Samuel K.: Barcelona’s beaches

One of my favourite things about living in Barcelona was definitely the beach. Before coming here, I knew the city was famous for its coastline, but I didn't expect to spend so much of my free time there. During my Erasmus+ stay, going to the beach became a regular part of the week.

On average, my friends and I visited the beach two or three times a week. Sometimes we went there to swim, sometimes to play beach volleyball, and other times we simply brought a towel, sat in the sand and enjoyed the evening together. It was the perfect place to relax after a busy day or spend a few hours on the weekend without having to plan anything.

One of my favourite activities was playing beach volleyball. The courts were always busy, and it was fun to join a game while enjoying the warm weather. The atmosphere was always great because everyone was there to have a good time. Whether we played for half an hour or much longer, it was always one of the highlights of the day.

I also loved swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The water was surprisingly warm, and even in the evening it was still pleasant to go for a swim. Coming from Austria, it felt special to have the ocean just a few minutes away instead of having to wait for a summer holiday. Some of my favourite memories are simply sitting on the beach with friends, talking for hours while watching the waves.

What I enjoyed most was how easy it was to spend time there. The weather was almost always sunny, the beach was close to our accommodation, and there was always something going on. Every visit felt a little different, but they all had one thing in common: they made everyday life in Barcelona feel relaxed and enjoyable.

When I think back to my Erasmus+ experience, the beaches of Barcelona will always be one of the first things that come to mind. They were more than just a place to swim, they became the setting for many of my favourite memories.