ONE of the most popular Spanish holiday destinations for Brits is Barcelona, which is where I happen to live.
My husband and I moved to Spain one year ago, and it’s arguably been the best adventure we’ve ever taken.
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After we decided to leave the UK for a sunnier climate, we packed up our home in Brighton and moved to Barcelona with our two children.
Barcelona has always held a special place in my heart, it is hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but I’m pretty sure it’s a combination of the weather, people, culture, food and of course the Vermut (vermouth).
There are so many things I love about living in Spain as a Brit like the almost year-round sunshine, wine that’s cheaper than the price of a diet Coke in the UK, and how games like Padel (a squash and tennis hybrid) always end with a beer in the sun.
Here are the things I love the most about living in Spain as a Brit – and a couple may even surprise you.
The Weather
It’s a scientific fact that sunshine is good for you, with exposure helping to release the mood-boosting serotonin.
I genuinely believe being in the sunshine makes you happier, so it’s a good thing Barcelona was found to be the sunniest destination in Europe last year.
Not only is Barcelona sunny, but it’s also blessed with good weather throughout most of the year.
Temperatures can reach 20C degrees in March, with this figure rising in the summer months.
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Tapas and eating out
The food scene in Barcelona is amazing.
From the centre of town to individual neighbourhoods, the food is tasty, fresh and incredibly cheap.
A family of four can eat a slap-up meal out, including king prawns with drinks, for €50 (£42).
Another real bonus is how welcome children are in restaurants – it’s not uncommon to see youngsters eating out with their families past 11pm.
Wine O’clock
Spanish wine is cheap and delicious.
You can get a fantastic glass of local Catalan wine in most bodegas and tapas bars for less than the price of a diet coke in a UK pub – need I say more?
Cheap travel
Train travel in Barcelona and Spain is cheap.
Locals can buy an unlimited metro/bus pass for just €20 (£17) per month.
The pass will take you as far as Castelldefels, one of the best beaches on the outskirts of Barcelona.
If you fancy going a little further afield, Madrid is less than 3 hours away and a return will set you back about €40 (£34), which is more affordable than some train routes in the UK.
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The Beaches
The beaches in Barcelona and Catalonia are simply divine and because of the glorious weather days out at the beach can start from as early as March.
The central city beach in Barceloneta can get very busy, but it’s perfect for a quick dip.
Barceloneta Beach is also home to several beach bars, which are perfect for vermut and people watching.
Be sure to act like the locals and head 15-30 minutes out of town to other, more sensational, beaches in Gava, Garraf, Castelldefels and Sitges.
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Culture
There is so much to do in Barcelona no matter your age.
From exploring Antoni Gaudi’s legendary architecture at the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Park Guell to browsing through art exhibitions at the Picasso Museum, there’s something for everyone.
Art-lovers aside, there are other attractions too, including the 1992 Olympic diving pool, which has been transformed into an open-air pool.
Not to mention the myriad of tiny streets and lanes in the El Born district, there’s always something to do in this city.
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Fiesta, fiesta, fiesta
The Spanish LOVE a party, with one taking place almost every weekend.
From crazy fireworks displays and human towers to giant puppet parades, there’s also a parade to celebrate something.
Each festival features great entertainment, food and drink and they’re perfect for the whole family.
While some charge a couple of quid to enter, most are free to enter.
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Parks and bars
I just love that a great number of Barcelona playgrounds have tapas bars built around them, completely changing park life culture.
It means parents are as happy going to the park as their children, and they’re not just for the weekend as we quite often go after school.
Myself and the other mothers will have a tipple of wine, while the kids get to play. It’s perfect.
Playing Padel
The game Padel is a hybrid between Squash and Tennis, and it’s huge in Spain – especially in Barcelona.
What I love is that the game is played on beautiful outdoor courts, with views surrounding the whole city.
After the game, everyone stays for a beer together, which my family love.
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Markets
Food markets in Barcelona aren’t just for tourists.
Each neighbourhood has at least one, and the good ones like San Antoni and Sants market are where locals go to shop.
You’ll find the freshest produce from meat to seafood, with many housing their own tapas bars, so a shopping trip can always end with a cold beer and a plate of sardines.
Never has shopping been so enjoyable!
Read more on the Scottish Sun
The tourist mistakes that are costing you money
Travel writer Lee Bell recently revealed how holidaymakers heading to Barcelona can make their trip a whole lot cheaper from transport tips to dinners out.
First off, Lee recommended swapping the airport taxi for a local bus, which will save solo travellers around €20.
He added: “Dodge the pricey cocktails before a night out and instead head down to Can Paixano – or what the locals call “La Xampanyeria” (champagne bar) where you’ll find a “copa de cava” for just €1 a pop.
“Ask for a ‘clara’ – essentially a Spanish shandy made with Fanta Limón – at practically any bar. It’s not only cheaper but it’s a tasty, more refreshing option for when the temperatures soar.”
Read more of Lee’s money-saving tips, here.
Meanwhile, another British expat who lives Cadiz in Andalusia has revealed the three big mistakes tourists make while they’re on holiday.
This includes eating at restaurants with laminated menus containing pictures and being too reliant on taxis and private transfers.
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