Best Outdoor Activities in Barcelona

Towering over the city at 173 meters (570 feet) is this scenic hill overlooking the sea. Montjuïc remained uninhabited until after the Middle Ages despite the fact that the Jewish quarter in Barcelona had already extended to the nearby Miramar area. The first path to the summit opened in 1607, and in 1640, a fortress was built to resist Spanish invasions during the Catalan Revolt. For centuries now, the Montjuïc park area has been a popular place for locals to pick wild herbs during leisure time, as well as an enjoyable attraction for visitors. Please note that while the park is free to visit, Montjuïc Castle charges an admission fee.

Located in Costa Brava, this beautiful and environmentally-conscious course is surrounded by pine woods, lakes, dunes, and a variety of flora and fauna. The large area includes two separate 18-hole courses. The first, called LINKS, is similar to a Scottish course with dunes and water hazards dotted throughout spacious fairways. The second course, FOREST, takes golfers through more wooded areas. Often rated one of the top courses in all of Spain, Emporda Golf is a must-stop for golf fanatics. The course also offers a golf school for players of all levels.

Located in Barcelona's traditional fishing quarter of the same name, Barceloneta Beach runs parallel to the esplanade to one side of the Port Olympic. Spanning a length of 422 meters, the beach's soft sand set against shimmering turquoise waters fringed by swaying palms is the ideal sun-drenched retreat. Thronged by tourists looking to soak up some Mediterranean warmth under the shade of striped umbrellas, the beach also has a variety of useful facilities as well as a lifeguard on site. A few meters from the beach, the seafood eateries tucked into Barcelonata's bylanes serve authentic Catalan seafood and are a local favorite.

The only official nude beach in Barcelona, this sandy stretch is also home to the Base Nàutica de la Mar Bella where visitors can rent water sports equipment and take lessons in a wide range of activities on the sea. De la Mar Bella Beach generally attracts a friendly crowd of sunbathers, happy to relax with newcomers and share their golden rays. Facilities at De la Mar Bella Beach include showers, toilets, garbage collection, children's play areas, parking, disabled access, lifeguards, and safe drinking water fountains. Note that visitors are advised not to swim near the breakwater, not to bring domestic pets, and not to use soap in the sea.

Formerly known as the Masia Bach Golf Course, the Club de Golf Barcelona or Barcelona Golf Club was designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. Experienced golfers can test their skills on the tough 18-hole, par 72 course, while beginners may feel more comfortable on the shorter 9-hole course. Known as one of the best places to golf in Catalonia, visitors can check out gorgeous views of Montserrat Mountain while playing a round. Facilities at the club include a pro shop, driving range, bar and restaurant, coffee and snack bar, buggy hire and a golf school.

Boasting breathtaking panoramas, this historic funicular connects Plaça del Doctor Andreu, halfway up Collserola at the end of the Tramvia Blau route, with the thrilling Tibidabo amusement park. If you've got the time and energy, you could make the trek on foot, though the cable car experience certainly adds a little something extra. The Tibidabo funicular was the first in Spain, inaugurated in 1901, and remains a popular attraction to this day. Try the 1152-meter (3780-foot) journey for yourself to see what everyone raves about.

Designed by English architect F.W. Hawtree, this breathtaking golf course is challenging and competitive, but still suitable for players of all levels. Located north of Barcelona, this is an ideal day trip for avid golfers and amateurs wanting to tee-off in a gorgeous setting. Stop by the spacious club house and enjoy Mediterranean specialties in its dining halls or on the terrace. Pick up a few balls, clubs or clothing at the Pro-Shop before heading out onto the links. Golf Girona also offers golf classes, beginner and advanced lessons and golf clinics. Green fees vary by season, check website for rates and further information.

Golf Sant Joan is located in Rubi about 20-minutes outside of Barcelona. The 18-hole course was designed by acclaimed Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros in 1994 and is considered to be the first public golf club in Catalonia. The layout is challenging with its tree linings and forest views, but amateurs and pros can still at least try to improve their swing. It is recommended that golfers rent a cart and for those who love the game but want to learn more, the professionals here can do it. Other features include a pro shop, restaurant and bar.

Zona de Banys del Fòrum is one of the most popular tourist attractions that sits in Barcelona's eastern coastal strip, overlooking the beautiful waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A great place for a dip, the location tends to get a bit crowded during sunsets which is when couples from all over the city flock here to spend some quality time in each other's company. Watersports activities can also be carried out from here.