Women wearing face masks have been noticed sunbathing at the Malvarrosa beach, as some Spanish provinces are allowed to ease lockdown restrictions during phase one, in Valencia, Spain, Reuters reports.

 

According to worldometers.info, as of today, there are 282,370 confirmed cases in the country and over 28,678 deaths.

 

From the graph below, we can see that the existing quarantine measures that have been imposed are starting to take effect and the number of daily infected cases are decreasing.

 

The countdown has begun until the great release, announced by the authorities on May 15.  Plans are being made about the operation of restaurants, hotels, rules have been imposed for the reopening of hair salons.  The somewhat normal life is enjoyed by the citizens of other European states. The images of Austrians rushing into shops, or those of Spaniards enjoying sports and walks are as optimistic as they are disturbing.  Authorities warn that the danger has not passed.

 Since 1 May, Austria has further relaxed measures imposed in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and allowed the reopening of hairdressing salons, larger shops and shopping malls.  And the images speak for themselves about the impatience with which people have been waiting for this relaxation. Queues formed in front of clothing stores, sidewalks were crowded, and parks and markets became promenades again.

Austria will further relax its containment measures from May 15, when restaurants and cafes will be reopened and religious services will be able to resume, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was quoted as saying by Reuters on Tuesday.

Relaxation also is in Spain, one of the hardest-hit countries in terms of deaths due to the new coronavirus.  Over the weekend, in Barcelona, ​​runners and cyclists littered the streets near the beach, where surfers enjoyed the waves.

In Madrid, cyclists and young people on skateboards walked the boulevards, crossing police lanes trying to prevent congestion.  Spain was one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and imposed strict containment measures in March. Sports and recreational activities have been banned in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, there is so much to see and do in Barcelona that, when visitors arrive, they sometimes feel lost, with no idea where to start. If you want to take advantage of some of the best things on offer, this list will get you started.

 

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

To decide when to go on holiday to Spain, you should determine the place and purpose of the trip. You can go on the ski slopes from the beginning of winter until April, and you can enjoy the beach from June to October. But the water only warms up nicely in July. You can come on excursions all year round, as the air here rarely cools below +10 oC (except for ski resorts).

 

September, considered the velvet season, is the best time to travel to Spain if the purpose of the trip is beaches and diving (water up to +27 C, air up to +29 C). In the Canary Islands, the season lasts longer: the temperature at which the air warms in October is about +26 C, and the water is about +22 oC. The Balearic Islands are a bit cooler. You can organize a rich program of trips to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia during the November holidays, as the temperature of + 18-20 oC is ideal for long walks. But in November the tour will be cheaper.

 

Is Barcelona an expensive city to visit?

It is worth noting that Barcelona is a relatively expensive European city. Still, even here, you can find excellent options where you can have a tasty and cheap.

 

Barcelona’s attractions span nearly 2,000 years of history. They include a medieval old town, a unique street network that reflects 19th-century urban trends, and many interesting, unusual, and slightly fabulous buildings, including its architectural delights. Antoni Gaudí in particular. On the streets of the Catalan capital, you can easily find ancient rarities of the Roman past, medieval neighborhoods, cathedrals, and sculptural and architectural masterpieces of modernism and modernity. Barcelona is the city where Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró got their inspiration. You can stroll aimlessly through its streets, stumble into charming corners, listen to street musicians or have fun in cozy cafes.

 

What are the top things to do in Barcelona?

 

Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, with over one and a half million people, and the second-largest in the country. Barcelona is a lively seaside town and port with a magnificent cultural and historical heritage, a unique atmosphere, and charming architecture. The center of Catalonia attracts with its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle, surreal buildings - masterpieces of Gaudí, beaches and the sea, delicious food, and entertainment for all tastes.

 

20. Taste some of the best drinks in town

Barcelona is famous for its Catalan cava. Catalonia's white (or pink) sparkling wine is obtained by the same method famously used by its French cousin, obtaining its effervescence and complexity from the fermentation of bottles. It is trendy in Barcelona and throughout Spain. At Vinya del Senyor, you can taste some of the best products in the area. The intimate restaurant serves a range of boutique-style glass cava. If you can get a meal on the plate, you’ll be able to enjoy it while enjoying views of Santa Maria del Mar. If you want to delve into the cave and its history, visit Cavas Codorniu, the oldest family cava company in Spain and one of the oldest in the world, with over 450 years of history to date. Here, you can enjoy excursions, museums, tastings, and more.

 

19. Discover the fascinating history of Barcelona

Knowing the history of a city is always a good idea when you visit a place you've never been to before. It will help you understand some of the characters of its people, architecture, art, and more. With so many different cultures, it is possible to stumble across part of Barcelona's history around every corner. One of the best places to start is at the MUHBA (Museu d’Historia de Barcelona), where the city’s heritage is preserved and displayed in several locations, such as Call, Temple Temple, Plaça del Rei, and Refugi 307.

 

You can also learn more about the history of Barcelona by visiting the newly opened Born Cultural Center, Columnas de Adrian, the Royal Shipyards of the Maritime Museum, several shelters that were built to survive the civil war, and the modernist Illa de la Discòrdia and the Fossar de les Moreres. It was once one of the historic cemeteries near the church of Santa Maria del Mar and served as a war memorial for those who lost their lives during the siege of eighteenth-century Barcelona.

 

18. Access one of Picasso's most complete art collections

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona was founded by the iconic friend of the artist's life, to whom he donated many of his works. While Picasso was from Malaga, in the south of Spain, it was Barcelona; he chose it as the location for his name museum because it was the city he forgot when he was just starting. It is housed in five connected Catalan Gothic palaces and houses one of the complete Picasso art collections. It has over 4,000 early works in sculpture, painting, and engraving. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions explore his life, artistic interests, and love for the city. The five adjoining residences from the 13th and 14th centuries that complete the museum boast many treasures.

 

17. Be enchanted by the Magic Fountain

Font Magica, or Magic Fountain, is one of the most charming sights in Barcelona. Created for the 1929 International Exposition, it is located at the Montjuic Palace. "Magic" happens every weekend, as well as on Thursdays during the summer, with half-hour shows featuring water dancing to colorful lights and the rhythm of music ranging from classical songs to the Star Wars soundtrack. . The Magic Fountain is a fantastic display of acrobatics of color, light, movement, music, and water - making it appear as "pure magic."

 

16. Take a walk in the park

Barcelona is home to almost 70 parks, and one of the largest and most popular is Ciutadella Park. This green oasis is a great place to escape the chaos of the city's crowds and offers all sorts of things to do. Enjoy a picnic under the crowded palms, go to the zoo, take a boat in a row on the lake and look at the fountains and the medieval Castell dels Tres Dragons. If you want to see more of Antoni Gaudi's wonderful works, go to Park Guell, commissioned by Eusebi Güell, who wanted to create an elegant park for the aristocracy of Barcelona. There are some incredible stone structures and fascinating buildings, as well as a spectacular dragon, adorned with vibrant and colorful tiles. At the top of the park there is a terrace area, where you can enjoy views of the park and the city.

 

15. Immerse your toes in the Mediterranean

If you’re here in the hot summer months, as well as late spring and early fall, make sure you head to one of Barcelona’s two mile-long sandy beaches. Water temperatures are often ideal for swimming around the end of May to mid-September. Each of the beaches, from Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta, closest to the city center, to the sandy stretches of Nova Icaria and Mar Bella, have their own selection of chiringuitos (beach bars), perfect when you need a beach. break from the sun and many offer fun nightlife after dark. If you are looking for a quieter and more relaxed beach to relax in, just head along the coast to the beaches north of Olympic Port, such as Bogatell, which is only 15 minutes away. walking distance from Barceloneta.

 

14. Participate in a local festival

Barcelona loves to party and if you are looking for a non-stop party, or just want to mingle with the locals, take part in one of the many festivals. Most of the city's major festivals take place between late spring and early fall, such as the world's largest indie and alternative music festival, Primavera Sound, which takes place in late May or early June. August brings the new spring day Gracia Gracia, while September hosts the biggest fiesta of the year, the four-day Festes de la Merce, which honors the city's patron with a run, harbor swimming race and all sorts of concerts, parades, Catalan dances and holidays. Barcelona also celebrates Carnival in February, which includes carnival events and parades, being almost as colorful as the legendary Cologne festivities.

 

13. Buy something from the El Born neighbourhood

If you are passionate about shopping and want to enjoy strolling through a charming local area, head to El Born. Between the Gothic Quarter and the Parc de la Ciutadella, the main shopping street, Calle dels Flassaders, is narrow, but offers plenty of delights, such as cool cafes, modern art galleries, shops and vintage boutiques. Some of the highlights of the district include a Chocolate Museum, Chocolate Museum, MUTT Bookshop & Art Gallery, Museu Picasso de Barcelona and Museu de Cultures Del De Barcelona, ​​which feature exhibits from private and public collections that take the visitor on a journey. journey through the ancient cultures of Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.

 

12. Take a cooking class

Barcelonans are proud of Catalan cuisine and should be. A geographically diverse region, Catalunya produces a variety of fresh, high-quality seafood, meat, poultry, game, fruit and vegetables, which sometimes come in unusual combinations, such as meat and seafood, poultry. and fruits, fish and nuts. It's absolutely mouth-watering, and by taking an authentic cooking class, you can even bring some of it home and learn a lesson about the rich culinary history of Spain. BarcelonaCooking offers daily cooking classes in the morning and in the evening, offering a practical experience preparing Catalan dishes. A typical class starts with a trip to La Boqueira Market to buy local products for the class before entering the kitchen to cook appetizers, soup, paella and dessert. The classes are designed for everyone, from beginner to advanced cook, with activities in the process of preparing food for each skill level.

 

11. Enjoy Catalan cuisine

If you don't want to cook them yourself, you should try at least the best Catalan dishes in Barcelona. One of the most recommended places to try it is Cinc Sentits, where the talented Canadian-Catalan chef Jordi Artal serves the local classics with a twist. Often referred to as an indispensable experience for dishes, you can enjoy items such as shrimp in ajoblanco (garlic soup) with cherries and ice cream made from their stones. Catalan artisanal cheeses are deadly, and the foie gras that rests on a caramelized sugar rind, mashed leeks and chives, has been called the "taste of heaven". Each course is perfectly suited to all five senses, for an unforgettable dining experience. And while the restaurant has been recognized with a Michelin star, it is still one of the most affordable restaurants in Barcelona.

 

10. Complete great tapas

Your trip to Barcelona is not complete without filling out your tapas at least once. This culinary trend, which is spreading beyond the city and even overseas, is, in the most basic sense, appetizers, like small plates of enlarged delicacies. The right way to eat tapas is to jump from bar to bar, sipping a drink or two and devouring them along the way. The old fishing village of Barceloneta is where many locals go for the best tapas in the city, despite the area full of tourists, especially in summer. Ask for the house specialty, if the unit does not have one, it is not a real tapas bar.

 

If you want an insider to take you to some of the most authentic tapas bars, join the Tapas & Beer tour, where you will enjoy some of the best regional beers, along with fantastic tapas from the Gracia district. hip, where Iberian ham, mussels and patatas bravas is often to order.

 

9. Montjuic cinema experience

What could be better than open-air cinema in the night sky of Barcelona at Montjuic Castle? The beautiful surroundings, the relaxed atmosphere and the dark night add a magical touch to a summer evening, offering a unique experience in Barcelona. It is often rated as one of the best open-air cinemas in Europe and includes a selection of top films, accompanied by short films, concerts and a picnic area. You can bring your own meal and snacks or pick up something on the spot. And don't worry if you don't understand Spanish, most of the movies in the program are either in English with Spanish subtitles or in Spanish with English subtitles.

 

8. Rent a bicycle and take the Carretera De Les Aigues

While you can look at the incredible views of the city skyline from Park Guell, the peaks of Barcelona's skyline along the ancient road known as the Carretera de les Aigues. Although it has been officially renamed Passeig de les Aigües, those who travel here still call it by its original name. Well on the beaten tourist road, it revolves around the mountains, overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. It has been transformed into about 13 km of relatively flat bicycles and footpaths, and from Sant Pere Màrtir to Carretera de la Rabassada, the view from Collserola, overlooking Barcelona, ​​is absolutely perfect.

 

7. Catch a game at the Camp Nou

Millions of football fans make the pilgrimage to Barcelona every year to cheer up Barcelona's home team, FC Barcelona. The level of enthusiasm that the fans bring is equal to the stadium, Camp Nou. It boasts the largest capacity in Europe and can accommodate almost 100,000 spectators and hosting one of the best football teams in the world, many believe that a trip to the city would not be complete without going to a match. The schedule is set each year around mid-July, and matches usually begin in late August and end in late May, with a winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays. Although nothing compares to participating in a live game, if you can't do that, you can still enjoy the experience by taking a guided tour that includes the rush of the "player tunnel", simulating what it's like to go to a creepy, crowded stadium. capacity.

 

6. Take a tour of the roof of Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Seu, was built as a monument to Eulalia, the city's co-owner. One of the most magnificent Gothic structures in Barcelona, ​​it has gargoyles, flying buttresses and barrel vault accents. You can enjoy them from above, along with the city skyline, taking a tour of the rooftop. While you're there, try to locate all 13 geese that can be seen around the cloister. It contains small chapels, gardens, fountains and geese. It is said to represent every year of Eulalia's life before she was martyred, and you can hear their loud sounds inside the church building. The geese used to perform an important task: they warned against intruders and thieves.

 

5. Climb Mount Montjuic

If you want to give your legs a great workout, go to Montjuïc Mountain. Not only is it an ideal place for a scenic walk, as many do not want to make the effort to get there, it tends to be less crowded with tourists. In addition to enjoying the spectacular views and natural surroundings, on top of the hill are the Olympic Stadium and the Jardi Botanic Garden. You will also discover buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games, such as the Palau Sant Jordi and a telecommunications tower. Be sure to visit Laribal Gardens, a romantic hilltop park with its mix of fountains, water and shady trees reminiscent of gardens at the Alhambra Palace in Grenada. The park is best known among locals for Font del Gat, or Cat's Fountain, built in 1918 - it was once a popular meeting place for young couples in love and was featured in the popular song "La Marieta de l'ull viu."

 

4. Hidden tours of the city by the homeless

Homeless people in Barcelona have been touring the city for several years. According to the company's quote, who better to show you on the streets of Barcelona than someone who lived on those streets? It's a great way to give a job to someone who needs it and visit to use the incredible knowledge of trained guides. Don't worry, the guides must meet strict requirements, including fluency in English, no alcohol and / or drug addiction, be a good public speaker, and be well-presented. The approximately two-hour historical tour will take you through the city's Gothic Quarter and the Raval, combining the classics with several off-road sites. Hidden City Tours says its goal is to "connect history and social history with our day and discuss the social reality of Barcelona's old town with a unique perspective from our previously homeless guides."

 

3. Explore the artistic side of Barcelona

Art lovers will find a lot of appreciation in this city, in fact, listing all the museums and art galleries in Barcelona would be a great thing. In addition, just a walk through a park like the Greek Theater can lead to the discovery of fabulous works. MNAC (Museu Nacional pentrurt de Catalunya), is one of the top treasures of the city, which boasts pieces representing Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the middle of the twentieth century. One of the largest museums in the world is Fundacio Joan Miro. It houses a collection of over 225 paintings, 150 sculptures and pieces by the Spanish surrealist painter, along with a series of works by his contemporaries. Palau Robert offers smaller rooms, and the building itself is well worth a look. Other gems include Joan Prats, Gallery 3 Punts, DNA and Toni Tapies.

 

2. Take a walk along Las Ramblas

A walk along Las Ramblas, the busiest thoroughfare in the city, is a must for any visitor to Barcelona. This wide, shaded boulevard runs through the heart of the city from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell and is a lively, action-packed promenade, full of action, including street performances, as well as the live statue show presented here and lots of interesting character. Enjoy amblinging under the trees, people watching from a terrace and sipping a drink at an outdoor cafe. If you want to enjoy a bird's eye view of all events, head to the Columbus Monument's 18-story viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of both the city and the sea.

 

1.  Admire the magnificent Gaudi architecture

One of Barcelona's biggest attractions is its architecture, including magnificent works by Antonio Gaudi, such as the Sagrada Familia, which combines Gothic and Art Noveau styles in unique ways. Some consider it the greatest achievement of the Catalan building, while others consider it a clear example of waste. However, it is quite impressive inside and out. Hyperboloids, vivid colors, and unconventional representations of animals such as pelicans, turtles, and chameleons illustrate Gaudí's belief that nature and the divine were inextricably linked. Other landmarks include Palau Guell, Casa Batlló and Torre Bellesguard. Also noteworthy are the Palau de la Musica, Casa Amatller, and Casa de las Terrades.

 

 

A man ignored the Spain's coronavirus quarantine rules and took out the rubbish dressed as a - dinosaur. The video which went viral, was tweeted by the police department and begins with the police vehicle slowly approaching the Tyrannosaurus rex as it walking across the street in the crosswalk.

Police officers had to intervene and stopped the man – which resulted in a warning as he walked away from a street bin where he had just left the bag.

The incident which took place in Vistabella, Murcia, happened days into a government-imposed lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"Dogs were allowed out under the state of emergency but dinosaurs were not", joked the police after releasing the video so in this case, the man was found guilty of breaking the quarantine rules.

However, on the other hand, the video offered Spanish people a much-needed dose of humour as they come to terms with the lockdown and the devastating impacts it is already having on peoples' health and financial situations.

Spain has been hit hard by the coronavirus, leading Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday issue a state of emergency and a partial lockdown of the country.

So far, Spain has reported over 28,756 coronavirus cases and nearly 1,753 fatalities — the second most of any European country, behind Italy.

La Gitana Loca chain (La Gitana Loca Cuesta del Rosario) in Seville, Spain now has a robotic arm made by the Seville-based company Macco, which bottles beer.

This automatic service is designed to ensure hygiene and safety. According to Alejandro Martinez, one of the owners of the restaurant, it was originally planned to install such a robot before the pandemic in order to speed up the service, because usually there are always a lot of visitors in bars, and you can see a huge queue near the restaurant on weekends or holidays.

Taking advantage of the temporary quarantine measures, managers agreed with the Seville company Macco, the manufacturer of this model of a robotic arm, to install it in the central bar of the La Gitana Loca Cuesta del Rosario network.

Alejandro Martinez says that a mechanical arm works only with disposable plastic cups, and user contact with it is minimized.

The visitor orders his drink using the touch screen, pays for the order through a special payment mechanism, and then the robotic hand pours a foamy drink.

Alejandro also adds that the first customers coming to the bar after its opening, which took place recently, are very surprised at the new “bartender”, and even more surprised that he was made in Seville.

But not everyone is quite so enthusiastic.

"I think the relationship between the customer and the barman who serves you, who looks you in the eye and watches how the beer goes into the glass has an appeal that's missing with this robot," said 33-year-old lawyer Manuel Fernandez.

"I am not in favour of this kind of machine, I prefer to take risks and have them serve me beer the way they've done it all my life."

Spain has lost more than 28,000 people to the virus and is taking a very cautious approach to lifting the lockdown, with bar and cafe terraces operating at a reduced capacity and under strict hygiene conditions.