Barcelona has come a long way since the 1992 Olympic games, which marked the beginning of a huge reinvention for Spain’s second city. The Catalan capital, which once had its back turned to the sea, has since become Europe’s Number One lifestyle destination, offering a quality of life arguably unrivalled elsewhere. As well as its evident lifestyle benefits, Barcelona has... Leer más
Like its fast up-and-coming neighbour Poblenou, Diagonal Mar is a shining testament to the redevelopment of industrial Barcelona. Where factories and workers’ housing used to jostle for space and scarce fresh air, you’ll now find towering creations of glass and marble, breezy open boulevards, lush green spaces and paths that waft you down to the sea. The redevelopment of the... Leer más
The Catalan government recently announced that it is to put forward new proposals that would extend rental contracts for a minimum term of five years. Only five years ago, in 2013, Spanish legislation lowered the length of rental contracts from five to three years. However, Catalonia’s minister for land and sustainability, Damià Calvet, claims that this has been unhelpful for... Leer más
Barcelona’s Old Town may not be Europe’s oldest but it is empirically one of its most popular, and it’s easy to see why. Dating back to 133 B.C. the political and geographical centre of the Catalan capital is a maze of historical wonders, arranged like a living museum overflowing with artifacts and atmosphere. The Cuitat Vella is actually made up... Leer más
Average property prices in Barcelona city are beginning to steady with latest data from property portal Idealista showing only a slight annual increase of 1% at the end of the third quarter of 2018, with prices ending the quarter on €4,388 per square metre. Average prices in two of Barcelona’s most desirable districts – Gràcia and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi did see... Leer más
In Barcelona and practically all over Catalonia, La Castanyada is celebrated, a traditional festival that takes place on the night of 31 October, prior to All Saints’ Day. There are many popular festivals and also recreational activities for children to celebrate Halloween and the Chestnut. One of the places where there are workshops focused on these topics and live more... Leer más
From Ancoats in Manchester to Savamala in Belgrade, many European cities can claim iconic neighbourhoods that have emerged from forgotten industrial zones. Barcelona is no exception, with the resurgent Poblenou set to take a well-earned place on the list of landmark city areas – centres of art, design, technology and culture – that define a next-generation Europe. The appeal of... Leer más
London house prices are falling. Latest figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics show that they fell by 0.7% year-on-year to June 2018, the sharpest drop since September 2009. Most analysts put this down to the uncertainty over Brexit and the effect that leaving the EU might have on the property market. Meanwhile, in Catalonias’s prosperous capital, Barcelona, property... Leer más
Barcelona’s rise to fame is well documented. Since the Olympic Games of 1992, the Catalan capital has hardly looked back. The transformation made the city one-of-a-kind: a progressive urban resort boasting an enviable quality of life, a vibrant culture, a burgeoning gastronomic scene and, more recently, a growing business hub. The international community took note. They wanted a piece of... Leer más
Millions of people visit Barcelona every year and fall in love with Catalonia’s vibrant, energetic capital. This unique ‘urban resort’ is like no other, offering award-winning gastronomy, magical architecture, beautiful beaches and a burgeoning café culture.
