Fun in the water
The extensive Barcelona coast, with its fabulous Mediterranean climate, has plenty of resources and services that do justice to such a wonderful setting. But the real jewels in the crown are its nautical stations, since they make the sea accessible not only to professional or amateur sportspeople, but also to anyone else who wants to enjoy the water. No waiting around, no problems and guaranteed quality!
The two water sports centres in the regions of Barcelona are located nearer than you might think. One can be found to the south of the city of Barcelona, on the seafront promenade of Vilanova i la Geltrú, while the other is located to the north, at Les Dunes Beach in Santa Susanna. Sailing and windsurfing are the two star water sports that you can learn or perfect, but kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing and kitesurfing are also available, along with other exciting options.
In the case of the Santa Susanna water sports centre, water activities can be combined with hiking and mountain biking in the Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park. With or without a professional guide, an excursion to the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range will give you the chance to discover beauty spots and enjoy sea views from a new perspective. Meanwhile, Vilanova i la Geltrú offers all sorts of interesting leisure and cultural activities thanks to a combination of the nearby Garraf Park, the winemaking tradition of the area and the city’s Romantic heritage. You can also enjoy a stroll around Vilanova’s fishing port. The best time of day is when the fishing fleet returns, at around eight o'clock in the morning and in the early afternoon, giving you the chance to see the fish being unloaded. It’s quite a sight!
In addition to the these two water sports centres, there are other towns in the regions of Barcelona where you can have plenty of fun in the water. In Pineda de Mar, for example, the nautical base organises a water sports campus, dinghy sailing courses and an introduction to sailing. It also rents out boats or storage space for your own equipment. You’ll find a similar range of services at the Bétulo Yacht Club in Badalona, which has been meeting the needs of water sports enthusiasts of all ages and levels for more than 40 years. The Castelldefels Yacht Club has built a strong reputation as a breeding ground for good sailors, some of whom have become very well known. Heading a little further south, the Sitges Yacht Club is home to one of the best sailing schools in Catalonia. What’s more, it doesn’t shut up shop at the end of the summer season, so if you’re looking for a club where you can sail all year round, head to its facilities at the foot of the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla to find out more; you’ll be surprised by the wide range of activities organised there!
- Santa Susanna is one of three towns that hold the Sports Tourism Destination seal of the Catalan Tourist Board. Would you like to know the others?
More information:
Vilanova i la Geltrú Water Sports Centre Santa Susanna Water Sports Centre
Nautical base of Pineda de Mar
Bétulo Yacht Club in Badalona
Castelldefels Yacht Club
Sitges Yacht Club
Montnegre-Corredor Natural Park
Garraf Park