The children have been out of school for a while now, and it’s time to start thinking about a fabulous summer vacation for the entire family. If you haven’t done it yet, then this is the year to plan an incredible stay in the epic city of Barcelona, Spain. You’ll discover a wealth of wonderful sites, events, attractions and activities for those of every age group to enjoy, and you’re sure to want to return year after year. Exceptional Stays offers several luxury vacation villa rentals in Barcelona to help make your summer vacation more comfortable.
While there’s plenty to do and see in Barcelona during any time of the year, those who plan a stay for this August may also attend the amazing Festa Major de Gracia, which has been set for Aug. 15-21. This is a family friendly street party that includes wonderful parades, carnival rides and special activities for the children, live outdoor concerts, a huge foam party and fireworks each night. You may also participate in the Festa Major de Sants Aug. 18-26, and this event features festivities much like that of the Gracia Festival with fun for the entire family.
You’re sure to have a wonderful time at this immensely popular vacation destination, but you should know that you’ll be visiting the city during the warmest and most humid months of the entire year if you choose to arrive in July or August. Fortunately, there are several great ways for you to stay cool during your Barcelona visit.
Dress for the Season
In addition to a good hat and sunglasses, you should plan to wear light-colored clothing that fits loosely during your daily outings. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable, and you can purchase articles of clothing that are perfect for the local summer season right in the city. While you may choose to do your shopping at one of Barcelona’s many high-end boutiques, you could also head to the street markets that are found in every major Barcelona neighborhood. There you will find handmade clothing that has been made to combat the summer heat.
Hit the Beach
Drench yourself in sunscreen and head to any of Barcelona’s incredible beaches for a day of play and relaxation in the Mediterranean Sea. You can swim, snorkel, kayak or participate in any number of water activities. Many beaches rent equipment for the day, and you’ll be able to obtain big beach umbrellas to stay cool in the shade when you’re not enjoying the water. With miles of pristine coastline, you’ll find plenty of beaches to choose from, and these include nudist beaches for adults and beaches set up specifically for families.
Visit the Public Swimming Pools
If you’re not a fan of the sea, then you’ll have your choice of several excellent public swimming pools. There’s a large, shallow pool right in the Gracia neighborhood for the enjoyment of those who are there for the festival, and it’s perfect for families traveling with young children due to its extreme shallowness. You’ll also find some stunning views and two Olympic-size swimming pools up on Montjuic Hill.
Spend a Day at the Water Park
When lounging on the beach or at the swimming pool is not enough excitement for you, then you may want to engage in some cool thrills at one of the city’s water parks. Open every day of the week throughout July and August, Illa Fantasia offers more than two dozen waterslides, a lazy river, three enormous swimming pools, a special area filled with small-scale versions of all the rides for the tiniest guests and a large area for a picnic lunch.
Schedule Early Morning Activities
Even during July and August, you may still enjoy pleasant temperatures in the mornings in the city of Barcelona. That’s a good time to schedule food or wine tours, visit historical and other significant sites and explore all that the city has to offer. Mornings are especially great for walking and biking tours as well as visits to the city’s glorious gardens.
Visit Air-Conditioned Attractions
Barcelona is filled with history museums, art museums and unique specialty museums, and they are all cooled with air conditioning. You’ll also find it cool in areas that offer art and cooking classes, arcades, cinemas, escape rooms, casinos, full-service spas, pottery studios, comedy clubs, concert halls and bowling alleys. These are all great places to spend the hottest part of the day.
Hang Out at Your Luxury Vacation Villa Rental
Here at Exceptional Stays, we offer several luxury Barcelona vacation homes that are temperature controlled with quality air conditioning, and you may even choose one that comes with its own private swimming pool or opens out onto a quiet section of the beach. We also have homes that boast game rooms and theater rooms for a fun, cool afternoon inside, and we’ll assist you in choosing the best vacation residence for your needs when you contact us to make your reservations.
