Although more and more changes are taking place in this regard, the typical vacation for Españolitos is traditionally in August. For decades, this escape from the big cities to different vacation destinations has left these cities deserted during this summer month. While it’s true that a part of this desertion is remedied by the tourists that come to popular urban areas like Barcelona, in less central areas this month is a time of absolute tranquility. Furthermore, many stores and businesses also close their doors and take advantage of the lack of clients to enjoy some well-deserved time off, contributing to a “de-population” of certain areas of the city. Today from ShBarcelona we tell you how to enjoy the deserted summer time in Barcelona.
Related article: Free things to do in the summer in Barcelona
The unknown tranquil Barcelona of summer
Photo via Pixabay
For starters, we propose a calming visit among plants and flowers and with views of Barcelona and the sea. This is the Botanical Garden, a beautiful area with a multitude of plant species that all unite in one spectacular place; in Montjuic in front of the port of Barcelona and the Ronda Litoral. This is a beautiful spot, but rarely visited by tourists who come to the city mostly for the central zones and highly-visited monuments. While it’s true that the summer landscape is more dry and arid than in other seasons due to the rigorous heat of summer, it’s still an option for a beautiful visit close to emblematic sites of the revered 1992 Olympics such as the Montjuic Stadium or the Sant Jordi Palace, all with excellent views of the city and the sea.
Another tranquil and fairly unknown place to visit is another park situated in Barcelona’s Zona Alta. Parque de la Creueta del Coll is a forested-zone-turned-park with a playground, bar, game area, outdoor workout area, picnic area, and a lake that is used as a swimming pool in the summer, where a spectacular sculpture by Eduardo Chillida hangs. This is a quiet park that is a bit busier in the summer due to the pool, which is shallow and good place for children to swim. Residents of the neighborhoods of El Coll, Vallcarca and La Taxonera, where the park is located, stroll through this oasis or have tapas in the bar under the pergola that flourishes in the spring. The bar, called La Tapeta del Coll, is having a lot of business success with their homemade croquettes, or so they say… you’ll have to try them and leave us a comment on the article.
Related article: Summer fun on a budget
Photo via Pixabay
One last option we propose is visiting the heights of Barcelona with Torre de Collserola. This project, built by the acclaimed architect Norman Foster and whose works finished in 1992, was imagined as the telecommunications headquarters of Barcelona, before being scattered around different areas in the city. Without a doubt, la Torre de Collserola has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. Situated on Mount Tibidabo, this site allows you to enjoy clear views of the city and its nearby areas. There generally aren’t many people there, and in August there are far less. Close to the tower you will find the Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo, a great place to complete your visit if you have kids, although it tends to be more crowded.
Have you visited any of these places? How were they?
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