So the main reason I booked this trip was to see the Spanish Grand Prix, as I have never seen any before. We decided to stay 3 nights in Blanes by the beach and then stay 2 nights in the city at the end. I am so glad we did this as we got to experience both sides of Barcelona.

Spanish Grand Prix- Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

We arrived at the track early around 8am, which was a good idea as we only had a general admission ticket. Personally, I prefer this as we took our own picnic and blanket so we could set up a spot for the day. We took a spot on a grass verge overlooking a straight and two corners which was perfect as we also had two screens to watch the race on. This was section P. We came in from gate 4 and we had to walk to the other side of the track which took about 20 minutes to walk but well worth it!

Throughout the day we had formula 2 and 3 and also Porsche, the sun was shining and then finally at 3:10pm we had formula 1. Amazing race with Lewis Hamilton winning!

At the end of the day they opened up the track so you could walk along it! Great experience! We then left for our transfer at 6pm!

Hotels

In Blanes we stayed at the Beverly Park Hotel and Spa on a half board basis. The hotel was located around a 5 minute walk from the beach and had some nice bars, shops, cafes and restaurants all in walking distance. The hotel staff were lovely and helpful. The hotel was a nice 4 star with a pool and gorgeous spa.

In Barcelona city we stayed at The Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel which is a 5 star on a bed and breakfast basis. This is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and only a 2 minute walk to the metro station will take you into the centre.

Renaissance Barcelona Fira – Rooftop pool and bar

Restaurants and bars

Las Ramblas

There is a square just off of Las Ramblas which had a selection of restaurants with a range of foods. We chose a restaurant which had Tapas. Through the night we had a few street musicians come to play and sing to us which was lovely. The atmosphere was great and the food was gorgeous! Great night in Las Ramblas.

Marina – Port Vell

Heading down to the Marina there are lots of bars and restaurants overlooking the yachts which is lovely. The bars and restaurants in this area I found were a lot more expensive than other places we went to on Las Ramblas, a jug of sangria is around 19euros and on the marina we paid 33euros so just be mindful, however I did personally feel the price was worth it due to the view we had sitting in the sun and looking at all the beautiful yachts.

9 nine- steak house

Located in Eixample the nearest metro station is Girona. This restaurant was amazing! I emailed to book and they confirmed within half an hour. On arrival we received a complimentary glass of cava. We were giving a couple of menus in which we chose the set menu. We could choose 3 starters to share in which we had prawn croquettes, cured ham and meatballs. We were also given tomato bread. We then had New York Steak with chips which was amazing and you were giving a hot plate to cook the steak to your satisfaction. For Desert I had the Vanilla cheese cake with berry coulis and my friend had the lemon sorbet. We could also order half a litre of sangria to share which came within the set menu. The meal was fantastic and such good value ! We spend 37 euros per person !! I would definitely recommend this restaurant! The service from the staff was also brilliant and the chef also came out to the front of house to ask each table how their meal was. Perfect!

Buenas Migas – Cafe overlooking Sagrada Familia

Located next to Sagrada Familia with fabulous views. This was the ideal cafe to have some lunch and a coffee whilst have an amazing view of this wonderful piece of architecture. I had Salmon and Rocket Focaccia which I highly recommend with a latte. Perfect lunch sitting inside the door.

Buenas Migas cafe overlooking Sagrada Familia

Getting around

So when we arrived we had coach transfers included which took us 2 hours to get Blanes. I think if I was to stay in that area again or along that coast I would hire a car as it is literally one straight road to the coast and a lot quicker than a coach with plenty of drop offs.

When we went to Barcelona city we got a taxi from the airport which cost 26euros. When we arrived we looked at the best ways of getting around which I found was the metro. It is really easy and we bought a 48 hour unlimited travel including the airport for around 15euros! If you grab a map it is really easy to find your way around and a lot quicker than the bus! Although with this ticket you can also use the buses if you wish 🙂