

Beaches of BarcelonaBarcelona is home to around 4.5km of beaches where golden sands, a soothing sea breeze and breathtaking views provide a welcome retreat from the city buzz during summer. From sweet Sangria under the Spanish sun to sandcastle building, and even water sports for those adrenaline junkies, there’s plenty to get stuck into at the 7 beaches of Barcelona.

Barceloneta Beach

Dubbed the ‘3rd best beach in the world’ by the Discovery Channel, this long stretch of sand has a lively atmosphere, o�ering sun worshippers the chance to kick back by the Med, enjoy a drink at one of the many ‘chiringuitos’ or even take up some beach sports, with volley-ball and table tennis facilities dotted along the shore. Feeling peckish? This Barcelona beach is also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. We recommend Cal Pinxo at Plaça de Pau Vila for those looking to dig into some delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Barceloneta Beach

Bogatell & Nova Icària Beaches

Mar Bella Beach

These beaches are a little further north along the coastline. Here you can enjoy a Mojito at one of the many bars on the seafront promenade or some delicious paella at one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Barcelona, Catamarán. End your day by hopping aboard a sailing boat from where breathtaking views of the Med await.

This stretch of sand may be Barcelona’s designated nudist beach, but going in your birthday suit is far from compulsory. The Mar Bella beach is also known for its waves that make water sports a dream on gusty days. For extra thrills, have a go at some windsur�ng and kayaking.

Known as one of Barcelona’s �nest beaches due to its cleanliness and golden sands, Nova Mar Bella can be found in the Sant Marti-Poblenou district. This beach o�ers a quieter experience than the bustling Barce-loneta, and is very popular with the younger crowd. Mochima, a cool chiringuito chain, can be found here, where you can wind down in peace at this tranquil setting during the day or party hard at night.

Nova Mar Bella Beach

Nova Icària Beach

Windsur�ng at Mar Bella Beach

Mochima Bar, Nova Mar Bella Beach

Summer Edition 2013

Apartments

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APARTMENT BARCELONA

Summer Edition 2013

Create your perfect trip to Barcelona, whether it’s exploring Gaudí’s gems of ‘Modernisme’ at Park Güell, tickling those taste buds with a velvety ice-cream or dancing through the streets of Gràcia at the �amboyant Festa Major. As for your accommodation, why not opt for a beach apartment in Barcelona? With remarkable Mediter-ranean Sea views from Barceloneta, Port Olímpic and Diagonal Mar, plus easy access to all of the sights in the city, choosing an apartment by the beach is ideal for a summer getaway in Barcelona.

is an online tourist apartment agency with more than 700 Barcelona apartments to rent for both short and long-term stays. From luxury apartments in Barcelona to studios, and from Ramblas apartments to beach apartments in Barcelona, we have a great choice of accommodation in a wide variety of locations across the city.

Enjoy dinner on the terrace with a fantastic beach apartment in BarcelonaLook out over the Mediterranean every day with a lovely sea view apartment in Barcelona