The 20^th International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, to give it its full title, is a must for electronic music fanatics and has thrilled thousands over the years with the best in ‘electronica’ tunes and visual art displays. And with plenty of top acts taking the stage like the Pet Shop Boys and Kraftwerk, this is sure to be an experience not soon to be forgotten.

Twenty Years of Electro

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, Sónar looks to make this year’s edition even more memorable. Dubbed one of the highlights of the European music festival calendar, Sónar has hosted some of the biggest names in the music biz over the years, from The Chemical Brothers to the Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox to Goldfrapp, and many more.

The headlining acts for the 20^th anniversary of Sónar include some major stars, from the English electric pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys to Kraftwerk, a German electro band, plus Skrillex, Justice and loads more. One event at this year’s Sónar Festival that is not to be missed is the highly anticipated 3D performance by Kraftwerk,set to take place on Friday June 14 at 22:45 at the SonarClub.

Sónar by Day

This musical showcase has two main events: Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night. It goes without saying that the atmosphere in Barcelona during Sónar is one charged with excitement as thousands of fans just can’t get enough of the spinning turntables. But for those in search of something less intense, the daytime showcases are a wonderful option for something slightly more cultural.

Be sure to check out SonarCinema for an eclectic mix of short films and documentaries. One of the most anticipated showings is ‘Reincarnated’, a biopic reflecting on the life of Snoop Dogg. Another one to look for is ‘HΔSHTAG$’, a six-part mini series produced by The Red Bull Music Academy. It looks to document new musical movements as it has taken flight on the Internet over recent years.

Sonar+D

This year, those attending Sónar by Day can look forward to Sónar+D. This is the spot to mingle as the theme for the 2013 edition is making the relationship between creativity, technology, mobility, innovation and business more accessible. From workshops to hackathons, interactive installations to product demos, as well as some entrepreneurial initiatives, Sónar is far more than just a music festival. The Palau de Congressos will be the new epicenter for Sónar+D 2013 in Barcelona, but many of the activities will be taking place at the Sónar by Day venue.

This, the 20^th anniversary of Sónar Barcelona, also opens the door to a brand new venue, Fira Montjuïc in Plaça Espanya, while Sónar by night will please crowds at the Fira Gran Via in L’Hospitalet. This new setup means that those attending will enjoy easier access between Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, ensuring that the party keeps going!

A Three-Day Frenzy

With a lineup sure to satisfy even the pickiest of musos, and plenty in the way of visual and cultural arts to boot, it should come as no surprise that organizers are preparing for more than 100,000 festival-goers. Daily passes are available for 40€ while a nightly pass will set you back 66€, but for those who are looking to make the most of this electronic three-day event, full tickets can be picked up for 175€, ensuring that you don’t miss a second! For more information about the venues or tickets, visit the Sónar Festival website, or check out the Sónar Facebook page.

So, if you’re planning on heading to Sónar 2013, grab your tickets now, but don’t forget to book one of the many central apartments in Barcelona, ensuring that a comfy place to rest awaits after a busy day or night out!

If you’re making your way to Barcelona, you may imagine a trip filled with sightseeing, tasty tapas and of course, Gaudí. But the Catalan capital also has plenty for those looking to get their blood pumping a little. From gliding through the air to high-speed sea adventures, Barcelona offers visitors the perfect mix of history and culture, doused with a splash of adrenaline! So, go on, leave that tourist map at home for a day and try your hand at some of these extreme activities in Barcelona.

Quad Biking near Barcelona

Explore the rugged terrains of the Catalan countryside during this thrilling experience. Perfect for groups coming to Barcelona, you can venture along the different tracks of the beautiful Montenegra National Park, through amazing scenery and plenty of wildlife, with a combination of speed and adventure that’s sure to get your blood racing. For a guided tour and private transport from your accommodation, check out Barcelona Adventure, a company that offers a 2-hour, exhilarating quad biking experience in Barcelona.

Parasailing in Barcelona

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience then parasailing in Barcelona is for you. Soar through the skies at 150 meters above the deep blue Mediterranean Sea as you take in some spectacular views of the Barcelona coastline. Whether you’re slightly faint-hearted or an adventure addict, this fun-filled activity is a truly unique way to see the city from above. Share this experience with that special someone as tandem parasailing is also available. Hop on the metro (L4) to El Maresme-Fòrum and head to the action-packed alternative style beach, Parc del Fòrum bathing area, where you can enjoy this activity from May until October!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Jet Skiing in Barcelona

Looking to make the most of the hot Spanish sun and the cool ocean waves? If so, we recommend jet skiing in Barcelona! You are sure to feel an incredible buzz as you race along the shore on your own jet ski. Not only is this a top beach activity in Barcelona, but it also offers spectacular views of the city skyline. Head down to the Barcelona Jet Ski hut in Port Fòrum to hop aboard or check out the Barcelona Jet Ski Tours website and book up for a fun tour of the coastline. This sea adventure is perfect for groups looking to explore the Med at high speeds! If jet skiing is not quite your cup of tea, don’t fret, there are plenty more water sports to choose from, from hopping aboard a catamaran to wakeboarding!

Abseiling on Montserrat

Why not try your hand at abseiling in Barcelona? This fun expedition is sure to mix up those emotions. From the initial backwards step off the edge, the descent down the cliff face to the moment when your feet finally make contact with the ground, abseiling will give you a thrilling buzz and the urge to do it all again. What’s more, the location of this activity is perfect for those looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, as you will head to the beautiful Montserrat Mountain, just outside Barcelona. Here you will catch a glimpse of some amazing views of Barcelona and you can also try out rock climbing up a 12 meter rock race. To take part in this unforgettable quest, check out the Lifestyle Barcelona website.

Bungee Jumping in Costa Brava

If you’re a daredevil in search of a truly memorable experience, then have a go at one of the most extreme activities - bungee jumping! Take a leap from a 65 meter high crane and plummet head first towards the ground. Don’t forget to take in the incredible birds-eye view of the Costa Brava while you’re up there! Prices start at 80€ and you’ll spend a day outside Barcelona, but this terrifying yet terrific dive will leave you feeling like never before. For more information, check out the Lifestyle Barcelona website.

So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to try something a little out of the ordinary on your trip, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these extreme activities in Barcelona, sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure!

If you’re staying in Barcelona, but looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, then a trip to one of the many beautiful cities surrounding the Catalan capital may be just the ticket. There are plenty of destinations to choose from, from magical Montserrat to serene Sitges, but one place that is well worth checking out is Girona! Situated around 100km north of Barcelona, the historic city of Girona has much to explore, from its ancient Roman foundations to its enchanting medieval buildings, as well as its famous Jewish Quarter.

 Here, we give you all the top sights in Girona that should not be missed!

Girona Cathedral 

The Girona Cathedral, also known as the Catedral de Santa María de Girona, was built between the 11^th and 18^th centuries. It is an amazing structure to visit with beautiful Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture throughout. The main features to watch out for are the beautiful Baroque façade, the bell tower, named the Tower of Charlemagne, and the Door of the Apostles, which was finished in a Neo-Gothic design.

The nave of the Girona Cathedral is one that sets this religious structure apart from all the others. It is the largest nave in Spain, with a width of 22 meters, a height of 34 meters and a length of 50 meters, making it a pretty impressive sight.

The major altarpiece is in the middle of the nave and has a Romanesque design. Be sure to check out the Chapel of Sant Pere, accessible by the stairs, featuring important Catalan paintings and a retable by Pubol from the 15^th century.

Another feature of the Cathedral that should not be missed is the 11^th century Tapestry of Creation, a colorful textile masterpiece depicting stories and seasons.

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter in Girona, also referred to as the Call Jeue, is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe. It is located just beside the Cathedral and is an area of narrow streets with stone steps, paved cobblestones, somewhat resembling a labyrinth. The main street is Calle de la Força and this was the center of trade during Roman times. For those who want to explore more of the Jewish presence, the Museum of Jewish History and the Museum of City History are well worth checking out. Keep your eyes peeled for the once famous Kabbalistic School, founded in Girona and the first of its type in Spain.

The Onyar River Front

While visiting Girona, a stroll along the Onyar River is a must. Here you’ll see the Cases de l’Onyar: traditional, brightly painted houses situated along the river banks. Be sure to wander across the several bridges that span the river, and look out for the padlocks on the Pont de la Princesa Bridge. Legend holds that couples who place a lock on this bridge and throw the key into the river are destined to be together forever!

Leona de Girona

In the heart of the Old Town, in Plaça de Sant Feliu, is a statue of a lioness climbing a pole, known as the Leona de Girona (The Lioness of Girona). It is believed that those who kiss the statue’s bottom will undoubtedly return to Girona.

Girona Flower Festival

If you’re looking to visit Girona in May, then you’re in luck as the whole city comes to life with colorful flower displays for the annual Girona Festival of Flowers. This floral exhibition transforms monuments, courtyards and urban locations into unique ornamental gardens – definitely one not to be missed! For more information on the dates of the festival, visit the Girona Temps de Florswebsite.

How to get to Girona: The most convenient way to get to Girona from Barcelona is by Renfe. Renfe trains run to and from the Barcelona-Sants station around every half hour. You could also opt to hop aboard an AVE high-speed train, which will get you to Girona in just over half an hour.

So, why not opt for a medieval escape in picturesque Girona, a perfect day trip from Barcelona. Whether you choose to mosey around the Jewish Quarter or marvel at the awe of the Cathedral, this city is a magical place to visit. There’s also plenty of fantastic places to shop and some top-notch eateries, meaning there is certainly something for everyone here!

As the weather in the Catalan capital begins to warm up, the Barcelona event calendar becomes packed to the brim with exciting festivals and concerts. One of the first big music festivals of the year will be the 13^th annual Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, a five-day fiesta full of awesome tunes, cool bands and an atmosphere like no other!

Primavera Sound is proudly sponsored by San Miguel and is deemed by many as a “must for any music lover”. Renowned as one of the few festivals catering to all generations and one which satisfies thousands with an eclectic mix of pop, rock and underground tendencies, this definitely one event in Barcelona not to be missed! 

What: Primavera Sound Festival 2013

When: May 22-26

Where: Parc del Fòrum, Arc de Triomf and various other venues across the city

Musical Overload

Each year the Primavera Sound Festival attracts some of the biggest names in the industry to the stage. Well known artists such as The Pixies, Pulp, The White Stripes and The Cure have all made appearances over the years at this massive festival.

Those attending this year’s Primavera Sound are sure in for a treat, with legendary bands, Blur, Wu Tang Clan and The Postal Service amongst the top acts in the line-up.

Other notable acts include Australian alternative rock band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, French rockers Pheonix, and Brooklyn folk-pop band, Grizzly Bear.

Five-Day Festival

With a growing list of cool artists set to take the stage, the festival is preparing to host approximately 100,000 concert-goers across its two main venues in Barcelona: Parc del Fòrum and the Arc de Triomf area in the Poblenou neighborhood.

Primavera Sound 2013 will last for five days, and although the full festival passes are now sold out, day tickets are still available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 80€ per ticket. For a full schedule, information about the venues and tickets and more, visit the Primavera Sound Festival website, or check out the Festival’s Facebook page.

Festival Freebies

For those on a budget in Barcelona, don’t forget to head to Primavera al Parc on May 25^th and the 26^th to enjoy some free live concerts in the beautiful Ciutadella Park.

Don’t miss the grand kick off to the festival, either; Primavera a la Ciutat is set to take place on May 22^nd at the Parc del Fòrum, where you can catch free live performances from bands including The Vaccines and Delorean!

For an all-round musical fiesta, sure to satisfy even the pickiest of musos, the 2013 Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona is a top choice. So, go on, grab your tickets, book your flight and head for the Catalan capital early as the city is bound to be packed with residents and visitors alike, all in search of the wildest spring event in Europe!

The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is not only home to amazing Mediterranean beaches, awe-inspiring architecture and winding, historical streets. You may be surprised to know that 10% of the Catalan capital is made up of lush, green parks where many a visitor can escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona’s busy city center. Whether you’re in search of the perfect patch of grass for a picnic or a different Gaudí experience, these top 5 parks in Barcelona are a must for anyone looking for a tranquil day out in the city.

1.       Park Güell- Gaudí’s Touch

Park Güell in Barcelona is an outdoor haven offering visitors an unbridled look at the period when this famous architect was arguably most inspired by animal and naturalist themes. Upon entry, you might feel like you have stepped into an alternate world of color and open spaces, much different from other areas of the city. Here, mosaics made of broken, glazed ceramic tiles can be seen across the park while animal figures like dogs and snakes can be spotted – although they are sometimes a little hidden – around every corner.

Be sure to stroll past the famous dragon fountain which leads to the Sala Hipòstila. Originally intended to be a marketplace, this area is now home to 86 grand columns that support the public square above. Don’t miss your chance to sit on the famous mosaic benches in Park Güell, too, from where breathtaking views of the city await!

How to get there: Vallcarca (L3) or El Coll/ La Teixonera (L5)

2.       Parc del Laberint d’Horta –Lose Yourself

Situated on the outskirts of the city, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta is the oldest garden in Barcelona and a green gem often left unexplored by many visitors to the Catalan capital. A trip to the Labyrinth Park in Barcelona is ideal for families visiting Barcelona, as the maze from which it takes its name offers plenty of fun for the kids, while you can soak up the views from the terrace overlooking the park. The garden is also home to turtles and geese, making it an all-round natural sanctuary and a great place to visit if you’re looking for some quiet time in Barcelona.

How to get there: Mundet (L3)

3.       Parc de la Ciutadella – Historic Haven

One of the largest green spaces in Barcelona and a former military citadel, the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona definitely has something for everyone. Whether you choose to enjoy a picnic on the grass, row a boat on the lake or head over to the Barcelona Zoo, the Ciutadella Park is the perfect place for families, couples and groups of friends to spend a day in a more tranquil part of the city.

Don’t miss your chance to see the waterfall in the park, designed by Josep Fontseré for the Universal Exhibition in 1888, and be sure to make your way to the Arc de Triomf, located just outside the park on the tree-lined Passeig Lluis Companys. You can also explore the glass house and the beautiful plant house, as well as discover some quirky sculptures like that of the giant mammoth.

How to get there: Arc de Triomf (L1) or Villa Olímpica (L4)

 4.       Parc de Joan Miró – An Artistic Viewpoint

This Barcelona park is a tribute to the surrealist imagination of none other than Joan Miró, and despite the fact that this area was once a municipal slaughterhouse, this large urban park now plays host to a wide variety of events and activities. The lower level is landscaped with pine, palm and fragrant eucalyptus trees and plenty of colorful flowers, especially during the spring and summer months. The upper level of the Joan Miró Park in Barcelona is paved and is home to one of Miró’s last sculptures, entitled ‘Dona i Ocell’ (Woman and Bird).

How to get there: Tarragona (L3)

5.       Parc de Montjuïc – Astonishing City Views

Montjuïc in Barcelona may be best remembered as the venue for the 1992 Olympics, but the park that occupies a vast area of this hill is also home to green spaces, beautiful gardens, museums and cultural centers like the MNAC and the Botanical Gardens. For those looking to avoid the crowds at Plaza España, we recommend heading to the Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona. Not only can you explore this historic fortress, but you can also lose yourself in the serenity and breathtaking beauty of the city atop this hill where incredible 360º views of Barcelona await.

How to get there: Bus 150 from Plaza Espanya to Castell de Montjuïc or Paral-lel Metro (L2 or L3) to the Montjuïc Funicular

So, whether you wish to get an up-close look at some of Gaudí’s most famous works, get lost in a real-life labyrinth, or simply enjoy a picnic with friends, these top parks in Barcelona are well worth checking-out and make for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.