Olympic Port

The Port Olímpic, part of the Barcelona seafront's Olympic Village, was built for the sailing competition in the 1992 Summer Olympics. Part of a successful urban rejuvenation project, its construction transformed a disused area into prime coastal real estate. Today, the stylish marina is always busy with boats and the area around the Port has become a favourite tourist attraction.

The Port is situated between the beautiful Barceloneta and Nova Icària beaches. A broad palm-lined walkway connects the two, from which you can gaze over the surrounding forest of docked masts. The marina also boasts some interesting contemporary street sculptures, including Frank Gehry’s magnificent golden fish, El Peix d’Or.

Barceloneta is the most popular beach in the city, so if you want a good spot make sure to set up camp early in the day. It is a part of the old fishing neighbourhood of the same name, and is said to have inspired Cervantes’ setting for Don Quixote’s duel with the Knight of the White Moon. Today it is typically full of beach-umbrellas and sun loungers, and is lined with some of the best seafood restaurants in the city.

Along the Port Olímpic there are many further great bars and restaurants, traditionally with an emphasis on excellent Catalan seafood. However, you will also find restaurants serving other varieties of Mediterranean cuisine, and even some old favourites like steaks, burgers and pizzas for less adventurous palates. The area is also one of Barcelona’s hottest nightlife districts - there are plenty of bars offering cocktails and music from morning to night, as well as a large number of upmarket nightclubs which stay open well into the early hours.