Badalona combines its coastline, Roman urban history and green spaces with festival and food culture. The beaches and Passeig Marítim sit alongside the archaeological site beneath the Museu de Badalona, Can Solei i de Ca l’Arnús Park, and historical and culinary traditions. This gives you a choice of different themes to focus on during your stay.
Coast, Promenade and Water Sports
Badalona has almost five kilometres of coastline and nine beaches. They are very close to the urban and commercial centre, bringing the coast and city close together. The Passeig Marítim runs between the beaches and the railway line. The promenade is suitable for walking, skating, relaxing and dining. Walking and skating offer opportunities for activity, while relaxing and dining provide a more leisurely break.
Nautical activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, rowing and snorkelling are available at Port de Badalona. This makes the port a destination for water sports, distinct from the promenade and its various uses. Specific providers and activities may change, so check what is currently available before making plans.
Roman Traces and Monastic History
Beneath the Museu de Badalona is a 3,400-square-metre archaeological site containing remains of the Roman city. This makes the Roman past one of Badalona’s most clearly recognisable themes. It forms a distinct historical focus alongside the coast and the modern urban landscape.
Another historical connection is the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra. According to tradition, Christopher Columbus presented the discovery of the new continent there to the Catholic Monarchs Isabel and Fernando. Fernando recuperated at the monastery after a long period of convalescence. The monastery’s history thus combines a historical tradition with a stay by a king known by name, while the archaeological site focuses on the Roman city.
Park, Plants and Environmental Education
Can Solei i de Ca l’Arnús Park is located in the centre of Badalona and is of historical, artistic and landscape value. The park has areas for children’s recreation and environmental education, as well as a signposted botanical trail featuring more than 100 different native plant species. The park therefore complements the city’s historical themes with botanical diversity and environmental education.
The botanical trail offers a specific reason to explore the park not just as a green space, but also with an eye to its native plants.
Festes de Maig and Local Cuisine
The Festes de Maig are celebrated around 11 May. The Cremada del Dimoni is one of the festival’s most emblematic events. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates before travelling.
Traditional Badalona cuisine includes a fish stew with fish, potatoes and allioli. It is closely linked to the city’s fishing past. The coast is therefore reflected not only in the landscape and nautical activities, but also in a culinary tradition with historical roots.
Discover more destinations: L'Estany, Santa Coloma De Gramenet, Ca l'Avi, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia, Cardona, L'Alt Penedès, Rellinars, Sant Salvador De Guardiola
For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.
