adventure barcelona

Adventurous Things to do in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley

Is the monotony of real life getting you down? Ever feel like your weeks pass without any...excitement? That all changes now. Book your vacation to Barcelona, pack your most badass sunglasses, and read on. Because we've found the most adventurous things to do in Barcelona, and we've written them down just for you.

Including:

  • Segway swerving
  • Cable climbing
  • Escape escapades
  • Watery wonders
  • Wave warping
  • and more!
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Ciutadella Segway tour

Adventure means many things to many people. For some, it may be deemed adventurous to try a new type of chip. Paprika flavor, or something equally exotic. But people like you, surely you're looking for something completely out of your comfort zone. How about traveling on two wheels while standing up?

Now that's a segue...into Segway! Yes, you too can board your very own two-wheeled wonder and explore the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella on this adventurous tour. And don't worry, if you've never operated this people magnet, you'll get a few lessons before burning off into the distance with your guide, at which point they'll impart key knowledge to keep your brain bulging all day. Learning and adventure? Say it isn't so.

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Barcelona Cable Car

Do you like getting high? As in, high above the ground? Do you dare put your life and safety in the hands of a cable car? Well, if you do, then you'll love hopping aboard the Montjuïc Cable Car - the easiest and safest way to make it to the top of one of Barcelona's most picturesque places.

Built back when Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, this 750m journey begins at Parc de Montjuïc before ascending - smoothly - towards

Castell de Montjuïc. Look out the window, and you'll see stunning sights such as Gaudi's great Sagrada Familia. Then, explore the castle, snap some pics, and hop on to return back to terra firma. Heart-pumping, gravity-defying fun!

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Illa Fantasia Waterpark

Water; nature's life-giver. Over half of our bodies are made up of it. Hell, we need to drink it to survive. We should thank water. Every day. But that doesn't mean we can't have little fun with it.

That's why you adventurous types should sprint down to Illa Fantasia Waterpark, where you can bodaciously ride some sick water slides. Alongside the park's 22 thrilling slides, you can also take on the wave pool, and then, when you want to take a break, grab a bite at one of the park's many restaurants. Adventure. Fun. All in one. So why not check it out if you're the daring sort?

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Escape Hunt Barcelona

Have you ever been stuck in a lift? It can be terrifying. No amount of button pushing, screaming, or door-banging can save you. You simply have to wait for maintenance to fix the issue. But, what if the lift was merely a challenge to overcome? What if there were a series of clues you had to solve to open the doors. Could you do it then?

Why not put your supposed lift-escaping powers to the test at Escape Hunt Barcelona. Yes, despite our overly-complex explanation, we're talking about escape rooms! Just a stone's throw from Sagrada Familia, you'll find six challenging rooms with puzzles to solve, clues to discover, and ultimately, one exit you need to open.

Can you solve the mystery of Gaudi and escape his artistic prison? Will you outsmart the Vampire of Barcelona's devious schemes? Can you break out of the School of Thieves? All of these questions, and more, will be answered when you head to Escape Hunt Barcelona! Oh, and the games can be played in English too, if you'd rather not make proceedings even harder than they already are.

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Surfing

Let's go back to the water for our next choice on the list - surfing. There are no two ways about it; surfing is cool. It looks cool, cool people do it, and the thrill of riding the waves probably feels cool, literally. We wouldn't know, as we barely have the stomach for such adventure. But you probably do! So why not get on the waves and show that water who's boss?

Arguably the best place to catch waves in Barcelona is at Barceloneta Beach. So, if you've got the skills to pay the bills, feel free to grab a board, swim out, and get surfing! However, if you're a little green behind the ears and need a few pointers, why not try a surfing school? It's a great way to meet new people and make a fool of yourself while you learn. Then, when they least expect it, you can dazzle them with a flip or something. Now that's surfing!

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Barcelona Bike Tour

Another great way to see more of the city while getting your blood pumping - cycle tours are one of the best adventurous things to do in Barcelona.

For three hours, your English-speaking guide will ride with you as you explore and learn all about the timeless city. Taking you through the likes of Old Town and the Raval Neighborhood, as well as riding past landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and the Vila Olímpica, it's the perfect way to see the sights, catch some sun, and, more importantly, have fun! And don't forget your camera, because you can't pander to your 7 followers without taking a few snaps of your discoveries.

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Scuba Diving

Let's end this list on, you guessed it, the water! Who knew everyone's favorite drink could be so packed full of adventure! This time, we're going deep underwater to explore the seabed. That's right, baby, it's scuba diving! What's more thrilling than being stuck underwater breathing through an oxygenated tube? Nothing, nothing at all.

You'll find plenty of diving schools throughout Barcelona, but if you want to err on the eco-friendly side, go with Underwater Barcelona. They pride themselves on being the only eco-diving company in town, so go check them out. They have a whole host of courses, services, and specialties on offer, so no matter your proficiency, they've got you covered.

And those are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Barcelona!

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montserrat
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Montserrat Barcelona

Heading to Barcelona for your vacation and wondering what adventures lie outside the city? How does scaling a holy mountain and exploring its history sound? Montserrat's the name, and stunning views, beautiful architecture, and opportunities to explore is its game. So, grab your hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and get ready to climb! Here we'll tell you everything you need to know about Montserrat - how to get there, what you'll find, and why it's one of Barcelona's most beautiful destinations! Enjoy! Including: What is Montserrat Why you should visit Montserrat How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona What to do in Montserrat What is Monsterrat? Montserrat is a mountain range near Barcelona. They both reside in the Catalonia region of Spain, which has a unique language, culture, and customs. Due to the mountain's jagged appearance, the range was coined Montserrat, or 'saw mountain'. The mountain holds religious significance to the particularly Catholic Catalonia, thanks to the Santa Maria de Montserrat - a Benedictine monastery that sits atop it. Why visit Montserrat? Whether you're religious or not, the views you'll see at the peak of Montserrat are unsurpassed. You can see for miles, including the Barcelona skyline and the surrounding lands. It's truly breathtaking, and almost demands to be pictured. Also, if you're adept at hiking and want to get your sweat on, feel free to challenge yourself to climb it on foot. It's not the easiest way to the top, but it's surely the most rewarding! However, at over 4000ft high, you need to be prepared, both physically and materially, to scale it. A thick set of boots, plenty of water, and a map will do you a world of good! Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona Assuming you're staying in the center of Barcelona, there are a few ways to get to Montserrat. Firstly, you can hire a car and make the hour-long journey at your own pace. Easy enough. Or, if you fancy a drive but don't fancy getting behind the wheel, why not try an Amigo Tours bus tour from the city? The air-conditioned bus ensures you'll have a pleasant journey, and there will be plenty of photo ops from your seat as you make the climb. Alternatively, you can make the trip by train. Simply take the R5 line from Placa Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat for an hour, change onto the Cremallera train (it's green, you can't miss it), and that'll take you to the top. Or, for the daring hikers among you, take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat and walk the winding trails up to the mountaintop. It's about a half-hour walk, but as it's a climb, it'll likely feel like you've walked a lot longer! Just be sure you've got gas in the tank and the body to handle it; the last thing you want is to get halfway up and realize you can't finish the journey! And finally, perhaps the most memorable trip would be by cable car. Like above, you get the train from Placa Espanya, but this time get off one stop early at Aeri de Montserrat. From there, you can hop in the cable car and enjoy some of the greatest views on Earth as you ascend. Things to do in Montserrat Once you've made the trip - however you've chosen to do so - you'll find plenty of things to do on Montserrat! Let's start with the views. My god, the views. Rolling mountains as far as the eye can see, the Catalan metropolis of Barcelona in the distance, and where the stunning blue sky meets the mountaintops. If you're the photo type, you'll be all over this. Then, there's Santa Maria de Montserrat, the Benedictine monastery that draws many a pilgrimage from the surrounding area. At well over a thousand years old, it's suitably ancient in its design, yet remarkable it's still standing! You can head inside and look around, though, given its popularity, you may be waiting some time unless you get there early. You can also visit the Montserrat Museum, which opened at the beginning of the 20th-century. Inside, you'll learn all about the mountain's history, discover artifacts from ancient cultures, and enjoy artwork from the likes of Monet and Degas. By the museum, you'll find Mirador Restaurant, where you can get a tasty 3-course meal for a reasonable price. And, if you're looking for some stunning sculpture to snap, right next door to the restaurant, you'll find the Stairway to Heaven. This set of 9 concrete blocks ascends towards the heavens like a staircase, hence the name, and represents the climb pilgrims make to reach this holy place, as well as their eventual climb to the heavens. And no, you can't climb on it. At least not anymore, as a fence has been erected to deter would-be spelunkers from falling to their death. You could visit the Santa Cova Chapel, a beautiful holy place built into the mountain that's about an hour's round trip from the monastery. It's here where the revered Virgin of Montserrat, a thousand-year-old Byzantine statue of the Mary and Jesus, was housed. Miracles of healing have been attributed to her, though you'll not be able to test those on yourself! From the chapel, you can make your way around the mountain to another of Montserrat's picture-perfect landmarks - Sant Miquel's Cross. This towering monument to Christianity also has great views of the lands below, so ideal for your socials! If you dare to climb higher, leave the touristy stuff behind and attempt to ascend Sant Jeroni. It's Montserrat's highest peak, so it's no small feat. if that sounds like your idea of fun, head to the Funicular Se Dant Joan, climb the stair to the observation deck, and get hiking! And that's everything you need to know about Montserrat! Looking for more fun in Barcelona? We've got tons of articles all about the city's best bits, from Beaches to Museums and everything in between. So get reading and make the most of your precious vacation time!
Dom Bewley
outdoor barcelona
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Outdoor Activities in Barcelona

The great outdoors. Nothing quite beats the feel of the sun on your skin, the wind in your hair, and the buzzing of flies around your unwashed body. Just us? Anyway, if you've made it this far, you'll want to know about the best outdoor activities in Barcelona, so you can make the most of the idyllic weather. Whether you're looking for outdoor artistic tours, architectural wonders, or wave-based snaps, you're in luck. So, without further ado, let's explore the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! Including: Poble Espanyol de Barcelona Park Güell Guided Tour Las Golondrinas Boat Tour Ciutadella Segway Tour Best of Barcelona Bike Tour and more! Cities within the city Why explore one city when you can explore multiple cities through multiple eras...all in one city? If you're confused, don't be; that's simply what's on offer at Poble Espanyol. A stone's throw from the unmissable fountain in Montjuïc Park, you'll find this open-air architectural museum that recreates the soul of Spanish culture, art, and cuisine. In fact, you'll explore recreations of 117 buildings, streets, and squares from the city's history. From old monasteries to neighborhood markets, you'll see it all. And, on top of all this fascinating architecture, you'll also have the chance to view over 300 works of art from Spanish art giants like Dalí and Picasso. Easily one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona. Getting Güelly with it If you want to make the most of the weather, why not head to one of Barcelona's best parks? Park Güell was designed by the late great architect Gaudi, and it shows. Bizarre yet intricate buildings, beautiful mosaics, and winding, extravagant staircases are all on show here. If you're interested in the creation of the park and the inspiration behind its design, why not take a guided tour and learn all about it? Your arts-trained guide will lead you through the park's most important sculptures, pointing out many hidden details you may miss if exploring alone. Plus, you'll get access to the parts gated off to the non-paying visitors. Be sure to snap pics of El Drac, a mesmerizing mosaic of a salamander, and the wonderfully designed Porter's Lodge. Then, put them on your socials and put your followers to shame. Just cruisin' One of the highlights of visiting a new city is seeing the sights and landmarks. And, sure, you could do that on your weary two feet. But why not enjoy views of the Catalonian capital by way of water? Because you absolutely can, courtesy of a Las Golondrinas Boat Cruise! For one and a half glorious hours, you'll cruise the Med, taking in views of Barcelona's skyline, and snapping pics of all the highlights across nine miles of coastline. Be sure to look out for Villa Olimpica, Castell de Monjuïc, and Port Olimpic, among many others. Relax in luxury, soak up the sun, breathe in that sea air and see everything Barcelona has to offer. Does it get much better than that? No it does not. The perfect Segway Want to learn about one of Barcelona's most famous parks while zooming around on a hip new mode of transport? Well then, you'll want to tour the city's Ciutadella Park on a Segway! And don't worry, it doesn't matter if you have zero experience riding these electronic chariots. Everyone gets a quick intro to Segway operation and riding before the tour begins. Then, once you're suitably prepared, you'll shoot off into the park with your guide, and learn about the park's history. You'll also pass many local attractions like the Barcelona Zoo, the Cascada fountain, and the city's answer to Paris' Arc de Triomf. More fun than it has any right to be, a Segway tour is the perfect summer activity, and absolutely one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! On your bike! If you're feeling adventurous, or simply want to burn off the liters of sangria and tapas you've consumed over your vacation, why not take a two-wheeled tour of the city? Prepare for a mammoth three-and-a-half-hour trip, as your knowledgeable guide takes you around Barcelona. Explore the vibrant parts of the city tourists don't reach, ride past many of Gaudi's masterworks, and take a short break on the beautiful beaches while you rehydrate. It's a long ride, but well worth it, so be sure to pack a big bottle of water, some snacks, a hat, and a whole heap of sunscreen. Oh, and your camera; you'll need it to snap the city's magnificent sights. Be on the lookout for The Sagrada Familia, Old town, Barceloneta beach, and many more Grammable beauties. Zootopia IRL You know who else likes outdoor activities? Animals. And you know where animals live? The wild. Well, usually, because if you visit Barcelona Zoo, you'll get to hang out with 2,000 of the lovely critters! Head to Parc de la Ciutadella, and you'll find the zoo. Then, once inside, you'll get up close and personal with lions, tigers, lizards, penguins, giraffes, elephants, and many, many more animals! You can also learn about the zoo's conservation efforts, and attend workshops and guided tours if you want to hear from the experts. And that's our list of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona! Looking to spruce up your itinerary with some more fun? Those with a stranger side may appreciate our guide to quirky Barcelona! Looking to squeeze some pennies? We've found the best cheap things to do in the city. Or, if you fancy getting out of the city and seeing the beautiful scenery nearby, check out our guide to day trips outside Barcelona! Until next time, adventurers.
Dom Bewley

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