First Time in Barcelona and Surrounds
 

After spending 7 nights along the Amalfi Coast, I will be flying to Barcelona for the second half of my vacation. I'll have 6 nights there. This will be my first trip to Spain and I'd like to explore Barcelona for a bit and then venture either north or south along the coast. I appreciate any recommendations for a trip report or itinerary for this region. A bit about me -mid 30's professional, love the beach/shore, shopping, great food, exploring cities. Not looking to stay right on Las Ramblas-too touristy/loud IMHO.
Gracias!

Halffull-I did a similar itinerary in '07...same interests, same demographic. Shopping in Barca is nuts! I had no idea..found amazing stuff. I stayed in the Eixample district, which was perfect for me. Nice area, walking distance to most sites..10 minutes from Las Ramblas. Food wise, Cal Pep was a highlight and so was Pinoxto and the boqueria in general. Google for Maribel's guide to Barcelona for a good starting point. I can give more info and/or recs for food/sites/beach if you would like, don't have my notes handy.

Will you be visiting Positano on the AC; that is my favorite place on earth?

Thank you both! JenV, I will indeed be in Positano on the AC. Can't wait to get there, have heard only amazing things. Your references are REALLY helpful :-)

First of all, this being your FIRST trip to Spain, just how do you KNOW that Las Ramblas is "too touristy/loud?"

I'm not recommending you stay ON it or even NEAR it as some people can handle it and some can't.

If you skip the place entirely IMO you're being hasty because like it or not Las Ramblas IS an essential feature in Barcelona as much as Sagrada Familia, etc.

Since you like the beach you could CONSIDER taking a quick rail trip out to Siges or even venture further down the coast.

Montserrat?? A possibility I guess.

For Positano, you should do the boat tour with Salvatore & Gennaro, it's a great way to spend a day. I usually do two days with them in a typical 1 week stay, if you are adventurous you can ask them to stop at the kissing rock so you can jump off the top of it. Also, take the red boat to Laurito beach and eat at Da Adolfo (the mussels), that is the restaurant on the right side of the beach. The one on the left does not have great food. For nightlife Italian style, the disco is Music on the Rocks, but make sure to go on the good night, which I think is Thursday.

So funny, that you asked about Barcelona and I am giving you Positano recs...lol. When I was in Barca I did a day trip to Girona, which in retrospect I think I would change. It was a lovely city but nothing spectacular. I spent a day at the beach relaxing, which was an interesting experience. There are alot of vendors passing by selling this or that including drugs, alcohol etc. The best was the massage ladies, I indulged for I think 10 euro for 20 minutes or so..heaven! It was very hot when I was there (Sept. '07) so one day when I had sightseeing fatigue, I visited the spa at the Hotel Omm, which I highly recommend. I am not the type to spa on vacation in Europe but for some reason, I was just so weary that day. I walked in off the street.

I loved drinking cava in the middle of the day with lunch, sometimes even breakfast! I met a Spanish couple there my first morning at the counter of Pinoxto and after asking them for advice on how/what to order, promptly became their adopted child for the week. So make sure to ask locals for advice/help with food, especially at tapas counters/restaurants and bars. Ok, well I am rambling. Enjoy!