Places to stay cool and escape the heat in Barcelona

Barcelona buzzes during the summer with its lovely beaches and sun-bathed streets. With all that mentioned, it is nice to have some places that are cool and not exposed to the heat as the Mediterranean sun becomes more intense. There are various shaded parks, luxury beach clubs, and relaxing zones that are far from the sun, while indulging in some cooling foods. The following places are great places to make sure that you stay cool, but still, get the most out of Barcelona.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Designed and created by Domenico Bagutt over 200 years ago, the oldest garden in the city, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, is a quick escape from the Barcelona summer sun. Wander through the lovely maze of pollarded cypress trees and you will find secluded areas with statues of mythological creatures. A statue of Eros is at the centre of the maze.

It also has several plant species, including evergreen oaks, linden trees and sequoias among others. One of the best attractions in the park to avoid the hustle and bustle of the warm city is the 14th Century Torre Soberana, a country house with a garden view, the canal and water features.

Location: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Horta-Guinardó, 08035

Port Vell

You can take a pleasant walk along Las Ramblas. After your walk ends at Port Vell, you will discover a perfect spot to relax and cool down. The Maremagnum shopping mall has ample room for discovering all sorts of air-conditioned stores and restaurants. It also has cafes, and you can sit outside on the terrace at Time Out Market for breezy sea views, and enjoy dining al fresco at the other available restaurants.

Walk along the promenade after lunch, where you can take in stunning views of the superyachts in the marina and a refreshing sea breeze. There are generally street performers, local artists, who add to the atmosphere. Additionally, the nearby aquarium provides not only a cool spot but an educational one as well. There are a variety of activities at Port Vell that will keep you cool but are also exciting and thrilling.

Location: Port Vell

Badiani 1932

There’s nothing cooler than a visit to Badianai 1932, which opened in Barcelona in 2022. It’s an Italian-style gelateria in Catalonia. Located in Passeig de Gràcia, Westfield Glòries, and Sarrià, you have plenty of chances to try out some of Badiani’s iconic delights.

In addition to serving delicious ice cream flavours like strawberry and pistachio, they also have lots of other sweet treats, including croissants, smoothies, fluffy crepes, and ice cream sandwiches. Visitors can enjoy these in a calm and cool setting that is perfect for escaping the summer heat.

Locations: Carrer del Rosselló, 232, Carrer de Mandri, 37 & Av. Diagonal, 208

El Corte Inglés

With outlets all over Barcelona like Placa de Catalunya and Avinguda Diagonal, the shops have electronics, cosmetics, fashion and more. It’s a good spot to get out of the summer heat. Step inside El Corte Ingles’ air-conditioned stores and spend time browsing through the many floors, and cool down while indulging in some luxurious shopping.

Locations: Placa de Catalunya, 14 & 617-619, Avinguda Diagonal

W Hotel Wet Deck

At the W Hotel, the Wet Deck offers breathtaking Mediterranean views and is an absolute must if you require some relief from the heat.  That is, of course, aside from the highlight of the place, the infinity pool; dive in for a cool-down and enjoy the wonderful refreshing water. There’s never-ending cocktails, pool essentials, snacks, and everything else at your fingertips, which is easy as you won’t need to do anything!

Location: Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 08039

Private charter from Port Olimpíc

Board the luxury private yacht Board La Gavina to get away from the heat of Barcelona during summer. Departing from Port Olímpic, you can sit and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Mediterranean and the Barcelona city line with everything you need taken care of, including towels, snacks and whatever else you need.

For this experience to be even more worth it, La Gavina also offers sunset dinner, perfect for relaxing under a summer breeze while being cool, a seaside getaway. 

Location: Port Olimpíc

Skybar Grand Central Hotel

The Skybar Grand Central Hotel is situated next to the Barcelona Cathedral, and offers a stunning infinity pool with city line views for guests to take a dip when the sun is getting too hot. The Skybar also offers a vast selection of wine and ice-cold cocktails. There is also live music and beautiful sunsets for the most elevated summertime treat. A delightful way to experience Barcelona during the hottest months, which are July and August.

Location: Grand Central Hotel, Via Laietana, 30, Ciutat Vella, 08003

Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa (Empordà)

When it comes to relaxing and cooling down, guests will find many ways to do so at Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa, an 18th-century hotel located on the Costa Brava. Featuring 39 chic suites, some with their pools, and views of the gardens.

Visitors can enjoy the award-winning Mas Spa, which has a heated indoor pool, hydrotherapy circuit, and treatment rooms. The hotel also has a private boat for coastal trips as well as bicycles to cycle to nearby medieval towns. Local cuisine at El Mas Restaurant is best served with seasonal vegetables and a glass of wine under the lovely wisteria.

Location: Torrent, Girona

From exploring the peaceful gardens in the Parc del Laberint d’Horta, tasting traditional gelato at Badiani 1932, shopping in the air-conditioned El Corte Inglés, the city has you covered in cooling possibilities. For the luxury, rooftop bars like the W Hotel’s Wet Deck and the Skybar at Grand Central have glamour and peace with Mediterranean views. Or, alternatively, a private boat from Port Olímpic or a journey.

Sandra Roig

Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental agency offering over one thousand short and long term apartments across Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.