There is no doubt in our mind that the Costa del Maresme Garraf is the perfect place to spend your summer holidays. And there is nothing that can compare with the feeling of the sea breeze brushing over you or the freshness of the first swim at the best Mediterranean beaches.

As we all know, the best thing about these relaxing days is to enjoy the days on the beach, where the only thing you have to worry about is finding a free spot on the sand to sunbathe and to try not to get sunburnt.

But, as we know you're a person who can't stand still for a second and you love water sports, we have a plan for you to completely disconnect from the rest of the world and explore the coast of Barcelona in a different and fun way: by kayaking.

Where can I do a kayaking trip in Barcelona?

Generally speaking, Barcelona's coastline is the ideal place to put your paddling skills into practice and enjoy a moment of relaxation, as the waters are usually calm and you can enjoy your experience in complete safety. But as we want to make things easy for you, we're going to give you a list of some of the places where you can kayak so that you'll be ready to go and will be able to apply everything you've learnt.

• Barcelona (city): in the Catalan capital you'll find plenty of options to make your experience unforgettable. From trips where you'll be accompanied by a guide at all times to kayak hire points where you'll find everything you need to enjoy the sea on your own. You'll have the chance to walk along the famous Barceloneta beach all the way to Platja del Fòrum and enjoy the best views of the city's skyline from the sea, as well as an impressive panoramic view of the W Hotel building.

• Badalona: if you continue your journey south, you will reach another of the most popular provinces during the summer season. And no wonder, because here you will find the beautiful Coco beach. From there you will have the opportunity to embark on a great trip and paddle while you can admire the magnificence of the landscapes that the Mediterranean coast has to offer. From here you can reach the Cristal cove, and even get close to the famous beach in the municipality of Montgat.

• Vilanova i la Geltru: in this area you will find some of the most breathtaking coves with crystal-clear water that you can find. Sometimes it is difficult to reach them by any other means than the sea and you will feel very lucky in your kayak. You can choose between several different routes which will all blow you away, and with levels suitable for everyone, such as the one from Els Colls to Miralpeix. This trip will make you fall in love with the Costa Brava, as you'll find spectacular caves and cliffs.

• Calella: in this area of the Maresme region, in the south of the province, you'll also find kayaking routes that will give you the chance to continue enjoying the wonders of the Mediterranean whilst keeping your body active. If you come here, there are three key spots you can't miss: Playa Grande, Playa de Garbí and Playa de las Rocas. If the waters of the Costa Brava are calm, you'll enjoy the most peaceful ride here, making it perfect for a romantic occasion in a two-seater kayak while you admire the beauty of the sunset from the sea.

What options for kayak hire are there in Barcelona?

- Maritime: if you are truly passionate about the marine world and want to explore the coast of Barcelona in a unique way, kayak excursions are the perfect option for you. You'll feel the peace and quiet from the sea and you'll have the chance to see some magical places that you could never have imagined. The Costa Brava hides an infinite number of hidden corners that can only be reached from the sea, such as caves and lost islets. Believe us, you'll be amazed by the wildlife you'll find in these natural spots, because the best thing about going kayaking is that you can dive into the water at any time and discover the beauty of the seabed while snorkelling.

- River: if you think you already know the coast like the back of your hand or you're one of those who isn't a super-fan of beach days, you can enjoy an unforgettable kayaking adventure in the same way. That's because Barcelona is much more than just a coastline of stunning beaches - it also has some spectacular forests and marshes from which you can paddle and, believe us, you won't want to stop exploring. We give you the example of the Llobregat River, whose route will take you to the amazing Baells reservoir, where you can not only get to grips with this sport, but also cool off in its turquoise waters.

What do I need in order to go kayaking?

If you're reading this, you're sure to be itching to get into a kayak, either on the sea routes or on the river. Either way, you should know that to be able to do this sport, there is one essential thing you must have: the ability to swim. Whether you are the one putting your heart into the paddling, or if you are one of those carefree companions who prefer to enjoy a free ride with none of the work, it is important that you have the appropriate, basic grasp of swimming, as the canoe could capsize at any moment and the last thing we want is to have any incident. As for the materials and equipment required, you will always have to bring a life jacket, but anything else is up to you and for your comfort. Despite this, we recommend that you bring shoes that can get wet, swimwear and sun protection, because you'll be spending many hours in the sun and it can become dangerous. For everything else, you have nothing to worry about. Even if you have never been in a kayak in your life, do not worry because if you want to get started in the sport, in Barcelona you can find some canoeing clubs that offer beginner classes and we're sure you'll get the hang of it in no time - it's really simple.

We're sure that, whichever option you choose, you're going to have a great time and that you'll want to come back again. So, don't hesitate a second longer and come and explore the wonders that Barcelona has to offer on one of our kayaks.