By Duncan Rhodes. We check out the best things to do in the iconic Port Olimpic, as well as which hotels you can check into.
What was once little more than a disused wasteland is now a prime piece of real estate on the coast, surrounded on either side by a stretch of urban beaches. Today the Port Olimpic is one of the most attractive areas of the city to visit, full of bars, restaurants, leisure facilities and modern sculptures, and its allure is only set to grow as an ambitious refurbishment takes place to ready the marina for the Americas Cup in You too can set sail from Port Olimpicโฆ.
The core of the district is naturally the square-shaped marina, which juts out into the Mediterranean and shines with the paint of bright white sailing boats and yachts, either moored or setting out to sea as folks set off for an afternoon sail, or perhaps a cruise up the Catalan coast if you want to do the same, check out our page on sailing activities! These skyscrapers were, in fact, built as part of the Olympic Village to house athletes during the Games, but are now an office building and 5-star luxury hotel respectively.
They also form the perfect landmark for any disorientated tourists, as they are visible from almost every point along the sands. Cool cats in expensive beachwear and sunglasses stop by for evening cocktails first at the likes of Furia Cocktail Bar , a fantastic pre-party venue with DJs at the weekend, or on the airy terrace of Ice Bar.
Meanwhile, smart couples head over to the Port for dinner, before dressed-up damsels and bronzed Adonises taxi their way to the strip later in the evening for dancing and general misbehaving. After the lounge clubs kick out at 3am, many head over to Pacha or Opium , both of which keep going until 6am. The latter is the most popular hotspot in townโฆ and for those party animals who fancy taking a VIP nightlife tour that finishes in Opium keep reading!
