The most visible part of the modern waterfront of Barcelona belongs to Sant Martí.
La parte más visible del moderno frente marítimo de Barcelona forma parte de Sant Matí. The district demonstrates the urban transformation that Barcelona has had within the last few decades.
Sant Martí allows you to enjoy of a great variety of landscapes where green urban areas, coast atmosphere and modern architecture gather up in a 3 km waterfront.
The district has several neighbourhoods; three of them are part of the beachfront of Barcelona: Vila Olímpica, Poblenou and Diagonal Mar. In total: 2.675 metres of beach and marinas.
Poblenou is one of these neighborhoods and it has over 150 years of history, but nowadays, an urban renaissance is taking over as post-industrial zone. The other two neighbourhoods are the offspring of two milestones in Barcelona.
Vila Olímpica was built on top of the old Icaria neighbourhood because of Barcelona Olimpic Games in 1992 . Diagonal Mar was rebuilt by reason of the event: Universal Forum of Cultures in 2004.
Green areas, leisure facilities, modern beaches and icons of architecture are the landscapes of these three fabulous neighbourhoods of Barcelona plus a fantastic waterfront that makes the city one of the nicest places in the Mediterranian coast.
Vila Olímpica
Vila Olímpica was the place of residence for 15.000 athlets and members of official delegations during the Olimpic Games in 1992. Today, it has become a very nice neighbourhood with sea views and all modern facilities you can wish for.
It stands out its marina called Port Olímpic of Barcelona and it is located between Nova Icària and Barceloneta beaches; a marina that offers excellent maritime activities and other leisure opportunities, for instance, the Casino of Barcelona.
Arts Hotel and Mapfre Tower are located in an area close to docks at the waterfront of Barcelona. This two towers are 154 metres high and have become part of the recognasible landscape of the city. Other iconic landmark is the giant copper fish by Frank Gehry.
A few blocks away there is Ciudatella Park that offers pleanty of space to enjoy free time. There is also Universitat Pompeu Fabra; an entire university campus next to the waterfront of Barcelona.
In conclusion, Vila Olímpica is a very nice area to live in because of its landscape, nice architecture, leisure activities and its good public transport connections to the centre of the city.
Poblenou
Often forgotten, Poblenou is one of the most attractive areas of the waterfront of Barcelona. Its construction took place in the nineteenth century with the advent of factories that made it the so-called Catalan Manchester. When the factories closed the neighbourhood was abandoned until its recent recovery that gave to this place a cool look of post-industrial zone. Therefore you can find spacious lofts in this area.
The Olympics and the construction of the innovative district 22 @, Poblenou has been projected to be one of the new trendy part of Barcelona. Its light, its tranquil lifestyle and its proximity to some of the best beaches in town make this neighbourhood the choice of new residents in Barcelona.
Rambla del Poble Nou is its main street, which is limited by the 22@ district and by the sea. This particular promenade starts at Diagonal Avenue and Pere IV Street. It has a quiet pedestrian area. One of its crossroads leads into Parc del Centre, made by the French architect: Jean Nouvel.
There are Nova Mar Bella and Bogatell beach at the end of the Rambla.
In conclusion, Poblenou is the right choice for young families and creative professionals, which like to be in a traditional atmosphere. It is the perfect area to combine family and work.
Besides being one of the most modern neighborhoods of Barcelona, Diagonal Mar also stands out for being one of the best equipped areas of the city. This small and exclusive neighborhood is located at the point where Diagonal Avenue gets close to the beach.
Its renovation began with the preparations for the Olympic Games in 1992, and ended with the celebration of the Universal Forum of Cultures in 2004. Therefore, a major change was made in a deprived area. New places were built: Parc Diagonal Mar by Enric Miralles or the huge mall Diagonal Mar.
Its coastline, surrounded by Bogatell Beach and Port Forum, offers space to enjoy the sand and a modern marina. Next to the port, there is a multipurpose space where many events such as Primavera Sound take place.
The new project of Campus Diagonal Besós will take place within this area.
In conclusion, Diagonal Mar is the right neighbourhood for lovers of the sea with excellent taste who likes luxury and trendiness in a tranquil area, isolated from the centre of the city.
Trendiness, architecture, beaches, business and leisure are the qualities you will find living in the new waterfront area of Barcelona!
