Save the Chiringuitos!

The much-loved chiringuito is every bit a part of Spanish culture as flamenco, Cervantes and staying up all night partying. Essentially little more than a shack in the sand that sells food and cold beverages, the best way to translate them into English would simply be 'beach bars'. But despite their garden shed appearance, and overall lack of bells and whistles, they remain fiercely popular with locals and tourists throughout summer. After all what could be better than sitting on a lovely wooden terrace by the sea with a bit of shade over your head and a sexy senor/ita serving you up ice-cold mojitos and cerveza? (Barcelona also has plenty of more upmarket, lounge-style beach bars and clubs. Scroll to the bottom of this page for some suggestions).

You can find chiringuitos up and down Spain's scorching coastlines, and fortunately Barcelona has it's fair share of beach bars too, starting on Barceloneta Beach itself, and running all the way North via Platja de Bogatell and Platja de Marbella (the home of two gay chiringuitos). When the sun goes down these tropical-style havens don't pack up their bags, but DJs often turn up and impromptu beach parties get everyone in the Spanish fiesta mood.

Unfortunately, due to some such nonsense as noise regulations or planning permission, or some other tedious administrative issue that only an exceptionally boring person in a suit could possibly care about, the chiringuito is under threat of closure. Which as far as Barcelona Life is concerned would be a disaster far worse than a piffling economic crisis... We'll keep you updated with any news, not to mention spearhead any 'Save Our Chiringuitos' campaign if necessary. In the meantime order yourself another jug of sangria and enjoy the views!

Barcelona Chiringuitos

A small selection of our favourite chiringuitos...

Princesa 23 Beach Bar
Occupying a prime perch on Barceloneta beach, Princesa 23 is rarely less than packed. Drinks promos seem to take place throughout the day, encouraging sun-starved tourists to dehydrate themselves silly.

Mochimo Bar
Two of Barcelona's best beach huts are run by the Mochimo crew, one on Mar Bella the other on Nova Mar Bella. Further away from the madding crowd the clientele is a more concentrated cross section of cool local customers, taking a break from bronzing their buff bods. Great places to unwind with an iced-sangria or five as the sun goes down.
www.mochimabar.com

Barcelona Beach Bars & Beach Clubs

On top of the homely charms of the chiringuito, the Catalan capital also boasts some more glamorous and upmarket choices for those who fancy the appeal of a beach club but don't want to get sand in their stilettos. Most are centred around the nightlife strip on the Olympic Port.

Ice Barcelona
The world's only ice bar on the beach, Ice Barcelona is the number one place to cool off in the city... so if you feel the Spanish sunshine going to your head climb inside for a glacial night out. You'll be given a sleek winter coat and a pair of mittens, then it's time to plunge into the ice chamber and drink a couple of vodkas from a frozen glass. Definitely one of the more unique things to do in Barcelona.
www.icebcn.com

Opium Beach Club
If clubbing on the coast is what you're all about don't miss this place, widely regarded as the number one nightlife spot in the city. Dressed up dolls and divas brave the queues at night, whilst by day the lounge overlooking Barceloneta beach is a great place to kick back with a(n expensive) cocktail.

For a guide to all other bars in Barcelona, go to our drink section.