Summers in Barcelona
"In Pep We Trust" ring out the t-shirts in the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Who is the deity of this beautiful coastal city? Pep Guardiola, the manager (and former player) of Barcelona Football Club (la verdadera "Barca"), based in the tremendous stadium el Camp Nou in the north west of the city's suburbs.
Whether you like football or not, these t-shirts, and the overwhelmingly joyous street parties that greeted 'Pep' and the boys in May 2009 when they won the Champions League, are a great example of the city's passion, creativity and downright spontaneity. Whilst the football team might have been knocked out of the Champions League this year, the city - "Barna" to the locals - rolls with the punches and still glitters invitingly next to the sea.
With cheap flights to Barcelona from a variety of airlines, it has rarely been easier to taste the city's myriad charms for yourself. Like Gaudi's infamous mosaics across the steps and pavilions of his beloved Parc Guell in the north of the city, overlooking the quiet squares of Gracia and the bustling avengidas of mid-town beneath, Barcelona throws up multi-coloured, infinitely changing experience.
Whilst sports fans might considering nipping over for a quick weekend break to catch a football match, there are plenty of other ways to spend a bank holiday - or a few weeks - in the Catalan heartland. For those beach-crazy holiday makers, look no further than the enclave of Barceloneta - little Barcelona - once a poor, very quiet fishing 'island' next to the city's Gothic old town. Barceloneta is fast becoming a hot spot, with its thriving local restaurants serving authentic tapas. Walk off the main avenue as you emerge from Barceloneta metro and you immediately find yourself amidst quiet streets, laundry hung out to dry, small squares and quiet churches.
Walk further down along the beaches and you begin to find the crowds dispersing. As you move up towards Bogatell and Mar Bella, the summer party vibe really kicks in as chiringuitos on the beach (little huts selling food and alcohol) turn into DJ booths, and the sands start shaking with dancing feet as the afternoon becomes evening.
But any short trip to Barcelona can only see so much. With the flights so cheap, tempt yourself with cheap flights to Barcelona via offers from Monarch. You can travel to the city again and again... and it certainly wouldn't make sense to argue against a return visit.