Beach tennis is a sport that is becoming popular in Spain, and of course, Barcelona is a perfect place to practice this sport. Many tennis and padel players enjoy a good game of beach tennis in their downtime, while others dedicate themselves fully to beach tennis.

In Barcelona, there are two good clubs/schools to get started with this sport:

• Beach Tennis Academy at Nike Box
• Barcelona Beach Tennis

I train and play at the Beach Tennis Academy, where friendly coach Dave will guide you through the first steps of the sport. I highly recommend starting out there if you’ve never played before.

If you search on Meetup.com you will also find some events that include beach tennis, although there isn’t a group that is dedicated solely to organising beach tennis meetups.

The Barcelona Beach Tennis club holds open days once a month where you can try beach tennis for free and also receive some coaching. Here’s a video showing you a glimpse of what to expect:

Have you ever played beach tennis? How do you like it?

Barcelona is quite a bike-friendly city. The number of bike lanes is always on the increase, and in general, drivers are quite conscious and respectful of cyclists, although you find exceptions.

It is also a city that is plagued by comparatively high levels of air pollution, and even higher noise pollution due to the exceedingly large of obnoxiously loud low-quality scooters and thanks to the population’s obsession with diesel-powered vehicles.

It, therefore, makes sense to fight back against this harmful environment by promoting bike usage. For commuting within Barcelona, I typically use my Brompton 6-speed bicycle. Brompton is hands-down the best brand for foldable bikes and you’ll see many Bromptons in Barcelona.

There are a number of stores selling them including an official Brompton Junction store. Folding bikes are ideal as they are easy to store in an apartment and very easy to transport, be it in a car/train for a day trip outside the city, or just carrying it into a store, bank, office etc.

If you don’t want to buy your own bike, you can rent a bike for specific journeys. Many people use the rental services for their daily commute to work or wherever they need to go within the city. Many times it’s the fastest means of transport.

Click here to join my favorite bike rental service YEGO

Since there are worrying levels of pollution, I would recommend wearing an air filtration mask. I use one especially in winter since my nose gets watery in the cold wind and thus the face mask helps eliminate that issue too. In summer I don’t really use it much since it gets stuffy, although if I were commuting during the rush hour on a daily basis I would definitely use it all year round.

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As a foreigner living in Spain, you have the dubious pleasure of having to declare all your assets abroad. Welcome to Spain! In this post, I’ll give you more information about this declaration that is known as modelo 720. If you think it’s ridiculous and unjust I’m totally in agreement. However, unfortunately, there is no way around it.

Spanish tax resident individuals are obliged to report (720 Form) the following assets and rights (including any investments) located outside of Spain to the Tax Authorities:

• Accounts in which the individual is the titleholder, or in which he is representative, authorized person or beneficiary, or in which he has disposal powers.
• Securities, rights, insurance and life or temporary annuities.
• Real estate or rights on real estate.

There will be no reporting obligation for those assets or rights which value (considered in aggregate for each group of assets listed above) is lower than Euros 50,000. The deadline for filing the 720 Form is from 1 January to 31 March of the year following that for which the information must be reported.

In subsequent years you will need to re-submit the modelo 720 if any of the accounts are closed or if the value in any of these three categories increases by 20,000 Euro or more.

This is a form that is quite tricky to fill in, especially for foreigners, and the fines are ridiculously high in the case of mistakes, late submissions or forgetting to submit it altogether. Hence it’s worth paying close attention to it and making sure you do it right, especially if it’s the first year you’re submitting it. I highly suggest you approach a reputable tax consultant to help you out. Note that many accountants, gestores and tax consultants don’t provide help on this form, as they have relatively low demand for it compared to the other services they provide. Expect to pay between 400 and 500 Euro per declaration if you hire a tax consultant (contact me if you need recommendations in Barcelona) to fill it in for you. You will still need to provide all the documents and details to the consultant, what he will be able to do is guide you on what data is needed and actually fill in and submit the form for you.

Many expats simply do not declare the modelo 720, and many are not even aware of it. Unfortunately, they are exposing themselves to serious trouble and harsh penalties. We have seen several cases of financial ruin in the past years due to failure to declare this form or declaring it with erroneous data. The penalties are so harsh that a Spanish consultancy company has denounced Spain to the European Court a few years ago. There are some indications that Hacienda has been softening its hand in terms of fines after the EU requested them to do so, but the case is ongoing.

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Barcelona is a fantastic place for food lovers. There is a wide variety of cuisines available to cater for all tastes and price points. Here are my favorites:

Japanese

• Sato i Tanaka – A highly-regarded Japanese restaurant offering an intimate dining experience, with a focus on fresh sushi and creative fusion dishes, prepared by chefs Sato and Tanaka.
• Shunka – Renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine and exceptional sushi, Shunka provides a cozy atmosphere and has earned a reputation as one of Barcelona’s best Japanese restaurants.
• Aiueno – A trendy Japanese eatery known for its modern, minimalist decor and innovative menu, featuring a variety of beautifully-presented dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and tempura.
• Minamo – Offering a unique dining experience, Minamo combines traditional Japanese flavors with Mediterranean influences, served in a serene, zen-like atmosphere with a stunning water-covered ceiling.
• Usagui – Super tasty desserts and authentic Japanese food: As the name suggests, Usagui is famous for its delicious desserts and authentic Japanese dishes, including ramen, curry, and donburi, served in a warm, inviting setting.
• Mutenroshi – Themed around the popular Dragon Ball anime, Mutenroshi offers a fun dining experience with creative Japanese dishes, including ramen and fusion tapas, perfect for fans and newcomers alike.
• Hitsumabushi – Specializing in eel dishes, Hitsumabushi serves up a variety of unagi-based meals in a stylish, contemporary setting, allowing diners to savor this traditional Japanese delicacy.
• Sensato – Known for its high-quality sushi and sashimi, Sensato offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, complete with a sushi bar, where guests can watch the skilled chefs at work.
• 富士鷹 Fujitaka Teppan Okonomiyaki – A cozy, family-run restaurant offering a taste of Osaka with its delicious teppan okonomiyaki, Fujitaka also serves other Japanese favorites, like takoyaki and yakisoba, in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

Healthy

• Les Tres a la Cuina – Healthy homemade food lunch set menu at 9 Euro.
• The Green Spot – Excellent cocktails and the best vegan pizza ever. Might be overpriced, but the ingredients are top quality.
• Arc Iris – Menu del dia €9.50
• Daso – They have three branches, fantastic staff and healthy food.

Indian

• Indian Herbs
• Veg world India

Fusion

• Ziryab Fusion Tapas Bar – Great fusion tapas, recommended for a night out with friends as it gets noisy.

Arabic

• Iakni – Best Lebanese food in Barcelona.
• Karakala – Our go-to lunch set menu during the weekend. Lebanese food.

Italian

• Il Cuore di Napoli – Hands down the best Napoletan pizza in Barcelona: This authentic Italian pizzeria prides itself on serving the finest Neapolitan pizza in the city, featuring a wood-fired oven and traditional ingredients imported directly from Naples.
• Don Kilo – A trendy Italian restaurant with a focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients, Don Kilo offers a variety of homemade pasta, risotto, and pizza dishes, as well as an extensive wine list in a modern, stylish setting.
• Sartoria Panattieri – With a reputation for crafting some of the best pizzas in the country, Sartoria Panattieri combines traditional Italian techniques with a contemporary twist, offering an extensive menu of gourmet pizza options.
• La Macchina Pasta Bar – Quick and tasty pasta at decent prices: A casual, laid-back eatery, La Macchina Pasta Bar serves up a wide selection of freshly-made pasta dishes, prepared quickly and at affordable prices, perfect for a satisfying Italian meal on the go.
• Nonna Maria – Authentic Italian food: Inspired by the flavors of home-cooked Italian meals, Nonna Maria offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu filled with classic dishes like lasagna, osso buco, and tiramisu, all made with love and care.
• La Balmesina – Check out the menu del dia too: A charming Italian restaurant featuring a daily rotating menu, La Balmesina offers delicious, seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, rustic setting.
• Via Margutta – Offering a fine dining experience with an emphasis on traditional Italian cuisine, Via Margutta presents an elegant atmosphere and a menu showcasing the best of Italy’s regional flavors, from pasta to seafood and beyond.
• Acqua & Farina – A welcoming Italian eatery known for its homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, Acqua & Farina focuses on using high-quality ingredients to create authentic Italian dishes, served in a warm and friendly environment.

Mediterranean

• Mastico
• 9 Nine – Fabulous place with set menu, one of my top favorites.
• Oria
• Casa Lolea – Take sangria and mushroom risotto.
• 9Nine – Amazing food and service especially if you for dinner.

Catalan

• Can Cortada – Superb service and great local food in a very traditional location.
• La Perla
• Pirineu en boca

Asian

• Petit Bangkok – Thai food at its best. Book in advance.

Greek

• La Taberna Griega

Polish

• Polka Bar

Russian

• Souvenir – Friendly owners and great Russian food.
• Ekaterina

Chinese

• Oso Panda – A popular Chinese eatery known for its wide variety of delicious dishes, Oso Panda offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring both classic Chinese favorites and unique fusion creations.
• Wenzhou – Specializing in cuisine from the Wenzhou region of China, this restaurant offers a diverse and authentic menu, featuring dishes like dumplings, noodle soups, and an array of seafood options, all served in a welcoming, traditional setting.
• Chengducheng – Focusing on the flavors of Sichuan cuisine, Chengducheng provides guests with a spicy and tantalizing culinary experience. The menu showcases the region’s bold and complex flavors, with dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, and hot pot, all served in a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere.

Peruvian

• Toma Ya
• Cevicheria La Barraca

Vegetarian

• En Ville – Menu del dia €13.

Tapas

• Viana – My candidate for best tapas in Barcelona.
• Tosca – Really awesome tapas.
• La Mundana

Burgers

• Kemako – Best burgers in BCN.
• Bacoa – Epic burgers. Many branches around town.

Steak

• Arcano – Good for steaks.

Cafes

• Federal Cafe – Good food and coffee and excellent spot for working.

Take Away

• La Fabrica (El Born) – Very good empanadas.

Brunch

• Enkel – Great brunch selection including sandwiches, eggs in different styles, shakshuka and arepas. Nice juices too.
• La Esquina
• Check this site for more brunch options

Fine Dining

• 130 Restaurant – Wagyu meat and fantastic service in La Bonanova
• Ekubo – Authentic Japanese in Eixample

Paella

• Barceloneta – A bit overpriced and service doesn’t feel homely, but paella is consistently good.
• El Raco del Aguir
• Taverna Hofmann
• Arroz i Peix

Sweets

• Pasteleria Arabe El Principe

Calçots

The best calçots are found in Valls, where they make a popular fiesta every year in honor of this delicacy.

If you want to try them out in places closer to Barcelona, you will have to be careful when choosing, as there are many places that are rip-offs with low-quality products.

Here are the places I recommend based on my own experience or that of trusted local friends.

• Sa Montoliva (also have a daily menu del dia for 12 euro with local food) – Tarragona
• Can Cortada – Barcelona
• Can Jane – Sant Cugat
• Can Carbonell

Do you know any other awesome places for eating calçots?

How I Find a New Restaurant to Try

There’s something special about eating out beyond not having to cook and do the dishes. Whether you’re eating alone or with someone close to you, there’s a certain quality to eating at a restaurant that can’t be replicated at home. Unfortunately, going to the same restaurant time after time can get a little stale.

Finding a new restaurant can often be a challenge, as you won’t know what kind of food to expect, what their best dishes are, and what the interior is like. Here are some strategies I recommend.

Take a Walk

By far the most proven method for finding a new restaurant is going out and taking a walk until you find one that you like. Physically exploring each restaurant allows you to get a feel for the atmosphere, and you can take the time to talk to the staff about their menu and what dish they think is best.

Nobody will know what you like better than you do, so experiencing the various options for yourself can help ensure that you make the right choice. If you’re going out to dinner with someone else, you can always make this a fun part of the night as you explore for the perfect place.

Ask Friends and Acquaintances

If walking around sounds a little too tedious, you can instead ring up some foodie acquaintances who’ll be sure to give you the scoop about any great places in town. Since your friends know you and your preferences, they will also be more qualified than a stranger on the internet.

You can even ask your friend if they’d like to come along to the restaurant with you, considering they recommended it. This technique obviously won’t work if you’re on vacation or if you’ve recently moved to a new place and haven’t gotten a chance to get to know people yet.

Use a Restaurant Finder App

These apps can help you find new restaurants regardless of where you are, and they will usually have a taste profile that can help find the best places for you.

While a restaurant finder app won’t know you as well as your friends, it will have a repertoire of all of the restaurants in your immediate area, which can be even more helpful. You can then go through the various options and check out images, menus, and reviews to help you find the best one.

Conclusion

Finding a new restaurant doesn’t always have to feel impossible, and these three methods make it far simpler.

When I’m looking for something new in Barcelona I also look at the Plateselector or Barcelona Food Experience websites to find new ones. Traveler also has a great list of menus del dia in Gracia, my favorite barrio in Barcelona.

If you’d like to learn what are the most typical dishes in Catalonia and other regions of the world, I recommend Taste Atlas.

What are your favorite restaurants in Barcelona?