With nice weather all year round there are many opportunities for keeping fit and enjoy various team and individual sports.
Bowling:
One of the best can be found in Barcelona’s biggest shopping centre La Maquinista (Metro Sant Andreu, line 1. Tel: 93 5042100) This has a great bowling alley, complete with a bar, disco music and UV bowling balls that glow when you chuck them towards the pins.
Another important indoor Bowling center is the center Pedralbes, Av. Dr. Gregorio Marañón, 11 Bajos, Tel: 933 330 352. Open from 10am – 2am.
Cycling:
A healthy and practical way to see the city. You can rent a bike from a bike hiring agency. There are many biking agencies that offer various tours that last about 3 hours. You can visit Barcelona center, see the Gaudi architecture, the Gotic Quarter and many parks.
Football:
Anyone who has ever tried to get tickets for a game of Barcelona FC knows how fast they are sold out and for some of the bigger international matches tickets can only be purchased by members of the club. For those who are interested in stadium tours, there are guided tours. This is your opportunity to see the changing rooms and enjoy the view from the director’s area. The Barça museum is the most visited museum in Catalunya. You will know everything from the history of the team to images of the most important moments.
Sailing:
At Barcelona port sailing courses are offered for everyone from beginners to experts. Some of the best offers in Barcelona can be found at the Sailing Club of Barcelona (Real Club Naútico de Barcelona: RCNB). Sailing classes for a month cost 160€. Every class involves two hours of theory and two hours of practical sailing experience.
Swimming:
There is a wide selection of swimming pools just a metro ride away. The Picornell complex consists of a gym and two big outdoor and indoor swimming pools, jacuzzi and a gym. Entrance for 8 €/ day. Piscinas Picornell: Av. de l’Estadi 30-40, bus Nº 50 from Plaza Espanya, Tel. 93 423 40 41).
Swimming lake in the Parc de la Creueta del Coll in Gracia is also worth a visit. (Parc de la Creuta del Coll: Pg. Mare de Déu del Coll, bus Nº 28 from Pl. Catalunya, Tel. 93 207 66 73).
On the Catalonian countryside there are various waterparks:
- Aquabrava
- Portaventura
- Aspro-ocio
Windsurfing:
If you are interested in learning to windsurf or already have some experience, Barcelona is the perfect place for you. Many companies rent windsurfing equipment at Barceloneta y Port Olympic and also offer lessons for 60 €/ day.
Extreme sports:
If you love taking risks and experiencing something new this may be your choice. Situated 120 km north of Barcelona near the Pyrenees in the coastal town of Empuriabrava, there are various centers offering a variety of skydiving courses ranging from beginners instruction to advanced skydiving qualifications. All courses are run by officially qualified and experienced teachers. You can also try tandem falls or freefalls.