The,Attraction,Barcelona,Beach travel,insurance The Attraction of Barcelona Beaches

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Barcelona beaches hold an attraction for many people, particularly in the summer when they want to cool down. They spread for 4.2 kilometers (just over 2.5 miles) and all are rather clean for such a large city. This is because of the hard work carried out by local incentives to maintain the beaches in the area and improve them as tourist attractions and also for the benefit of residents.In fact, Barcelona beaches are very highly regarded by visitors, and although many locals will comment that you will find better either side of the coastal area round Barcelona, they have improved significantly in recent years and the Barcelona people are doing themselves a disservice by failing to focus on this.  In fact, San Sebastià is the only beach here that has not received the blue flag, indicating its high water purity and cleanliness.  The beaches at Barcelona have played an important part in Spain's record of having more blue flag beaches (493) than any other country inspected.As far as facilities and amenities go, Barcelona beaches are of quite a high standard. You will find a more than adequate supply of toilets with free showers, and safety is also a focus of these beaches with life guard stations every few meters along the shore. They operate a flag system to indicate the safety of the water for swimming, ranging from green for good conditions through yellow to indicate caution, but no immediate danger, to red when you should be very careful of currents.  In the very unlikely event of a black flag, you must not enter the water - this flag is rarely flown on Barcelona's beaches.There are few dress codes here,  and although topless is fine you should go no further!  Except for one area on Mar Bella, a beach to be discussed shortly.  Apart from lots of lovely señoritas you will also find chiringuitos on Barcelona beaches.  These are small beach bars where you can get a drink and snacks, and while they can be expensive they are very welcome on hot days - and nights, because they tend to stay open until 1 or 2 in the morning.You will also find beach vendors, selling coconuts and other 'snacks', including Coca Cola and beer. You know they are selling by what they are shouting out, and they are not pricy. Up to 2 Euro for a beer, but you should barter them down to at least that from the price they first offer.  Bartering is expected by the vendors on Barcelona's beaches. If you are looking for a beach close to the center of the city offering facilities for the disabled, then head for San Sebastià.  This was mentioned earlier as having the lowest quality of cleanliness, due to it being so close to the center of the city and fairly crowded with most tourist traffic. Platja de Barceloneta is another that is close to the center, though it is cleaner, situated between the metro Ciutadella and Barceloneta.  This is popular with the youngsters and teenagers because it has skateboarding, volleyball, table tennis tables and a playground for children. If you prefer to visit when the beaches are clean, you can get information on the state of the beaches at the Beach Centre which also offers a library and details of beach activities.  Because it is so close to the city centre and provides lots of touristy amenities, Barceloneta beach is the most popular with visitors to the city, especially those with young families.Come lunchtime you should try Nova Icària, the next beach up to the north. You can get some traditional Spanish food here and enjoy paella at one of the many restaurants or chiringuitos. Among some of the better restaurants are Moncho's and Mango.  This beach also offers volleyball courts and ping-pong tables in addition to disabled facilities.  Like most of the Barcelona beaches that are close to the city, Nova Icària also gets crowded in summer and you are best to get there early for a good position. Keep going north and you will come to Bogatell. If you travel by metro, then you can get off at Llacuna or Poble Nou, and again we have the table tennis and volleyball. You can also rent parasols and deck chairs here, and the water is fairly still and safe, being bounded on each side by stone breakwaters.  Then, continuing north, you will reach Mar Bella. If you are seeking a nude beach, then this is it.  The entire beach is not like that, but the only section of Barcelona's beaches that has been designated specifically a nudist beach is here:  it's the area behind the bamboo, so don’t think you can be a voyeur. Naturists can sunbathe here in privacy, but apart from that the same sports are here as elsewhere along with a basketball hoop and skateboarding. You can hire parasols and beach chairs here as well, and many make their way to Mar Bella because it is not so busy during the day as the previously mentioned beaches closer to the city. One of the main attractions of the next beach, Nova Mar Bella, is it quietness, even though it attracts a lot of younger people. Again with chairs and parasols to shield you from the sun, this beach also has disabled facilities and attracts many Catalan visitors from outside the city.  This is one of the Barcelona beaches that is popular with the Spanish holidaymakers.Finally, we come to Llevant. This is a relatively new beach, opening in 2006, and has no toilets (though it does offer showers!).  If you want a toilet you have to go south to Nova Mar Bella. So what is the final judgment on these Barcelona beaches?   The beaches close to the centre of the city that tend to get most tourists are not the cleanest, even though all but one has been awarded a blue flag.  For the cleanest beaches go outside the city, but make sure you have a swim in the Mediterranean before you leave Barcelona. If your trip has to be a short one, then head for Platja de Barceloneta, which is the cleaner of the two nearest to the centre. Whatever beach you decide to visit, make sure you check the flag because they are not always green, and also check whether or not a lifeguard is on duty, particularly if you have children with you.  If you are not used to hot sun, make sure you use a high factor sunscreen and drink plenty of water.  Apart from that, and the usual precautions with your kids and valuables, you should have a great time on Barcelona's beaches.