Barcelona is a great city that is connected to the world by the sea, but we cannot forget that, in its beginnings, it was a simple fishing town. For thousands of years, Barcelona’s ports have played a very important role in the livelihood of the people, and the configuration of the city has been created around them.
At Lugaris we offer accommodation by the sea so that you can get to know it in depth. On this occasion, we would like to introduce you to the 4 ports of Barcelona, would you like to join us?
Commercial port of Barcelona
The commercial port of Barcelona is the largest in the city and even in the whole region of Catalonia. It is the ninth largest port in Europe and is of great importance in the commercial and business sector in Spain.
Besides the commercial aspect, this port also plays a very important role in the transport of the peninsula. This port works mainly with containerised cargo and in recent years has specialised in the transport of goods from China.
The Port of Barcelona is the main link between the people of Catalonia and the Mediterranean Sea. From this point, people can travel, either for work or tourism, to some of the most important cities in the Balearic Islands. Some of the most important cities in the Balearic Islands are Palma de Mallorca, Alcúdia, Mahón, Ciutadella de Menorca, Ibiza, etc.
In addition to these islands, there are also some international trips available from this port, to destinations such as Genoa, Savona, Livorno, Civitavecchia, etc. This port also has a cruise terminal which usually welcomes more than 3 million tourists a year.
Port Vell
Barcelona’s Port Vell is another of Barcelona’s most important ports. In fact, it is the most emblematic and oldest of the city and is located at the foot of the statue of Columbus, at the end of Les Rambles. It is the old fishing port that has changed its fishing boats for an imposing yacht club, where the most spectacular yachts of the wealthy tourists who come to visit Barcelona.
In the Port Vell you’ll have the opportunity to take a very cheap boat tour of Barcelona, thanks to the famous Golondrinas, boats that are moored right in front of the statue of Columbus and that will give you a pleasant ride.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in the city, as it is surrounded by tourist attractions that you won’t want to miss. For example, this is the closest port to the beaches of Barcelona, so when you’re done visiting it, don’t hesitate to go for a refreshing dip.
Moreover, very close by you will find emblematic places such as the Barcelona Aquarium, the Maritime Museum, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, the Maremagnum shopping centre, etc.
There are 4 different marinas in the Port Vell, which are cited below.
Marina Port Vell
Also known as One Ocean Club, this is the largest marina in Port Vell and also the most luxurious. It has moorings for boats of all lengths, from small 5-metre pleasure boats to super-luxury yachts of up to 190 metres.
Vela Marina
Vela Marina is the most modern marina in Barcelona and was open in 2018. Here you can find an automated dry marina with capacity for more than 200 boats measuring up to 9 metres in length and weighing up to 4 tonnes. This marina is located right next to the famous W Hotel, or also known as the Vela Hotel. All the surroundings are focused on the luxurious and exclusive clients who visit the city.
Barcelona Royal Maritime Club
The Reial Club Marítim de Barcelona is the most central marina in the Port Vell and has a very popular atmosphere where nautical activities, sailing classes, regattas, etc. are encouraged. Inside its facilities there is a swimming pool with barbecue available to customers.
Barcelona Royal Yacht Club
The Reial Club nàutic de Barcelona has a very elitist air and its restaurant is only for members and their companions, so it’s very likely that you’ll miss out on the inside. Its moorings tend to have classic boats and they also organise big regattas.
Olympic Port
Barcelona’s Olympic Port was created in 1992 to host the Barcelona Olympics, so that all the water sports required for the competition could be practised there. During the years of preparation, the industrial buildings on the seafront were removed and the Olympic Village was built in their place, which was able to provide accommodation for the athletes taking part in the event.
Today, it is the port most used by companies offering water sports in Barcelona and boat rentals.
This is a very lively port where you can find a restaurant on every corner, as well as several leisure areas for both day and night. If you’re looking for the port with the most recreational activity, Port Olímpic is definitely your answer.
At the end of the main quay, known as the Moll de Gregal, you’ll find Barcelona’s municipal sailing club, where you can start your introduction to sailing, with sports such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, cruising, etc.
This place has been selected to be the America’s Cup Barcelona port, the most important competition in the sailing discipline. This has been thanks to the quality of the facilities of the Olympic port, the diversity of spaces dedicated to the competition and the city’s experience in hosting major sporting events.
The port is currently managed by Barcelona City Council, since the concession of the private company POBASA has ended. The project in mind is to give this port a more familiar and popular use. The aim is to eliminate nightlife in this area and open up the city to the sea through nautical activities.
Port del Fòrum
Finally, we would like to introduce you to another of Barcelona’s ports: Port del Fòrum. It is the furthest nautical area from Barcelona, as it is located near the mouth of the Besòs River. This port was built from scratch in 2004 to house the Forum of Cultures in the city.
However, nowadays, this port is known for its moorings, because they are the best priced in the city and some of them are even used as homes. Here you will find 243 moorings ranging from 10 to 80 metres in length with electricity, water and fibre optic connections.
In addition, here you will find all the services you need to spend a luxury holiday with your boat, such as a 24-hour marina, petrol station, security service, etc.
The Port del Fòrum has a jetty for the exclusive use of large moorings and is separate from the normal port, to protect these boats and the privacy of the moorers.
In the surrounding area you can find commercial premises for nautical activities, as well as restaurants, beach clubs, etc.
We hope this article has helped you learn a little more about the 4 ports of Barcelona and that you know what you can do in each one of them. At Lugaris we believe that one of the best ways to get to know Barcelona is by staying near its emblematic spots, and that’s why we offer accommodation near the beaches and ports of Barcelona, so that you’ll be well connected on your holidays.
Browse around our website and discover everything we have for you!
NUESTROS APARTAMENTOS EN BARCELONA
Since 2010, Lugaris Apartaments has been offering you the best holiday rental flats in Barcelona, perfect for a family holiday, with friends or as a couple, or for medium-term stays.
You can choose between apartments near the beach in Barcelona, at Lugaris Beach, with sea views, 2 swimming pools (one for adults and one for children) and capacity for up to 6 people, and the Lugaris Rambla flats, located on the Rambla de Poblenou and just 300 m from Bogatell beach, with a balcony or terrace of up to 22 m2 and ideal for couples or families and groups of up to 5 people. All our luxury flats in Barcelona are air-conditioned and equipped with all the appliances, furniture and bed linen you will need during your stay. They also have satellite TV and free high-speed Wi-Fi connection, as well as a safe and a 24-hour private security service.
What’s more, when you make your booking, you can reserve many other additional services: international press in your flat, parking space, transfer service to and from Barcelona airport, bicycle hire, supermarket shopping, museum, sports and show tickets, babysitting service and much more.
For more information, contact Lugaris Apartments without obligation.
