"More into laps than lazing? Swap sand for a lane in one of Barcelona’s striking outdoor pools. The show pony of the swimming scene is Club de Natación Atlètic-Barceloneta , which boasts three smart outdoor pools right beside the palm trees of Barceloneta beach. The facility belongs to a swimming club, but you can buy a day ticket for around $15. On Montjuïc, Barcelona’s most iconic pool is Piscina Municipal de Montjuic —famous for hosting the diving in the 1992 Olympic Games, where athletes descended in front of a spectacular city skyline. The pool’s second star turn? Starring in the music video for Kylie Minogue’s . Its 25-meter outdoor pool is open to the public in July and August; although facilities are rather utilitarian and concrete-based, the panorama here—with La Sagrada Familia in the distance—is unbeatable. Tickets cost around $7.50, or you can visit the bar above for free. While you’re on Montjuïc, Piscines Bernat Picornell has a 50-meter outdoor pool that’s open from 1 April to 31 October. Also used for the ’92 Olympics, it still has all the stadium seating to prove it (what better incentive to finesse your freestyle?). Tickets cost around €13 (around $14), including access to a gym, jacuzzi and sauna." - Gemma Askham