I've been reading guide books, and online information, but can't find the kind of detailed information I need to a decision about Barcelona beaches.

- Are there hotels directly on the beach?

- Would it be inconvenient, if there are hotels on the beach, to travel back-and-forth to the city?

- Are there water sports available on the beach?

- With young teenagers in tow, I would like to know if the Barcelona beaches allow topless bathing.

Our trip to Barcelona will be at the beginning of July, 09 and it will also be our departure city back to JFK/NY.

I would appreciate any and all comments before I go too far with my Barcelona planning.

you will find topless everywhere. also, in most places almost totally nude. lots of tanga bottoms.

the men will enjoy their beach stay,i can guarantee you.

the ARTS hotel is on the beach. it is not far from the lower end of town.
i know they rent bicycles on the beach walkway, but a local will have to tell you about the water sports.

sitges would be more of a beach vacation destination.

I am curious. Would you not take teenagers to a beach where the women go topless? I thought most beaches in Europe were tops optional..

Eery beach/hotel pool I've been to in europe has been top optional. If you're trying to protect teenagers from seeing women's breasts

1) you're going to find it essentially impossible unless you rent a house with a private pool

2) why? Is there something wrong with the human body? Do you prevent them from seeing naked statues? (These beaches - except for a few in well-known destinations such a Ibiza - aren't hotbeds of parties/sex - just people of all ages sunbathing or swimming.)

Why is everyone focusing on the topless beach part of my question?

I'm not the one obsessed - you people are.

I'd like some honest answers to my other questions, if anyone is willing to provide them.

I think you got the answers to all the questions except one about water sports.

Beaches in the city are topless

Hotel Arts is on the beach and within walking distance of the city center and is lovely looking (although I did not stay there) with a lovely pool. It is operated by Ritz Carlton. I remember also a subway line from that area to the center. There is also a casino nearby.


http://www.hotelartsbarcelona.com/

ekscrunchy,

Thank you for the Arts Hotel link...it is a beautiful hotel, and a pool would suit our family perfectly in the hot weather.

It's good to know that you can have easy access to the city from the beach.

kane, my husband's firm had a conference at the Arts Hotel in May and the participants' feedback was so strong that they're going back for 2009.

I'm thrilled since we had to cancel this year because of a family illness. A great book to get you in the mood for Barcelona is Carlos Ruiz Zafon's, <u>Shadow of the Wind</u>. I believe the prequel will come out in Spring '09. It's a gothic mystery about a young boy and a cemetery of forgotten books...

Good luck with your planning and hopefully these links will be helpful:

Maribel's guide to Barcelona:
http://maribelsguides.com/#barcelona

Area transportation info:
http://www.emt-amb.com/links/eng/ihome.htm

mvor, thank you so much for the useful information (from the book to transportation).

I have already printed out Maribel's Barcelona guide.

Good stuff...

I love Barcelona, but it would not be my destination for a &quot;beach vacation.&quot;