Hi there Reader,

Summer is in full swing here in Barcelona - after a few days of relative cool, the 30°C (86°F) temperatures are back! With long days of sunshine, high humidity and crowded streets, it’s important to be prepared so you can enjoy your trip without suffering in the heat.

Whether you’re sightseeing, relaxing at the beach or wandering around the Gothic Quarter, these essential Barcelona summer travel tips will help you stay cool, hydrated and happy during your visit.

Book Accommodation with Air Conditioning

I speak from personal experience here before I got my air conditioning fixed – trying to sleep in these temperatures is not pleasant, especially with the humidity in Barcelona. Even with fans and a cold flannel, it is still hard to sleep soundly, so I highly recommend booking accommodation that has air-conditioning.

Most hotels offer this now, but if you’re booking an apartment, make sure there is air-con in the bedrooms as some just have fans or air-con in the shared spaces, which won’t help you sleep!

Check out some of my favourite places to stay in Barcelona here:

➡️Where to Stay in Barcelona for the First Time.​

Wear Lightweight Clothes

When visiting Barcelona in summer, it’s important to dress for the hot and sunny weather, as chances are it will be hot and sunny during your trip! However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate and up-to-date information.

Choose breathable, light fabrics like cotton or linen. T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sundresses are ideal for staying cool.

​A light scarf can also come in handy to protect your skin from the sun or add an extra layer if it is cool inside or out. On hot days, you can wet the scarf with cold water as an extra way to keep yourself cool and protect your skin from the sun.

​Anti-chafe balm or anti-chafe underwear is very useful if you’re wearing shorts or dresses, I’ve had sore patches from skin rubbing and it is not pleasant!

Check out my Barcelona packing list for full details and head to my Amazon summer travel store for anything you need to buy.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

​A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and eco-friendly sunscreen are crucial for protecting yourself from the strong sun in Barcelona.

Sunburn can sneak up on you, even on cloudy days. Use a high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and reapply every few hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Pharmacies and supermarkets like Mercadona stock plenty of sun screen products if you forget yours.

Bring or Buy a Fan

No Catalan or Spanish woman goes anywhere without her fan in the summer. Men also use fans, so guys you don’t suffer in the heat either! Bring one with you or buy one when you’re here to keep you cool – they also make very useful souvenirs.​

Get More Tips for Coping with the Heat in Barcelona

I've written a whole article with more tips on how to keep cool and deal with the heat - including what to do if you get sick from the heat:

​
If you've got any more tips or have some questions about your trip, head over to our Facebook group and join the discussion.

Love, Claire x

​

What Else to Know This Week