canopus

Hello
I am considering visiting Barcelona in April 1st week
and have some questions.

Is the weather in Barcelona good enough to enjoy outdoors ?
What will be relaxed itinerary for 3 full days?
Also what is a good beach to enjoy the colors of Mediterranean sea?

We are a couple with a 4year old kid and rely on public transport.
Thanks in advance
SM

adrienne

I went to Barcelona the second week in April last year and the weather was perfect. Mid 60s to low 70s with brilliant blue skies. We were outdoors a lot and ate dinner on the apartment terrace several times.

<< What will be relaxed itinerary for 3 full days? >>

Why are you going to Barcelona? What are your interests?

I would avoid Casa Batllo as there are many stairs and that would be difficult with your child. You could go to La Pedrera (elevator up/walk down) and Sagrada Familia. Buy advanced tickets to these sights.

Walk the Ramblas and the Bari Gotic. Parc Guell. Cable car to Montjuic.

canopus

Dear Adrienne
Thanks a lot for your prompt & informative response.

Our main interest is to enjoy some scenic beauty
of the sea (being the first occasion to med sea)
and some city sight seeing.

Regards
SM

adrienne

Your child may love the Miro Museum with it's colorful paintings and rooftop sculptures. It's a small museum and not crowded.

Here are some photos of the sculptures at the Miro. It's never too early to get children interested in museums.

https://modigliani.shutterfly.com/barcelona/142

Don't miss the cathedral cloister with the geese that wander around.

The Bari Gotic has lots of amusing gargoyles, wall tiles, and other embellishments that would excite a child.

https://modigliani.shutterfly.com/barcelona/123

Dukey1

I think your child might be a lot more interested in those "living statues" you'll undoubtedly see along Las Ramblas.

kimhe

The weather forecast for Barcelona 1st week of April is partly cloudy and some 64F. Perhaps a little rain mid week. Most sun on Monday and in the week-end: http://www.eltiempo.es/barcelona.html

I like the large and bustling city beach Barceloneta, all kinds of people and all kinds of activities long into the evening on sunny days. All seven Barcelona beaches: http://www.venere.com/blog/barcelona-beaches-10087/

chincoteague

Agree with Dukey. The sights alone would fascinate a 4 year old. I enjoyed just wandering around the city. Be most careful using public transportation. When you enter, move away from the entrance as quickly as possible. The very expert pickpockets love to hit and jump off the bus/subway just before the doors close. Check out website kidsinbarcelona for some activities that are geared for kids.

canopus

Thanks to all for your great suggestions.

As regards to the beaches where should I go to see
the crystal-clear blue-green water?
I don't mind it if its a doable day trip from Barcelona.

Any suggestions on budget stay on the sea?

adrienne

I truly hope you're not disappointed with your high expectation of the water color. Perhaps you should have a secondary focus in case it's cloudy.

canopus

I don't want to sound fussy but am really expecting the colors
as probably its my only chance to see the med sea.
So you mean that if there's sun I will see the colors?

adrienne

The Mediterranean is like any water - if the sky is gray then the water will look gray. I have no idea what the water looks like on a sunny day as I only saw the part of the harbor where the boats are and you can't expect the water to look blue there. I understand exactly what you're looking for as I've seen brilliantly blue water in France near Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

Perhaps someone more familiar with the Costa Brava coast can comment on the water. I'd guess that the number of cruise ships docking in Barcelona would preclude intensely blue water.

kimhe

Tamariu might be a good idea: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/be...u-Tamariu.html
http://www.real-costa-brava.com/spai...s-tamariu.html

Some other alternatives in the area: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXrRILXeRkc

canopus

Dear Kimhe your video is the locales that I am looking for.
Let me see if these are doable from Barcelona.

Any suggested areas for a budget stay?
Thanks

kimhe

All these beach towns are very close to one another and about 60 miles north of Barcelona. All prize categories.

7 hotels in Tamariu: http://www.booking.com/city/es/tamariu.html
11 hotels in Lafranc: http://www.booking.com/city/es/llafranch.html
14 hotels in Calella de Palafrugell:
http://www.booking.com/city/es/calella.html