5 ways to escape the Barcelona heat this summer

The mercury is rising and things are definitely getting hotter and stickier in Barcelona. Travelling on the metro is getting unpleasant and you’re probably fed up with the crowds of tourists by now.

So if you’re going to be here over the summer, what can you do to escape the city heat and get a little fresh air on a budget? Here are 5 top tips from the ESEI team if you want to cool down in and around Barcelona.

1. Sleeping under the starsIf you want to get out of the city for a few days, camping is a great option. Not only is it a good chance to have fun with friends, but you’ll get some fresh air and exercise too. Of course you’ll need a tent, but the good news is that there are plenty of highly-rated campsites close to the sea within a few hours journey by bus or train.

Check out Camping Tamarit, which is close to Tarragona and easily accessible by train. The site offers a range of pitches to set up your tent, as well as bungalows for those looking for a little more comfort. It’s family friendly with swimming pools, good shower facilities, picnic areas and restaurants. Find prices, driving instructions and booking information on the website.

How to get there

Take the Renfe train to Altafulla-Tamarit and walk along the beach towards the castle. You’ll find your way to the campsite which is right at the end of the beach.

2. Catch a movie in the castleWhat could be better than watching a movie outdoors in the grounds of a castle? La Cine Fresca is a top choice during the month of July that shows a range of award-winning and classic films in version original. And being a little higher, Montjuïc has a much fresher feel at night!

How to get there

Simply walk up to the castle from Plaça España or take the shuttle bus up to the cinema. Check out the programme on the Sala Montjuïc website.

3. Head into the mountainsWhile it’s still going to be hot during the day and you should pack plenty of sunscreen (and water), the mountains are a great place to breathe fresh air, stretch your legs, and enjoy cooler evenings once the sun has gone down.There are lots of options to choose from, but one of the easiest to get to from Barcelona is Montserrat. With a beautiful Benedictine Abbey, an art museum featuring work from Picasso, Dalí, Monet, Degas and others, it’s an excellent place do some tourism too.

How to get there

Trains leave from Plaça España. You can then choose to take a short ride in a cable car from Aeri de Montserrat or jump on another train (called a cremallera) from Monistrol de Montserrat. Those feeling adventurous can walk from the bottom, but be prepared for a long hike to the peak.

4. Splash around in the open airBarcelona has several public swimming pools and two of the best are situated on Montjuïc.

The municipal diving poolWith some breathtaking views of the city, the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc also features a diving pool. It’s open from June 29th until September 2nd, 11 am to 6.30 pm and was the location of Kylie Minogue’s music video – Slow.

How to get there

Head up Montjuic from Plaça España or take the funicular from Parallel metro station and you’ll find this pool at Avenida Miramar, 31.

The Bernat PicornellAlso located on Montjuïc, the Bernat Picornell centre is equipped with a gym and indoor and outdoor olympic sized pools. Unlike the diving pool, it’s open all year round.

How to get thereJust down the road from the Piscina Municipal, you’ll find this pool at Avenida de l’Estadi 30.

5. Spend the day at a nearby beachWe all know about Barceloneta, but what about some other beaches you can get to with your T10 metro ticket? Here are three of our favourites:

CastelldefelsThis big wide beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. While there might be a lot of people, you can always find a spot to sit and relax. Your best option is to take the R2 train from Barcelona Sants. Make sure you get off the train at Platja Castelldefels as it’s at least a twenty minute walk from the town centre.

MontgatHead to Montgat on the R1 train from Barcelona Sants station for a nice beach, with clean swimmable water. It’s another popular beach with beach bars (chiringuitos) and plenty of space.

GavàIn Gavà, you can enjoy lazing on the beach and exploring the town which has a history dating back over 6000 year. To get there, take the L95 from Plaça de Catalunya.