Barceloneta is the beach area at the Port Vell end of Barcelona’s Las Ramblas. Since the Romans, Port Vell has been the centre of Barcelona’s maritime trading and, today, it is resplendent with sailing boats, motor yachts, shops and fabulous Baceloneta holiday rentals. Adjacent to the port is Barcelona’s principal beach, Barceloneta, where you will find numerous fish restaurants:

• Can Ramonet is at Carrer Maquinista 17 and is a tavern that began serving mariners in 1763 and, today, serves delicious tapas and numerous fish dishes including octopus in an historical maritime atmosphere that is unique in Barcelona.

• Can Majo is at L’ Almirall Aixada, 23 and is one of the finest fish restaurants in terms of the pure quality of the food in Barcelona. The restaurant looks good and the shellfish tapas is a wonderful way to start your meal. There is a great choice of main courses including variations of paella and lobster, and numerous fish, clam, prawn, and mussel dishes. Eating on the terrace in summer with the sea view is magical.

• Seven Portes is at Passeig d’ Isabel II and opened in 1836. It is one of Barceloneta’s most renowned fish restaurants, famous for the supreme quality of its paella and grilled fish and lobster dishes.

• Suquet de l’Almirall is at Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 65 and offers wonderful Catalan dishes and tapas. One of the great delights in this charming restaurant is the ‘Suquet’ which is a large bowl of steamed shellfish. The terrace area in summer is where everyone wants to sit, so it is advisable to book in advance.

And finally, if you like to eat in a wonderfully smart fish restaurant with unbeatable views, then Torre d’Alta Mar situated high above Passeig de Joan Borbó, 88 is a former cable station seventy-five metres above the ground offering a truly amazing three-hundred and sixty-degree panoramic view. The restaurant is chic, expensive and definitely worth a visit.

Photo Credit: Jlastras | Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers apartments in Barcelona and Barceloneta short-term rentals.