Barcelona temperatures are going up which means it’s time to cool down. Here are some Barcelona summer activities guaranteed to keep you cool this season. Grab your abanico (Spanish fan) and start cooling off with Barcelona’s best things to do, eat and drink.
Cool Spots
Nova Icaria Beach
If you’re looking to get away from the crowded Barceloneta shore and wander down to a quieter Barcelona beach spot, Nova Icaria is a great local choice. Located in the Poblenou area next to Port Olympic, Nova Icaria is the perfect summer spot for volleyball, tanning, walking and dips in the cool Barcelona water. You can also grab a drink at one of the many chiringuito beach bars there too.
How to Get There: Metro – Poblenou (L4)
Parc de la Ciutadella
Located near El Born, Parc de la Ciutadella is a cool summer spot to sit down in the shade with a good book and a view. With over 40 acres of lush greenery, this space is known as Barcelona’s “green lung.” There’s a small lake within the park where visitors can take a rowboat out onto the waters. We recommend packing a picnic and enjoying the day lounging on the grass. The park also contains Barcelona’s zoo, but that’s perhaps one for those slightly less warm days.
How to Get There: Passeig de Picasso, 21. Metro – Arc de Triomf (L1)
La Boqueria
Keeping cool this summer in Barcelona is easy with refreshing fruit and snacks in the city’s famous market, La Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria). A walk through this classic spot peaks the senses. Bright fresh fruits, juices, candies and snacks fill the tightly packed public market. Located off Las Ramblas, this is definitely one for your Barcelona bucket list and a good place to have a smoothie and cool off after walking in the hot Barcelona summer sun.
How to Get There: La Rambla, 91. Metro – Liceu (L3)
Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta
If you prefer a dip in the pool to stay cool this summer, Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta has just what you’re looking for. Located near Sant Sebastià, the club features both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and a restaurant. There are other public pools in Barcelona too.
How to Get There: Metro – L4 Barceloneta
Illa Fantasia
Slide into a fun summer activity with Illa Fantasia waterpark. With 22 slides and 3 large swimming pools, this day trip is sure to keep the whole family cool this summer. Tickets are 28€ for adults and 17€ for children.
How to Get There: Finca Mas Brassó, s/n.
PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park
This Tarragona aquatic park is 34,000m2 of cool summer fun. The whole family can enjoy slides, the Mad River, and Paradise Beach. Tickets are 29€ for adults and 25€ for kids. There is also a PortAventura theme park.
How to Get There: Av. de l’Alcalde Pere Molas, km 2, 43840 Vila-seca, Tarragona
Cool Eats & Drinks
Makamaka
Makamaka Beach Burger Café is a favorite with both locals and visitors alike, with excellent reviews across Yelp, Tripadvisor, Facebook and Google. Located just off the Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta beaches, this burger joint is loved for its laid back beach style and its food. We recommend the garlic & parmesan fries along with a 19€ pitcher of cava sangria – Yum!
How to Get There: Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 76. Bus – Pg. Joan de Borbo-Pl. Del Mar (V15)
Icebarcelona
Still not cool enough? How about a drink in -5ºC (20ºF)? If you’re looking for a unique Barcelona summer activity, try the first beachside ice bar in the world. Between noon and 3am guests are provided with a jacket, gloves and drink for 16,50€.
How to Get There: Ramón Trías Fargas, 2. Bus – Ramón Trías Fargas-Psg Maritim (45)
Pez Vela
If you’re looking for a place to get a beachside cocktail try Pez Vela. This chiringuito below the Hotel W gives a fancy flair to the beach bar ambience of most chiringuitos. Featuring a view of Barceloneta, this spot offers high quality meals, drinks and snacks.
How to Get There: Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19 – 21. Bus – Pg Joan de Borbo-Moll de Catalunya (39 or V15)
Vai Moana
The beach bar convenience may be pricey but the view of the Mediterranean will make up for it. Vai Moana is situated with a view of Platja de Bogatell. They serve delicious cuisine and the chilled out music makes this a great place to sit back and cool off.
How to Get There: Avenida Litoral s/n. Bus – Pg. Calvell-Rambla del Poblenou (H16)
Cool Treats
Gelaaati Di Marco
A classic way to keep cool this summer is with a cold cone of artisanal gelato. Boasting their authentic Italian taste, these ice creams are made fresh every day by master Marco Di Consiglio. With over 25 flavors to choose from, this is one of the best ways cool off after a day of Barcelona summer activities.
How to Get There: Carrer de la Llibreteria, 7. Metro – Liceu (L3)
Eyescream & Friends
“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” At this unique gelato house, you pick a flavor of ice cream that is then shaved into a funky shape, two sugar eyes are added and you now have a cool summer friend.
How to Get There: Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 30. Metro – Barceloneta (L4)
Amorino
For a highly rated artisanal gelato carefully shaped into an insta-worthy flower, try Amorino. With a few locations across Barcelona, this ice cream shop has become a summer cool down favorite amongst visitors to the city. The store offers a variety of flavors along with options like crepes, waffles and sorbet drinks.
Locations: in Las Ramblas, Portaferrissa and Plaça Espanya.
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