The America's Cup: Everything You Need To Know About Barcelona
A popular yacht charter hub and Spain's second biggest city, Barcelona should undoubtedly feature high on a Mediterranean summer itinerary. And this year, even more so with the Catalonian Capital hosting the world's most iconic sailing event - the America's Cup.
The competition for the oldest trophy begins on August 22, followed by the Challenger selection series, concluding with the finals on October 12. Marina Port Vell's central location will be the heart of the Cup throughout the summer, giving yachts a front-row seat to the action. The marina's facilities include team bases, the event village, and an exhibition center.
The vibrant city, where old meets new, is a sensory blend of flavors, sights, and sounds. Its maritime history and miles of scenic coastline are perfect for kicking off any yachting vacation. Ashore, the city itself, is overflowing with a rich cultural heritage, renowned for its art and architecture. Ideal for any yacht charter guest, Barcelona hosts a range of diverse attractions and activities, from beach days to city exploring and endless culinary delights.
Whether you visit here for the America's Cup or not, here are some more things to do while on a yacht charter in Barcelona:
Explore The Gastronomy
Barcelona's culinary scene is world-renowned, serving up various flavors suited to every palate. From Michelin-starred restaurants, classic tapas eateries, trendy hotspots, and beachside cafes to streetside seafood, foodies will be delighted to explore the range on offer.
For the best tapas wanderings, the Poble Sec area within the Gothic Quarter is full of classic spots to try various dishes. There is no shortage of Michelin-star restaurants here. For imaginative dishes from El Bulli-trained chefs, head to the two-star Disfrutar. Cocina Hermanos Torres is also worth a booking.
It is helmed by twin brothers, who cook incredible dishes based on family recipes and seasonal produce. Produce isn't hard to come by in the city, which has many markets to explore. La Boqueria is best known on the tourist track off Las Ramblas; you can buy produce here, sit down, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a bite. For a more local market, try out Mercat de la Llibertat, which has plenty of seafood stalls to peruse.
Shop 'Til You Drop
Aside from fresh produce markets, the city offers endless shopping opportunities. A visit wouldn't be complete without visiting Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas, which is perfect for gift and souvenir shopping. For the city's more traditional shops, which sell antiques, handmade artisan clothing, and one-off goods, the Gothic Quarter is the place to explore.
South of Las Ramblas is the Raval district, which offers a range of alternative shops for lovers of vintage finds. From famous streets to iconic boulevards like Passeig de Garcia, which are full of designer and luxury boutiques. If shopping interests you, your yacht charter crew can arrange a private, personalized shopping tour of the city catered to your preferences.
Spot The Cultural Influence
There are many reasons to visit Barcelona on a yacht charter, but the city's cultural attractions should be enough. You won't be disappointed with endless galleries, museums, and architectural sights to visit. One of the greatest architects ever resided in Barcelona - Antoni Gaudi. Walking through the city, you will stumble across many of his creations, the most iconic being the unfinished La Sagrada Familia church; having undergone 140 years of construction to date, you will witness it nearly finished with a completion date of 2026.
Other Gaudi hotspots are Park Guell, the mosaic-adorned vibrant park with views across the city, and the UNESCO site of Casa Battlo. Alongside the architecture, there are artworks and galleries around every corner, showcasing artists from Picasso to Dali. Throughout the year, there are always festivals, from international music to celebrating the unique culture of Catalonia.
Take A Break
Although a bustling and vibrant city, there is still time to relax here. Firstly, the city boasts an endless coastline for beach days, from the famous Barceloneta Beach, full of bars and restaurants, with the 4-kilometer strip beginning at the W hotel to the Mar Bella beach for a more chilled atmosphere.
The coastline of the Costa Brava is home to some of Spain's best beaches. To further indulge, and after a day of walking around the city, why not try out one of the city's sought-after spas? Aire Ancient Baths, located in the El Born district, is a perfectly authentic, luxurious, and relaxing spa experience.
Wander Further Afield
If you have come to Barcelona for the America's Cup, we recommend tagging on some extra time to further enjoy the cruising grounds here. You can marvel at the historical sights of the Romans when heading up the coast to Tarragona. Cruising down the coastline, you will also reach the city of Valencia, one not to miss on a Spanish yacht itinerary.
The mainland is also just a short sail to the stunning Balearic Islands for island exploring. From Mallorca, the largest island, to the smallest of Formentera, the peaceful Menorca, to the iconic Ibiza, plenty exists to explore on a Balearic Island yacht charter itinerary.
Photos by Aliaksei Lepik on Unsplash, Dorian D1 on Unsplash