Barcelona's emerging again as a travel hot spot in Spain. It is home to Europe's main Mediterranean ports. It is now expected to receive 70,000 passengers a year from flights originating in the East Midlands. One discount airline now offers flights at reasonable rates from the East Midlands to Barcelona. They also have plans to add a route to Palma, Majorca.

Things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is a cultural center and popular tourist destination. Its rich heritage and mild climate make it an attractive place to be anytime of the year. Winters in Barcelona are humid and the summers are dry.

Barcelona offers plenty to do for everyone in the family. Barcelona has it all, from amazing architectural structures to live entertainment and active nightlife.

Things You Won't Want to Miss When on Holiday in Barcelona:

* Theater and live entertainment.

* Museums, including art, history, science and more.

* Monuments, towers and arches.

* Architecture and buildings from medieval times.

* Spectacular cathedrals.

* Bus tours that feature the highlights of the city.

* Annual festivals.

* Nightlife.

* Walking tours and bike rentals.

* Shopping districts.

* Parks and beaches.

The only drawback about Barcelona is that it has the highest cost of living in Spain. It is also said that certain shopping areas in Barcelona, like Las Rambas (a busy tree-lined walkway covered in tiles) put holiday-makers at risk for pick-pockets. Use a little caution and keep a close eye on your belongings when traveling through these districts.

The main shopping areas tend to be very expensive. Save money by shopping in the less crowded areas that aren't overrun by tourists.

Getting Around in Barcelona

Getting around by car in Barcelona is not a fun experience. Parking is expensive and the charge for overnight parking is outrageous. Furthermore, driving through the city's streets can leave you frazzled and lost. Bring a high-quality mapping system and plan your route ahead of time if you must travel by car. Many of Barcelona's streets are one-way and difficult to maneuver.

It is more cost-effective and safe to sign up for a bus tour, use the local transit system, rent a bike or walk to local destinations. Barcelona also features airports and docks for ferry boats.

Taking a ferry from Barcelona to Menorca is another way to expand your holiday and see more sites without having to spend a lot more money. Ferry services offer as many as seven or eight trips per day from Barcelona to Menorca. Take an excursion without adding a lot of travel time or expenses.

Visit Barcelona before Your Holiday in Menorca

New flights make it even easier to stop for a weekend visit in Barcelona before going to Menorca on holiday. Low cost airline's budget friendly prices make it worth your while to extend your trip a few extra days. Stop in Barcelona and take in some of the culture and history before hitting the sandy beaches and picturesque scenery in Menorca.

Low cost airlines operating out of the UK make it easy to travel from the United Kingdom to Barcelona and back. The price of an airfare is reasonable and makes it an affordable getaway for couples and families.