During my years living in Barcelona, Port Fòrum became one of my favorite places to escape the city noise. Not as crowded as the main beaches, not as touristic as the old port, and always full of new things to see.
The area feels open, bright, and modern — a mix of blue sea, contemporary architecture, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere locals enjoy on weekends.

Reaching Port Fòrum is easy: metro, tram or bus bring you right to the coast, and the walk to the water is short and refreshing.

A Short History of Port Fòrum

Port Fòrum was created in the early 2000s as part of the Universal Forum of Cultures, a big international event designed to show Barcelona’s modern face after the Olympic transformation of the 1990s.
What used to be an industrial coastline slowly became a renewed urban area, with parks, open spaces, and a new marina.

The goal was simple: connect the city with the sea in a modern, clean and cultural way.
Today, Port Fòrum is a symbol of this new chapter — a place where sport, design, and leisure live together.

The Wakeboard Area – The Heart of Water Fun

One of the coolest things in Port Fòrum is the wakeboard cable park.
Instead of boats, riders hold a cable system that pulls them across calm water. You don’t need big waves — just balance and a bit of courage.

I loved watching people of all levels trying it: beginners laughing as they fall into the water, professionals jumping and spinning over ramps like they are flying.

The atmosphere is always friendly. In summer, music plays, sun hits the blue water, and the energy feels young and sporty.

Curiosity:
Many locals come just to relax by the water and watch the wakeboarders. It’s free entertainment with a perfect sea breeze.

The Big Solar Panel – A Modern Icon

When you walk around Port Fòrum, you cannot miss the huge solar panel structure rising above the coastline.
It is one of the largest urban photovoltaic surfaces in Europe and a symbol of Barcelona’s commitment to renewable energy.

The panel is tilted like a giant futuristic roof. Many people think it looks like a spaceship ready to take off.
From below, the shadows create geometric patterns. From above, it looks like a wing protecting the park.

Historical note:
The solar panel was built for the Forum of Cultures event to show how cities can use clean energy in daily life. It became a landmark and today it is one of the most photographed modern structures in Barcelona.

The Port – Calm Waters and a Relaxed Atmosphere

Port Fòrum’s marina is quieter than the old Port Vell.
Here, the boats move gently with the wind, and the docks are long and peaceful. You can walk along the port, sit on the edges and watch the reflections of sailboats dancing on the water.

The port is also known for:

• diving clubs
• sailing schools
• rental boats and kayaks
• calm swimming zones protected from waves

It’s a great place for families or anyone wanting to enjoy the sea without the busy beach crowds.

Other Interesting Spots in Port Fòrum

There are many hidden corners many visitors miss. Here are some of my favorites:

The “Banys Fòrum” Floating Swimming Pools

Instead of sand, the swimming area here is a huge open platform with ladders that go directly into the sea.
The water is clean and protected by barriers, making it safe and fun for swimmers looking for something different.

Parc del Fòrum

Wide open spaces where city events, concerts, festivals and outdoor markets often take place.
When there is no event, the park feels calm and open — perfect for walking, skating, reading or enjoying the sound of the waves.

The Breakwater Walk

If you want silence, walk to the far breakwater.
Here, you get one of the best views of the coast, the boats, and the solar panel from a distance.
Locals come here to fish at sunrise.

The Y-shaped Concrete Pavilion

A strange and interesting architectural structure left from the Forum event.
Its shadow is perfect on hot summer days, and its shape makes it popular with photographers.

Curiosities and Fun Details

Port Fòrum is full of surprising little things:

• The water in the marina is calmer than anywhere else on Barcelona’s coast because of its special design.
• Many movies and commercials use the solar panel and the port as filming locations.
• The sea around the port is home to small fish and sometimes jellyfish, so kids love to look through the clear water from the docks.
• The area has some of the strongest sea winds in Barcelona, making it ideal for water sports.
• At night, some pathways glow gently with blue lighting, giving the area a futuristic look.

Food and Drinks – Casual and Seaside

Port Fòrum is not full of restaurants, but the ones there offer good views and relaxed vibes:

• small cafés for snacks and cold drinks
• beach bars open in warmer months
• restaurants with terraces facing the marina
• food trucks during events or festivals

My favorite moment is grabbing something simple and sitting near the water to enjoy the wind.

Transport – How to Reach Port Fòrum Easily

Getting there is simple:

• Metro or tram to the Forum area
• Buses from several parts of the city
• Bike lanes along the coast from Barceloneta to Port Fòrum
• A large underground parking for cars, especially useful for families or surfers carrying boards

Everything is flat and accessible, great for strollers or bikes.

Costs and Useful Info

• Walking around the port, solar panel area and swimming platforms is free.
• Wakeboard prices depend on time of day and session length.
• Food and drinks can be more expensive during big events.
• Afternoons often get windy, perfect for water sports but sometimes chilly.

Why Port Fòrum Is Worth Visiting

Port Fòrum is not the typical tourist area. It is modern, open, refreshing, and full of energy.
It offers a different face of Barcelona — one built on innovation, sports, sea life and culture.

From the wakeboard park to the giant solar panel, from calm swimming spots to wide festival spaces, Port Fòrum is a place where you can relax, explore, and feel the Mediterranean spirit without crowds.

Whether you love water sports, photography, architecture or peaceful walks, Port Fòrum has something for you.

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