Diagonal Mar: A district with vision and flair
Álex Sàlmon is Editor in Chief at El Mundo, Barcelona, the newspaper with the second largest circulation in Spain. Sàlmon also features on numerous radio and television outlets in Barcelona and Madrid.
The Poblenou–Diagonal Mar neighbourhood, where the Antares residences are poised, is a location that has undergone a huge transformation in recent times.
Just a few years ago, you could still find many textile factories in the area, where middle-class Catalans from nearby Eixample used to work. Today those factories have given way to modern office buildings in the newly renamed 22@ district, a technological hub home to companies like Facebook, Amazon, Telefónica and Microsoft. Without a doubt, Poblenou–Diagonal Mar is the most genuine, innovative and revolutionary neighbourhood in Barcelona. It’s the perfect place for a residential building like Antares, designed by renowned architect Odile Decq.
As you peer through the windows towards the sea, the first thing you’ll find is a building in the shape of a triangle that was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and hosted the Universal Forum of Cultures in 2004. Today it is home to Barcelona’s Museum of Natural Sciences, which is a great place to visit before heading to the Forum’s huge esplanade, where a solar energy panel measuring over 1,700 sq m serves as a futuristic icon of the neighbourhood’s character. From there, the boulevard opens onto the modern Port Fòrum, with berths for ships up to 80 metres in size and a dry dock for 245 boats. It’s the perfect departure point for exploring the beautiful coves along the Costa Brava, or even the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza.
A stone’s throw from the port you’ll find the neighbourhood’s sprawling beaches: Llevant, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella. Each of them have their own variety of kiosks by the sea, where you can enjoy a cocktail and paella, a glass of wine with dinner, or if the spirit moves you, you can even dance until the sun comes up at Bambú Beach, Mamma Beach Burger, BeGay or Vai Moana – most of which have live DJ sets.
Returning to Antares and peering out of the expansive windows once more, but this time to your right, you’ll see the Diagonal Mar Centre: the chance to lose yourself in shopping is just across the street.
The biggest brands in fashion are spread around a complex measuring almost 100,000 sq m. And if after hours of fun in the mall you need some downtime and fresh air with your family, head to one of the gorgeous parks that lie just minutes away – especially the one that gives the neighbourhood its name. There are over 14 hectares of green space for relaxing walks designed by the architects Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue. These designers put sustainability at the forefront of their thinking, including renewable energies and rainwater storage tanks. But there’s certainly a nod to the past and the factories that once filled these spaces as well, in the inclusion of tubular steel sculptures that hark back to the foundry that once occupied the site. And, of course, Antoni Gaudí and his famous el trencadís style are represented through the recycling of thousands of colourful pieces of broken ceramics that bring the park to life with light and imagination.
It’s no surprise that Poblenou–Diagonal Mar is the most international neighbourhood in Barcelona.
Professionals from all around the world have been attracted to the area by the proximity to the sea, the access to a technology hub, and the opportunity to collaborate with the ever-growing entrepreneurial community in the city. This is a neighbourhood that has been revitalised and meets the standards of the 21st century. It’s home to creativity, innovation, technology, sustainability and a connected world.
The heart of the neighbourhood reminds us that in the midst of so much renewal and modernity, Poblenou still retains plenty of its original character. This eclectic nature is on full display on the Rambla de Poblenou, where you’ll see residents who’ve lived here their whole lives together with newer arrivals. You can take a walk down the Rambla through the whole neighbourhood to the sea, stopping at Palo Alto Fest for a sample of sophisticated street food and a wander through the various stalls hosting fashion, crafts, books, records and more.
I’d finish up the day with a personal recommendation: when it comes to food, don’t miss the opportunity to eat at Els Pescadors restaurant, in Plaza de Prim. There’s a strong seaside vibe for an area that used to be filled with factories. Since 1980, they have been sourcing the freshest seafood from Barcelona’s markets. On the menu you’ll find sardines and prawns caught no more than 20km from shore, and the paella is pure poetry. Booking a table is a must.
The stage is set for Diagonal Mar to become Barcelona’s neighbourhood of the future. The air is clean and fresh, and it feels like there’s nothing in the world to worry about. It must be the blue of the sea or the gentle breeze of a clear day.
FAQ
Antares stands at the intersection of Diagonal Mar and Poblenou, overlooking the Mediterranean. This prime location offers a rare combination of coastal serenity and cosmopolitan energy, positioning the tower at the heart of modern Barcelona living.
The apartments offer spectacular views of Barcelona’s sea shore and from the higher floors even panoramic views of the city and the sea. Each residence comes with its own private terrace to enjoy your outlook to the fullest.
Diagonal Mar Barcelona is celebrated for its contemporary design, expansive green areas, and proximity to the beach. As one of the city’s most sustainable and well-planned districts, it appeals to those seeking exclusivity, space, and privacy while remaining connected to art and culture as well as the business pulse of the city
Located just steps from Poblenou, Antares benefits from the area’s distinctive blend of creativity and heritage. Once an industrial quarter, Poblenou has evolved into Barcelona’s cultural and digital hub, featuring galleries, design studios, and co-working spaces. This dynamic atmosphere perfectly complements Antares’ identity as a symbol of modern sophistication.
Antares is within walking distance of Llevant, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella, which are some of the city’s most sprawling and lively beaches.
Living in Diagonal Mar, Barcelona offers excellent connectivity. The neighbourhood is served by the Metro (L4), tram, and multiple bus routes, providing direct access to the city centre in just a few minutes.
Road connections via the Ronda Litoral allow for efficient travel to Barcelona–El Prat Airport within 35 minutes, making Diagonal Mar ideal for international residents and frequent travellers.
Diagonal Mar offers a distinctly modern, coastal lifestyle. Unlike more historic neighbourhoods, living in Diagonal Mar, Barcelona means enjoying wide open spaces, contemporary architecture, and immediate access to the sea, while remaining close to the city’s business, cultural, and innovation districts.
Yes. Diagonal Mar is home to Parc del Diagonal Mar, one of Barcelona’s largest and most landscaped green spaces.
Residents of Antares Barcelona are just a few minutes from Parc del Fòrum, Parc Diagonal Mar and Llevant Beach.
The nearby Fòrum district is a recognised cultural and events hub, hosting international music festivals, exhibitions, and public events throughout the year.
Residents enjoy easy access to Barcelona’s Museum of Natural Sciences located in the Parque del Fòrum as well as La Central del Circ is a circus skills training centre within the Fòrum. Additionally, Antares is also in close proximity to the Diagonal Mar Commercial Centre.
Read more from our team about stepping out in Diagonal Mar here.
Diagonal Mar is considered one of Barcelona’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Living in Diagonal Mar, Barcelona provides access to international schools, green spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and modern residential developments, making it well suited for families seeking long-term stability and quality of life.
Yes. Diagonal Mar and the Fòrum district are part of the final phase of Barcelona’s Pla Litoral, delivering a new coastal park and marine platform directly in front of Antares Barcelona.
The project adds over 8 hectares of green and civic space, a 12-metre-wide seafront promenade linking Diagonal Mar to the Besòs River. New walking, cycling, and recreation areas being introduced reinforce the long-term value and liveability of Antares living.
Residents of Antares enjoy unparalleled access to Michelin level dining at Le Grand Café Rouge by Michelin starred chef Romain Fornell.
In Diagonal Mar, you can enjoy a wide selection of dining and retail options. Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre offers international brands, cafés, and everyday services, while the surrounding area features seafront restaurants, casual cafés, and local dining spots along the promenade and nearby Poblenou.
Read more from our team about stepping out in Diagonal Mar here.
Yes. Barcelona is a relatively compact and well-connected city, meaning that international schools, universities, business hubs and leisure areas are all located within short and convenient distances. From Antares, both international education and top universities are easily accessible, making the location particularly attractive for families, professionals and investors.
International schools near Antares include:
Hamelin School Barcelona – American curriculum with a strong bilingual (English–Spanish) approach (approx. 15–20 minutes).
Barcelona High School – International high school offering a US-style curriculum in the Poblenou / 22@ area (approx. 10–15 minutes).
American School of Barcelona – US, IB and Spanish programs (approx. 25–30 minutes).
Benjamin Franklin International School – Full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum (approx. 15–20 minutes).
St. Peter’s School – British curriculum with IB pathways (approx. 20–25 minutes).
Lycée Français de Barcelone – French national curriculum (approx. 20–30 minutes).
Universities and higher education:
Antares is exceptionally well positioned within Barcelona’s academic and innovation corridor:
UPC BarcelonaTech – Campus Diagonal-Besòs – Located just 2 minutes from Antares, specialising in engineering, technology and innovation.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Ciutadella Campus – One of Spain’s top-ranked public universities, located approximately 10–15 minutes away.
Other leading institutions such as the University of Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, ESADE, IESE Business School, ELISAVA and BAU are also easily accessible thanks to Barcelona’s efficient transport network.