Next Stop: Barcelona

NEXT STOP: BARCELONA

By:  Michael Westman

 It’s summertime and there are so many places that are a short drive or flight away from LA to take a long weekend to relax, party, get some sun and enjoy… Las Vegas, San Francisco, Palm Springs and San Diego.  And you will find things to do in each of those cities here in the GED After Dark.  But, if you are looking for a longer getaway, and are in the mood for some of the world’s best beaches, a vibrant gay nightlife and culture, great food and wine, and amazing sights, then head to Barcelona, Spain.  Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited cities and in terms of tolerance, openness, and live-and-let-live attitude; Barcelona is fast surpassing Paris and Amsterdam as a centre for gay living and gay culture. Gay marriage is legal and LGBT rights are fully protected in all of Spain. It’s a normal daily occurrence to see two hot guys walking through the city center holding hands… and no one cares or turns to look. This is how it should be!

Barcelona is a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities and experiences from all over Europe. From the labyrinth of narrow stone streets in the historic gothic quarter, the beautiful boulevards of Las Ramblas and Passieg de Gracia, the planned areas of Eixample with its grid-like layout and courtyard gardens, the beaches of Barceloneta, the museums and Olympic Stadium of Montjuic – this is a city that provides a feast for every sense, something to discover around every corner.  The main gay area is around Eixample or “Gay-xample”, as it is known locally. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is ‘Las Ramblas’, a pedestrian street which leads from the port to Plaça Cataluña. Here you will find dozens of outdoor cafes, flower stands, book and postcard kiosks and small market stalls where they sell birds and small animals. This is also where you will see the fascinating spectacle of jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade. Nearby is Plaça Reial, with plenty of bars and restaurants where like likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali hung out. Up past Plaça Cataluña you will find the wonderful Catalan architectural gems by Antoni Gaudi, including Casa Milà and Casa Batlló.

A stroll up the narrow winding streets of the ‘Barrio Gotico’, the medieval Gothic quarter, is full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out ’Els Quatre Gats’, another of Picasso’s former hangouts and worth a look. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront, now packed with paella restaurants (some floating ones too.) Or to the beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village.

If you are into the party “circuit”, August 8^th to the 18^th is Circuit Festival Barcelona, Europe’s biggest gay and lesbian holiday get together.  In 2012, the festival brought together 70,000 people, with over 70% of attendees from foreign countries around the world.  Now this is a party.

Catalans are known for their independent spirit and their sense of humor. Salvador Dalí was a Catalan and his bizarre sense of humor is just one example of the regions endearing weirdness. For a day trip, travel to Figueres and step inside the surreal world of Salvador Dalí and find a museum like none other. Dalí wanted visitors to see his massive collection as a ‘whole’ work, and for this reason he wanted no catalogues and refused to have his works placed in chronological or subject order. Inside is a world of fantasy mixed with architecture mixed with paintings and sculptures. It’s a complete surrealistic experience.

Though truly steeped in history and conflict and fiercely protective of its Catalan language and identity, much of Barcelona is in fact a modern, post-1992 Olympic Games ideal. Even though it was over two decades ago, it is hard not to notice the effect the Olympic Games had on the city. This city is truly awash with color, energy and openness.

Located only 22 miles (35kms) south, and a short 25 minute train ride from Barcelona is the lovely seaside resort town of Sitges.  With its beautiful beaches (clothed and nude), non-stop nightlife, narrow pedestrian streets, and everything gay – bars, restaurants, hotels, cruising, saunas, shopping, you name it… Sitges is one of THE top spots for the gay traveler. And it is all within walking distance no matter where you are in town. The gay community is one with the straight community here, and all commingle and get along famously. So, there is no “Gay Ghetto” as in other towns or cities. Summer months of June through September are the season in Sitges, with July and August bearing the most travelers. These months present plenty of gays from all over the world, lots of sunshine and hot temperatures. Several big events over the summer include, Gay Pride, Circuit and Fiesta Mayor.

Spain produces some very notable wines and if you’re in the mood for some tasting, the wine region of Penedès, one of the best in Spain, is just a short taxi ride away.  A visit to the Torres winery is a sensory feast.  Torres is one of the Spanish trailblazers of the modern Spanish industry and the largest wine producer in Spain. A must visit.

For more travel information on Barcelona, Sitges and other gay hot spots around the world, and to book hotels, tours and more, visit GoGayToday.com and GoGayTours.com.

Photos by GoGayToday.com