The Tapas Capital of Spain

Barcelona's beaches attract a diverse ensemble of characters: Stag parties, pensioners, tattooed men on surf boards who, along with some more mischievous children, secretly ogle the topless sunbathers. In its way Barcelona runs the whole gamut of tourism with those it attracts.

On the promenade you could be forgiven for thinking you are in LA as inline skaters bisect the pedestrians and others walk around with boom-boxes on shoulders. But then there is the distinctively Spanish smell of Paella hovering over and reminding you you are in fact in Spain.

Though this hustling bustling form of city does not make for everyone's idea of a perfect city break, but for some it is a large part of the appeal. They feed off the sights, the smells, the sounds, and the great energy of this thriving city.

The beach scene forms a large part of the draw to Barcelona, while it is crowded and noisy it remains the place to be. To residents it offers a local holiday just minutes away from home.

With the popularity of the beach growing and growing, the bars and restaurants round here have become fierce contenders fighting for that tourist dollar. There have been make overs and décor changes in an attempt to lure in the straddlers from the beaches, hoping to fill their bellies with food and wine.

The locals here and tourists emerge from their Spanish villas, for a day of bathing on the beach and an evening of wining and dining down the strip.

Here is a list of some of the best beach bistros:

Santa Marta
By the Barceloneta beach is the area's undeniably trendiest bar. It attracts young locals who are drawn to the cool vibe and the Italian specialities on offer. It's a small and welcoming place, perfect for eavesdropping on other tables.

Bestial
Bestial is often touted as Barcelona's best terrace eatery. It's minimalist interior is nice, but really only a means to the candle lit terrace with the waves crashing close by. The food is good also, decadent Italian dishes like Pasta with truffles. Though the place is more designed for cocktails with the beautiful people.

El Xiringuito Escribà
Nova Icaria is lined with many fine sea front food place, yet the one to try is El Xiringuito Escriba. As an off shoot of one of Barcelona's most beloved Patessieres expect it to be busy and book ahead. The dish to try here is the fantastic Paella.

Base Nàutica de la Mar Bella
Based on the Mar Bella stretch of beaches, this humble little place stands in stark opposition to Bestial as a humble terrace. With its wooden planks it is particularly laid back and families come here to spend the evening enjoying the terrace BBQ.

Lasal
Much further afield is the Lasal bar, a chiringuito with enough musical credibility to be able to sell its own compilation CDs. Leading DJs fly from around the world to perform sets here and the atmosphere is quite something as the music blares and the waves crash in to the sand.