Wanting to stay in shape? Looking for a place to meet people playing your favourite sport? A good option is to join a Sports Club. There are municipal clubs in many neighbourhoods and several private sports clubs. There a few on the beach front in Barceloneta, and several clubs on Tibidabo and others at the top end of Diagonal. A lot depends on where you live, the sports you like to play and whether you are looking for an outdoor space. The city is full of gyms offering low cost monthly memberships, which are great for working out, but not quite so good for hanging out.
Barceloneta
At the end of Barceloneta you’ll find two of the most well know sports clubs in the city, the CNB and the CNAB. In the summer months their outdoor swimming pools look incredibly tempting and members can easily access the beach for a quick swim and then return to the club. Both clubs have leading waterpolo teams, a sport that has a strong tradition in Barcelona.
Swimming in the cold salt water pool is the best place to be on a hot summer’s day.
Organised sport
Football and basketball are the leading team sports in Barcelona. But there are many more options if you look for them. Social sports teams are less common. If you are into racquet sports, it may be worth trying paddle tennis, which has become very popular in Spain.
Marine sports are also attractive, given easy access to the coast. There are a number of sailing clubs where you can learn to sail. Some offer the possibility to hire small yachts if you are experienced. Kitesurfing has taken over from windsurfing in popularity. The best locations are found further north on the Costa Brava, but you will also find people kite surfing near Barcelona.
Learning to Kite Surf
One of the best places to Kite Surf is Sant Pere Pescador, about 90 minutes north of Barcelona. There are a number of camping grounds in the vicinity, which fill up over the summer.
There are several schools offering gear hire and coaching:
The Kite Surf School at Sant Pere Pescador
Impulse Activities at Sant Pere Pescador