Exploring Barcelona By Sea

Exploring Barcelona can be done on foot, by bicycle, on a scooter or via the convenient tour buses that deliver passengers to key sites all around town. These are all great ways to experience the city however one of the most unique ways to do so is by sea.

One of the biggest attributes Barcelona has over other popular Spanish cities is that in fact it really is a buzzing city that also has an immaculate seafront and isn’t just a sleepy seaside fishing village. Barcelona’s history and current day culture is closely linked with the sea. It is home to one of Europe’s principal ports which can viewed from atop Montjuic and its common knowledge that many a tourist embark on their Barcelona adventure by way of cruise ship as it is a popular destination along Mediterranean cruise routes.

Barceloneta, the neighborhood that borders the sea and has a beach of the same was actually settled by fisherman in the 18th century due to its proximity to the sea. In present day luxurious yachts and classic sailboats can be seen at the cities boat docks like Port Vell and Port Olympic.

So, what is all this about… To say it is worth your while to take to the water and get a seaman’s perspective of this great port city. And just how do you do that? Well, hop aboard a boat for a day cruise, of course!

There are two popular companies that offer trips along the Barcelona coastline. Las Golondorinas are large wooden-hulled pleasure boats that take passengers on an 18-mile trip that begins in the popular Port Vell all the way to Forum Port in Sant Adria de Besos lasting for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

These boats generally pack in the crowds and therefore suggest my favorite of the two for a more intimate sea experience and amazing coastal views of the Barcelona skyline, Catamaran Orsom. With a maximum capacity of 80, it is the largest sailing catamaran offering its services to the general public yet has a more intimate feel than Las Golondorinas.

The boat is absolutely stunning and the experienced crew is attentive giving you a sense of security while sailing on the open water. They offer daily public sails that allow you to relax and enjoy the sun, sea and beautiful vistas of Barcelona from the Mediterranean during daylight hours. Their jazz cruises, which sets sail in the late afternoon/early evening is an enjoyable treat for saxophone fans.

The boat isn’t large enough to host a full jazz band! And lastly, my favorite is the sunset cruise. It isn’t always on offer and only sets sail when there is perfect weather conditions making this trip all the more special as you watch the sunset over Barcelona and the evening lights come aglow.

Leaving from the dock just behind the Columbus statue and the end of Las Ramblas you’ll peel off from land leaving the city behind you and Tibidabo on the horizon line. You’ll pass by popular sites you probably saw up close like Frank Gehry’s bronze fish sculpture nestled between the Mapfre tower and the Hotel Arts as well as the old lighthouse at the old fishing port. To top off the hour and a half cruise you can sip on traditional sangria or Catalan cava. Now that’s a sea adventure worth checking out!

Las Golondrinas
Plaça del Portal de la Pau
Tel: +34 93 442 3106
For more information: www.lasgolondorinas.com

Catamaran Orsom
Sales Kiosk: Portal de la Pau, Moll de Drassanes, Port Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 441 05 37
For more info go to www.barcelona-orsom.com