If you would like to cool off in a swimming pool when visiting Barcelona then you have several to choose from.

Public Swimming Pools in Barcelona

One of the best pools available in the city is located in El Parc de la Creueta del Coll. It is in the Gracia district of the city and can be reached easily by bus (number 28 or 92) or by taxi. It is extremely scenic as it is located within an old quarry. It is beautifully landscaped with palm trees and includes a massive concrete and cable sculpture by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida. It is quite shallow (no more than 50 cm) which makes it ideal for small children. It is open throughout the summer from 10 am to 8pm. Admission is between 3 and 6 euros and there’s a small snack bar selling drinks, ice-creams and simple food.

Another spectacular pool can be found on the mountain of Montjuic. The gym and swimming centre was first opened in 1970 but was remodelled for the 1992 Olympics. It was also used for the setting of Kylie Minogue’s video “Slow”. There are 3 pools in total, a heated indoor pool, a competition pool and a diving pool. There are no sun loungers but there is cafe serving drinks and snacks.

The Jardins de la Torre de Les Aigües in Eixample district is well worth a visit both in and out of season. In the summer season kids can splash around in the shallow pool to their hearts content. It is referred to as the Beach of Eixample. The old water tower that is located there however makes it a place of interest for anyone visiting the city at any time of the year.

If you prefer to swim in the sea then don’t forget Barcelona has a beautiful stretch of coastline with plenty of opportunity for splashing around in the warm shallows of the Mediterranean.

Emirates Airlines have announced that as of July 3 2012 they will start a direct flight from Barcelona to Dubai. For anyone coming/going to Asia this means you now have a 3rd direct option (added to Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airlines).

Emirates to launch Barcelona to Dubai direct flight

They also include a few interesting stats…

• Top European city in quality of living for employees (European Cities Monitor, 2011)
• 6th most attractive city in Europe for business (European Cities Monitor, 2011)
• 2nd city globally for the organisation of international meetings (International Congress & Convention Assoc. 2010)
• Barcelona city: 1,619,337 inhabitants (January 2010)
• Metropolitan area: 5,012,961 inhabitants (January 2010)
• Foreign population: 15.9% of total population (January 2010)
• Catalonia’s GDP per capita (ppp) in % of EU-27 average: 120.9 (2010)
• Workforce employed in services: 86.8% (2010)
• University students in Catalonia: 233,583 (2009-2010)
• 2 Business schools amongst the top 10 in Europe (2011)
• Tourist overnights: 14.04 million (2010)
• 1st Mediterranean port in cruise passengers: 2,347,976 (2010)
• Delegates attending fairs and congresses: 616,833 (2010)