Exploring Barcelona on a Backpacking Adventure

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Exploring Barcelona on a Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking in Barcelona is an incredible experience. Not only is there a rich culture and history to explore, but the city is also filled with beautiful architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. From the city's iconic La Rambla to the enchanting La Sagrada Família, there are countless attractions to experience. The city is also a great place to find delicious tapas and paellas, and the city's nightlife scene is legendary. Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an unforgettable adventure, Barcelona has something for everyone.

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Gravel Bike Tour Guides Girona

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Gravel Bike Tour Guides Girona

We are a local based company specialising in Gravel Bike Tours for people who want to discover some of the best gravel trails in Girona. Private and bespoke, we can design the perfect trip for your group of friends, family or work colleagues.

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Best Hiking Trails Near Girona, Spain

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Best Hiking Trails Near Girona, Spain

On the doorstep of Girona we have the majestic Costa Brava, a playground for cyclists, hikers, Kitesurfing, you name it. For hikers you can discover the Cami de Ronda that stretches Two hundred and fifty five kilometres of remarkable Catalan coastline, with a plethora of memorable landscapes, stretches from Blanes in the south to the French border in the north, and is collectively known as the Costa Brava—meaning rugged or wild coast.

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Expat Personal Training Girona Costa Brava

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Expat Personal Training Girona Costa Brava

New Personal Training Website

Expat Personal Trainer Girona Costa Brava

Super excited to now be living near Girona on the Costa Brava and now offering Personal Training in Girona City and throughout the Costa Brava.

Have a wealth of experience, previously working in London at some of the most exclusive studios including Shoreditch House and Barcelona House, both part of the exclusive soho group.

Please get in touch if you’re interested in a personal trainer. We can arrange a chat and discuss what you’re looking to achieve from the sessions.

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Personal Trainer Alella and Maresme

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Personal Trainer Alella and Maresme

Personal Training Alella

We are super excited to have recently moved to the beautiful village of Alella, having lived in Poblenou for nearly three years since moving to Spain. We loved living in Poblenou and for anyone thinking to make the move to Barcelona, would definitely recommend. However, living up in the hills with the vineyards and the peace, we much prefer.

Now that we’re living in Alella we’re now offering Personal Training in Alella and the surrounding area. We can come to your home and offer home personal training in Alella and throughout Maresme. We have lots of equipment including kettlebells, dumbells, battleropes, trx, slam balls and lots more.

I have over 7 years experience previously working in London teaching at some of the most exclusive studios in London, including Shoreditch House (Soho House Group), Core Collective Kensington and 1Rebel. I trained celebrity fashion designers including Erdem Moralıoğlu, architects, models and business directors, to name a few.

Again, we’re really excited to be now offering Personal Training in Alella, where we can come to your home and get you in shape.

If you’re interested in a English speaking personal trainer in Alella or around Maresme, please get in touch and we can offer a no commitment meeting to discuss your goals.

Personal Training Alella, Maresme

Personal Training Alella, Maresme

Personal Trainer Alella, Maresme

Personal Trainer Alella, Maresme

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Walking Tours Spain Catalonia

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Walking Tours Spain Catalonia

Walking Tours Spain, Catalonia

Excited to offer another property to our bespoke private hiking and walking holidays.
Located on the edge of a small town called Alella, a Beautiful 15th century masía. Only 20 min from Barcelona and is one of the wine regions, with award winning organic cava and several world class wineries including Alta Alella.

The Masia is in the perfect location to enjoy both the magnificent city of Barcelona and also the beautiful countryside of Catalonia.

#hikingbarcelona #trailrunning #personaltrainerbcn #igersbarcelona #barcelona #bcntrips #bcntravelling #montserrat #bcnsummer #onelifeloveit #hikemontserrat

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Best Hiking Gear on Amazon

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Best Hiking Gear on Amazon

Best Hiking Gear on Amazon

With the summer of 2021 just around the corner and the hope we’ll have some more freedom to get outside and discover some new places to hike and adventure. Having the correct gear can be really important, especially hiking in the mountains, when the elements can make or break your day out. Also deciding what to buy can be mind-boggling with hundreds of brands on the market.

Below I have listed my favourite brands and gear that I currently use (last one is my partners favourite) when hiking in the mountains and nature. You know what they say: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear".

Suunto Ambit3 Peak Watch

The GPS outdoor watch with route altitude profile navigation and extremely long battery life.

Whether you’re reaching for the top of the summit or a new personal best, Suunto Ambit3 Peak will be there to help you. A GPS watch designed for adventures that reach the edges of the map, it provides everything you need to find your way, stay safe and follow your progress.

Keep track of your exercises, progress and recovery with ten customisable sport modes and detailed information on your exercises. You can also connect your watch to Suunto app and view your exercises there or take advantage of Suunto’s wide network of partners to access more features and training tools.

Child Osprey Poco plus rucksack

With a sunshade, raincover and toy loops you’ll know that your adventurous passenger will be safe and sound in our Poco Plus Child Carriers. Equipped with the same innovative suspended mesh backsystem as some of our hiking and backpacking packs, you’ll both be comfortable as you head to share the adventure.

The backsystem features a Fit-on-the-Fly™ adjustable hipbelt and adjustable torso length for when switching the child carrier backpack from mum to dad. The child safety harness, seat and foot stirrups are also adjustable to fit a wide range of child sizes, shapes and weights. Child safety is at the forefront of the design and this product has the TÜV GS safety certification to prove it. A trip with young children usually means carrying more gear and it's important to have essentials like biscuits & water bottles to hand. The Poco Plus backpack solves this with easy-to-access on the go mesh side pockets and zipped hipbelt pockets. The main zipped compartment beneath the child seat stores your bulk supplies. We all like the sun, but especially as parents need to be aware of sun protection. The rapid deploy Poco Plus Sun-Shade, with an UPF 50+ rating it protects your little cargo from harmful sun rays, making the perfect shaded spot for an afternoon nap. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, deploy the integrated raincover

Scarpa Zodiac Hiking Boots

Demanding trekking and technical terrain - this is where the Zodiac Plus Mid GTX from Scarpa feels at home. The rugged shoe made from 1.8mm thick abrasion resistant Perwanger suede is absolutely waterproof thanks to a GORE-TEX membrane. For the perfect fit and extra stability, the forward facing lacing and Drumlin sole ensure a secure walk no matter what rocky terrain.

Osprey Hiking Rusksack 36L

The classic styling and clean design, alongside an impressively comfortable carry makes the Stratos 36 a firm favourite for walkers and hikers who are looking for a ventilated daypack with enough capacity for lightweight camping equipment and overnight gear, or plenty of extra layers and equipment for when the weather is changeable. The detachable raincover stored in the bottom pocket increases weather resistance and tough nylon fabrics ensure durability. Stratos 36 features a double-clipped lid opening with draw-cord fastening, a large, easy access pocket in the lid and a vertically zipped expansion pocket on the front which is perfect for securely storing a jacket or spare layer for easy access. The side of the pack has a single vertical zip which allows access directly into the main compartment, saving you from having to open the lid top. The base of the pack also features a zippered sleeping bag compartment with a bellowed divider, designed to allow easy separation of equipment. Stratos 36 is the perfect pack for long days on winding trails or lightweight overnight trips in warm weather.

Black diamond Hiking Poles

A reliable and fully adjustable three-part pole for day hikes and multi-day getaways, the Trail Back now features a new ergonomic ribbed grip for added comfort and lightweight, durable double FlickLocks.

Icebreaker Thermals

Icebreaker's 100% merino, 200gm Oasis Bodyfit™ tops layer effortlessly under any mid and outer layers for the ultimate cool weather adventures. Smooth and breathable, the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Crew are the perfect base layer when the weather turns cold. Made of 100% premium merino wool these thermal leggings resist odours and breathe beautifully, keeping you comfortable no matter your activity. With seams carefully offset from the peak of your shoulder, you won't find any irritation from the straps of a heavy pack. All over flatlock seams prevent chafing and underarm gussets allow breathability where your body needs it. The Icebreaker Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe is your go-to adventure staple.

Mountain Equipment Makalu Jacket

A robust and protective GORE-TEX jacket for walkers and mountaineers.

Bridgedale Hiking Socks

A boot-length sock for day hikers and trekkers who walk all year-round, the Hike Midweight Comfort features all-day protection with next-to-skin comfort.

Merino Comfort Fusion Technology creates a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close supportive fit around your foot.… The super stretch ribbed cuff provides a looser unrestrictive fit around your calf allowing it to be worn up or down. The engineered zonal padding system provides extra support and comfort throughout the foot bed for long comfortable days in the hills. The Flat Toe Seam minimises bulk that could cause irritation in the toe box and the sock is kept securely in place with an Elasticated Arch and 3D-shaped heel cup. Built on a structure of Lycra® and set by our Thermo Fit process ensures the sock returns to its original shape and size after every wash. 

Salamon X Ultra Hiking Trainers

A best seller, the X ULTRA 3 GTX has evolved into an even more effective hiking shoe. Thanks to Descent Control technology, it efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents. Wear this pair and head downhill with a spring in your step, even in wet conditions.

Wouldn’t recommend for hiking in the UK but perfect for warm weather hiking in the summer.

Smartwool Merino Wool Hat

A multi-season essential. The uncluttered, go-anywhere Lid is streamlined in style but durably warm. Perfect for your spontaneous detours into the foothills. Single-layer jersey with headband liner.

Features

  • Single layer jersey knit construction with interior headband liner

  • Knit in Canada: 50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic

Sony Portable Waterproof Wireless Speaker

Compact yet powerful, the SRS-XB12 portable wireless speaker features EXTRA BASS™ for deep, punchy sound and a battery life of up to 16 hours2. It’s also waterproof and dustproof3 for your peace of mind. Perfect for some weekend adventures or nights in mountain refuges.

Women Stand to Pee Device

For Women! – Enjoy Walking the Storm knowing that if you are ‘caught short’ there is an elegant solution – Shewee is a neat device that allows you to relieve yourself without removing clothes whilst standing or sitting. The Extreme comes with a carry case and an extension tube. Pee on the go!

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Walking Holidays in Spain and Scotland

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Walking Holidays in Spain and Scotland

Walking Holidays Spain

The spectacular coast of Zumaia on the North coast of Spain in Basque Country, we visited this summer.

Itzurun Beach famous for a location used in Game of Thrones and in low tide a geological phenomena called Flysch, which we were unable to see but stunning nevertheless.

Our walking holidays in Spain and Scotland are relaxed where you have time to walk at your own pace and enjoy the scenery around you. The routes have been carefully designed to combine nature and local food, where you can sit back and truly live in the moment.

We offer completely bespoke walking tours in Spain and Scotland, where we can design the perfect holiday. From weekends or week long holidays.

If you’re interested and would like more information, please get in touch and we design your perfect holiday.

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Best Baby Backpack Carrier

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Best Baby Backpack Carrier

Best Baby BackPack 2020

Non negotiable best mate to take hiking. As a family we’ve racked up a good few km this summer and couldn’t have done it without our Osprey Rucksack @ospreypacks .

If you’re thinking to buy a rucksack for your baby would definitely recommend the Osprey Poco AG Plus @ospreyeurope . Amazing rucksack and perfect for a days hiking where you can load everything inside. Yeah everything !

This is a Personal Honest Review and we are not sponsored by Osprey.

Have a look out for my video this week where we’ll review the rucksack with more detail. Might help you decide if you’ve been thinking to buy one.

#familyhikingholidays #welivetoexploremore #natureloversgallery #mountainsports #visitcatalunya #catalunya_foto #hikingspain #spaintravel #spain_vacations #hikingtheglobe #hikingspain #hikingbarcelona #walkingtours #trekkingspain #trekkingcatalunya

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Guided Family Walking Holidays in Spain

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Guided Family Walking Holidays in Spain

Guided Family Walking Holidays in Spain

We’re excited to now be offering Private Guided Family Walking Holidays in Spain from Barcelona.

Having a 10 month baby of our own we understand that sometimes getting into the mountains to do some hiking can be daunting or even hard work, getting everything organised to insure everyone is happy. Your baby most importantly.

We want to show that life shouldn’t stop when you’ve got kids and getting into the mountains and nature, does wonders for your childs development.

We offer Private Day Hiking Tours from Barcelona and also Multi-day Hiking Tours from Barcelona, where we can organise your perfect family walking holiday in Spain. Accomodation, food, airport pick-up, guiding, baby equipment for hiking. You name it, we’ll organise everything.

Get in touch and we’ll organise your Walking Holiday in the mountains of the Pyrenees and the coastline of the Mediterranean, Costa Brava.

Get in touch

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Walking Holidays in Spain

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Walking Holidays in Spain

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Hiking in Spain near Barcelona

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Hiking in Spain near Barcelona

Hiking in Spain near Barcelona

Our first bit of freedom from city life in Barcelona last weekend, we visited the waterfalls of Sant Miquel del Fai, only 50km near Barcelona and is part of the Cingles de Bertí a Protected Natural Mountainous Area.


I would recommend a hike to Turó de les Onze Hores, but please be aware the Monastery is not open at the moment, as they're currently renovating it.


Still lot of hiking routes to choose from and you'll get some great views of the waterfall.

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Hiking the Pyrenees from Barcelona

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Hiking the Pyrenees from Barcelona

Pyrenees Hiking from Barcelona

Our hiking legs have been in full training throughout the lockdown here in Barcelona ready to tackle once again some of the best hiking trails near Barcelona.

We can't wait for some freedom! Looking forward to sharing some new adventures with you soon and getting back into Pyrenees again.


#hikingbarcelona #trailrunning #personaltrainerbcn #igersbarcelona #barcelona #bcntrips #bcntravelling #montserrat #bcnsummer #onelifeloveit #hikemontserrat

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Vall de Nuria Hiking Trip, from Barcelona

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Vall de Nuria Hiking Trip, from Barcelona

Vall de Nuria Hiking Tour from Barcelona

The magnificent Vall de Nuria in the Spanish Pyrenees, where we hiked from the village of Queralbs, which was our home for a few days last week.
The hike was approximately 9km in length and 800m elevation gain.
The place is a small ski resort in winter and a signature place for hiking in summer, where you'll have peaks up to 3000m towering above.
Also a religious pilgrimage site thanks to the historical Mare de Déu de Núria sanctuary.

Luckily there was limited snow when we did it, but most definitely this might have changed over the past week and generally always advised to do it in summer.

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Hike to Top of Montserrat Mountain Sant Jeroni

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Hike to Top of Montserrat Mountain Sant Jeroni

Sant Jeroni Hike Montserrat Mountain

Some of the best views from the top of Montserrat Mountain 1237m elevation, you can see some of Catalonia's most famous peaks and national parks.

On a clear day you can see the famous Pica d'Estats at 3143m elevation in the distance and is the highest peak in Catalonia. This mountain is included in the Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu.

#landscape_perfection #welivetoexploremore #natureloversgallery #mountainsports #visitcatalunya #catalunya_foto #hikingspain #spaintravel #spain_vacations #hikingtheglobe #hikingspain #hikingbarcelona #walkingtours #trekkingspain #trekkingcatalunya #cyclespain

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Montserrat Monastery to Sant Jeroni Hike

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Montserrat Monastery to Sant Jeroni Hike

Sant Jeroni is the highest point of Montserrat Mountain at 1237m in elevation. The hike from the Monastery to Sant Jeroni is my favourite route to take and with the best views. On clear day you will see the Pyrenees to the north and sometimes even the island of Mayorca to the south.

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LIST OF BEST BEACHES IN BARCELONA

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LIST OF BEST BEACHES IN BARCELONA

LIST OF BEST BEACHES IN BARCELONA

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Living in Barcelona we’re very lucky to not only have beaches on our doorstep in the city but also close to the North and south of Barcelona, where some impressive beaches can be found. Easily accessible by train, it’s the perfect day trip to do with your family, to escape the busy city beaches, especially in July and August.

Below have made a list of my best beaches in Barcelona city and nearby:

Bogatell Beach

My favourite beach in Barcelona City is definitely Playa de Bogatell, which sits at the bottom of Rambla Del Poblenou and is one of my favourite places to visit, swim or have a walk along the beach.

Generally a lot quieter and sometimes cleaner than it’s neighbours, specially Barceloneta Beach, which can be filled with stag parties etc and busy tourists in the summer.

There’s lots to do from Bogatell Beach, from Beach Tennis https://www.beachtennisbarcelona.com/ and hiring paddle boards https://www.escuela-sup.com/ from the Base Náutica Municipal de Barcelona. In addition you can do some great swimming, where in summer they place yellow boys around 50m out from from the beach and you can swim, following them along to the Forum or the Whotel in Barceloneta if you wanted. In summer you’ll find lot’s of people doing this, but always recommended to do it with a friend. Would definitely recommend to do this at sunrise, an incredible experience to start your day.

platja de gava

Down the coast the other side of Barcelona Airport next to Castelldefels you’ll find Platja de Gava and in the busy summer, when the beaches of Barcelona will be packed, you’ll always find it considerably quieter here.

Only 20 minutes in a car or you can take the train from Barcelona-Sants Station and take either the R2 or R2S line and get off at Platja de Castelldefels. A nice beach in itself at Castelldefels but always busy in the summer. You can enjoy the beach here or walk for 15 minutes along the coastal path and you’ll find it lots quieter at Platja de Gava.

If you have kids or anyone in the group keen to do something active, it’s a great place for you all to locate yourself. The sea is shallow to swim, so great for kids to enjoy the water. There’s a path that follows the coast along for nearly 10km, ideal for a run or if you’re into road cycling, you’d got the hills of the Garraf National Park behind, with some incredible routes to choose from.

For something to eat there’s an amazing place to eat on the beach called Guingueta Iguana Gavá Mar http://www.quesadagavamar.es/en/ , would definitely recommend.

platja montgat nord/Platja de can tano

Up the coast from Barcelona our favourite beach close to Barcelona, is Platja de Can Tana which is right next to Platja Montgat Nord. You’ll find Mongat Nord a bit more busier because it’s right next to the station but a short along towards Barcelona, you’ll find the beach Can Tano, which is a lot quieter.

In the busy summer months you’ll always find the beaches of Barcelona packed and sometimes depending on the current, the water can be a little dirty. Here you’ll find it quiet, water cleaner and it always feels more local and chilled out, with less people trying to sell you random sun glasses and all sorts on the beach.

It’s also very easy to get to and you can take the R1 line from various stations in Barcelona including, Barcelona-Sants, Catalunya, Arc de Triomf and El Clot-Arago. Takes approximately 30min and it’s a great journey, where the train line follows right next to the coast line for pretty much the duration of the trip.

If you’re not one for sunbathing, you’ll find a water-sports centre called Escola de Mar http://www.escolademar.cat/ , where you can hire paddlle boards, windsurfing equipment, Sailing and also they have Sailing/Windsurfing lessons.

To eat you’ve got lots of places to choose from with Chiringuito Mil Olas on the beach and also a nice friendly place called Original Can Faba, which is on the other side of the railway line. Don’t worry the trains are surprisingly very quiet and you hardly notice them.

sant pol de mar

Sant Pol de Mar is definitely one of my favourite, sitting further north up the coast from Mongat Nord, taking approximately 1 hr from Barcelona and once again you can catch the R1 Line from most stops in Barcelona, including Arc de Triomf, El Clot, Sants and Catalunya.

A charming village positioned in a cove between the towns of Calella and Canet de Mar, the historical architecture and history, combined with stunning beaches, makes it a perfect day trip from Barcelona.

There is several beaches to choose from when leaving the station, with Sant Pol having 10 beaches to it’s name, but if you turn left out the station and walk 5 min along the beach, you’ll find smaller coves with less people. Also if you’re keen for a small hike, you can walk even for 20 min up the coast towards the picture perfect Platja Rocagrossa , which is just before Calella.

To eat would recommend a restaurant called Banys Lluís https://www.banyslluis.cat/es/ , which is on Platja del Morer and is a family owned business with an incredible range of seafood.

Thanks for reading my blog, please share and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any help with further information.

Please remember, we offer bespoke day trips for your family, friends and colleagues, so please get in touch and we can help you discover this incredible area of Catalonia.

Get in touch below.

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