Vila Olímpica

The Olympic Village was created in the Sant Martí district for the 1992 Olympic Games, when the decision was taken to build an entire neighbourhood by the sea to house the athletes who were going to take part in the sporting competitions. This major urban-planning project brought about the regeneration of large areas of the city's coastline and reclaimed a derelict industrial site. The leading architects of the time were chosen to design housing blocks, and Barcelona gained a residential district as well as new beaches, spacious landscaped areas and public amenities.

A number of chimneys still dot the skyline, providing a reminder of the industrial past of a neighbourhood that offers Barcelona's best leisure opportunities. Looking up, you'll see two skyscrapers towering over the Olympic Marina, the Torre Mapfre and the luxury Hotel Arts, which stands 144 metres in height and the Gran Casino de Barcelona located in the ground floor. Below it, a giant goldfish, designed by Frank Gehry, overlooks the sea. The Olympic Marina has a great choice of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal at any time of the day.

And the beaches, which stretch out on either side of the port, invite you to take a cooling dip or a stroll along the seafront. The area also offers a wide range of water sports and sailing activities.