Sometimes it's one-off events that breathe new life into old places. This was the case in Barcelona. The district around the old harbour, Port Vell, had long languished as an abandoned wasteland of bygone economic times.
Olympia changes everything
Then the Catalan capital won the bid to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, and suddenly it was all change and renewal. The birthplace of Gaudí and Picasso got ready for the world to visit, historic buildings were given a new lease of life and modern additions were created.
From Port Vell to the old town
As an extension of La Rambla boulevard, which runs through the old town district like a pulsating vein, a new marina of the same name has been built on the dilapidated site of Port Vell. In addition to sports boats of all kinds, the very large boats up to 190 metres in length also find a berth as a starting point for shore leave.
It really starts at the landmark of the harbour, La Aduana de Barcelona, the representative customs building from 1802. From here, you pass the Columbus statue on the Rambla and continue into the Barri Gòtic district, to the Gothic cathedral, the Picasso Museum - or to another sight of the rejuvenated metropolis.
Even more top marinas:
- Pure Caribbean: Port de Gustavia on St Barth
- Retreat: Marina di Porto Cervo in Sardinia
Christian Tiedt
Editor Travel
