Life & Style

Escaping city life in a metropolitan area the size of Barcelona is easy thanks to the beaches, which were the result of a profound urban reform. 4,5 kilometres of nature, open to the sea, the are the biggest recreational area in Barcelona. Despite an ongoing controversy over the illegality of certain vendors found on the beach, the space remains a popular get-away for locals and tourists alike.

Seven wineries that are part of the Terra Alta protected geographical indication (PGI) have begun the harvest of white varieties. This is the second harvest with the distinguished Terra Alta Garnatxa Blanca (white Grenache) label in place, to guarantee high quality standards.

Lleida’s unique building receives one of the world’s most prestigious architecture awards. The city’s Mayor, Àngel Ros, is said to be proud and highlighted that 75,000 people have already gone through the cultural and business facility since its opening in 2010. La Llotja, designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo and the Catalan Labb Arquitectura, can be used as a theatre or a conference centre.

Flowers of varying species, size and colour have been chosen based on their ability endure the climate of the city.

The project ‘Cultures Trobades’ has already avoided the extinction of 300 varieties of seeds, 50 ancient vineyards and the last living specimens of the Catalan goats. The initiative aims to preserve traditional Catalan agriculture, "the country's cultural heritage."

The neighbourhood of Gràcia launches into its week long festival, with its famous decorations occupying streets and squares throughout the area. The CNA talked to residents of Carrer de Progrés about their 'Intergalactic' themed street.

The vineyards grow in a stony land and the grapes are produced by organic agriculture. The small and young company aims to kick off its third vintage, which is expected to produce 50,000 bottles of organically certified wine.

A Catalan company has developed a mobile phone application that identifies bars to watch your favourite sports games, no matter which country you are in. The application includes football, basketball, tennis and rugby games, as well as motorbike and Formula 1 races. It is called “Watch around”.

The 5,000 years old funerary monument which is unique within the Iberian Peninsula will be open to visitors in 2012.

The CNA talks to the city's visitors to see what they really think of the tourist services. According to the Barcelona Tourism Statistics division, since 1990, visitors have increased from under 2 million to over 7 million and the number of those staying overnight has increased from 3 million to 14 million

Saturday marked the last meal of the legendary El Bulli restaurant, the centre of molecular gastronomy and the home for the last 28 years of head chef and culinary genius Ferran Adrià. CNA speaks to Ferran Adrià about the restaurant and his plans for the future.

Les Rambles stands out as key attraction in Barcelona connecting Plaça Catalunya to Christopher Columbus at Port Vell and the Barri Gòtic to El Raval. Yet in recent years it has increasingly gained a bad reputation amongst visitors and locals alike. CNA talks to the tourists who continue to line the street.

The 5th edition of the urban and contemporary fashion exhibition The Brandery takes place in Barcelona from the July 13th to the 15th in the Monjtuïc venue. The fashion fair has created a new space called ‘Brandtown a FashionXperience’ that will host concerts, fashion shows and exhibitions.

The Costa Brava received 6,5 million visitors in 2009. According to latest estimations of Costa Brava Tourism Council, up to 3 million tourists stayed at coastal apartments. The Costa Brava brand is currently the second most recognised destination for foreign tourists, just beaten by Barcelona.

Bakers expect a 5% drop in the sale of cakes due to the economic crisis. Families have chosen smaller and cheaper sweets to celebrate the night, while the tradition of setting off firecrackers appears to be as strong as ever