THERE'S a trendy neighbourhood in a popular Spanish city where holidaymakers can avoid the tourist crowds. From stunning architecture and culture to amazing nightlife and great food, all with great weather and beaches, Barcelona makes for the perfect break. More than 12 million people were thought to have visited Barcelona last year, which means finding crowd-free areas can be a little ticky.
One place that's said to be largely free from the tourist crowds is Poblenou - the coolest neighbourhood in the city, according to Time Out . The trendy area sits right at the heart of the Barcelona design movement, with it attracting just about everyone. Poblenou lies to the east of the city centre, with part of it backing onto Playa de Bogatell, one of the best beaches in the city.
Playa de Bogatell is said to have a "lively yet relaxed" atmosphere by beach-goers on TripAdvisor. One person wrote: "Well worth the extra 20 minutes on the bus to get to this beach, it's much nicer than Barceloneta , quieter (though still busy) and much cleaner." Another person added: "This beautiful stretch of sand offers clear waters and plenty of space to unwind or enjoy beach activities.
"The promenade is lined with charming cafes and restaurants, providing the perfect backdrop for a delightful meal or drink." Someone else said: "I read that this is one of the best beaches in Barcelona, and it didn't disappoint. It has a relaxed atmosphere, clean, and excellent service from the nearby Bo Kaap restaurant.