What You Need to Know About Barcelona Beaches
Perhaps best known for its nightlife, Barcelona proves famous for another attraction: its amazingly-clear beaches. These picturesque beaches provide some of the most beautiful sea-front views in the world and draw millions of tourists every year.
If you plan to visit the city, stopping by one of its incredible beaches is a must for your trip! Don’t miss out on what this famed European travel destination has to offer! Perfect for families, singles, and party goers alike, Barcelona beaches are the perfect addition to any trip.
Want to find the best ones for your trip? Need to know more about which beaches in Barcelona are right for you? We’ve got you covered! Consider our guide below to learn what you need to know about these incredible beaches before you plan your trip!
Types of Barcelona Beaches
There’s only one type of beach, right?
Wrong!
When visiting Barcelona, you’ll want to draw a distinction between beaches that are in the city and that are outside city limits. The good news is that you’ll find amazing ones under both categories—though depending on which one you visit, you can expect different travel times, crowds, and attractions.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best Barcelona beaches for your next trip!
Beaches in the City
It’s likely that you’re planning on going to a Barcelona city beach. In other words, you’re not looking to travel beyond city limits in order to have fun at the sea.
The advantages of these are quite numerous. You may choose, for example, to visit a city beach for the following reasons:
- Reduced Traveling Times and Fees
It goes without saying that if you’re already in Barcelona, going to a city beach can save you time and money. Because you won’t have to worry about extended travel fees, you can get to your destination faster and with less hassle.
This proves to be a great option if you’re going with your family or a large group. Not only can you cut down on costs significantly, but you can spend more of your vacation time doing what you came to do!
- Extremely Popular Beaches
As one may expect, the close proximity of these beaches to the city of Barcelona makes them some of the most popular in Spain. This makes for festive environments where you and your party can have fun!
- Great Clubs
Barcelona is a city that never sleeps—and that includes its beaches. Barcelona city beaches have some of the best clubs in Europe.
These amazing venues provide an incredible seafront view that adds to any party environment. Go clubbing in style at one of the best clubs in Barcelona and hook up with new and old friends from all across the world, all while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea.
These one-of-a-kind clubs and bars provide a unique experience that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. If you’re coming to Barcelona to party, then a city beach should be at the top of your list for amazing attractions to visit.
If during the day you’ll spend your time on the beach, you probably will go out in the night the nightlife in Barcelona is well known all over the world. Take advantage of your trip by going out to party with international party goers. Read here our Barcelona nightlife tips.
For rowdy group of guys this city even has some of the finest strip club Barcelona. After a long day of sunbathing on the beach you can visit one of these clubs and relax watching one of the world famous shows on their stages. Find here: Bagdad Club Barcelona packages, or buy online discounted strip club entry fees here:
Many groups of guys come to this city in search of the red light district Barcelona, we work with the top clubs in this city. Check out here Bacarra Club Barcelona prices, Darling Club Barcelona prices or Blue Night Club Barcelona prices.
[Read: District by district – Where to party in Barcelona]
- Great Restaurants
Because they’re in Barcelona city limits, these amazing beaches are close to some of the best restaurants in the area! What’s more, you’ll find a number of incredible eateries dotting the beach itself—making it incredibly convenient to grab a quick bite while enjoying a day out with your family or friends.
- Many Options
Finally, if you’re planning on visiting a Barcelona city beach, you can be sure that you’ll have plenty of great options to choose from. This helps keep your trip original and fresh—giving you something new to try every day! Here – more things to do in Barcelona.
Best City Beaches in Barcelona
So which ones are in the city? Let’s take a look at some of the top Barcelona city beaches that you should visit while in Spain!
- Llevant
Barcelona’s newest beach, Llevant lies on the eastern side of the city and boasts exciting modern amenities.
Following the destruction of factories in the local area in 2006, the city was able to establish a new beach along the shoreline. Now, it’s become one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona for its sparkling-clear water and wide, sandy shores.
Perfect for singles, groups, and families alike, Llevant beach proves to be one of Barcelona’s best. Here, you’ll find a number of perks that will keep you coming back for more—including free public Wi-Fi. In addition, includes a number of umbrellas, showers and toilets, and areas for parking bicycles.
Even better, it has a strong safety record and even comes with lifeguards and other safety personnel, including local police. This makes it one of the safest beaches in Barcelona for you and your family!
Finally, you can expect to find both locals and other tourists here—making for a unique experience you can only get in Barcelona!
- Nova Mar Bella
Nova Mar Bella beach is one of the most popular Barcelona attractions. In fact, for many, it ranks as one of the top 100 places to visit while in the city—and we couldn’t agree more.
This beautiful beach boasts a number of daily visitors, making for one of the liveliest and most festive crowds—of both locals and other tourists.
Of note: Nova Mar Bella is a family-friendly Barcelona beach. It should not be confused with Mar Bella, one of Barcelona’s most popular nudist beaches.
What makes Nova Mar Bella so popular are the number of great amenities that can be found along its very long shoreline. Here, you can find everything from showers and gyms to tennis courts and bars. In this way, Nova Mar Bella provides an all-around fun experience that proves to be one of the best in all of Europe.
No matter if you’re planning to travel alone or with friends or family, you can be sure that you’ll never run out of things to do at Nova Mar Bella. This incredible place has enough to keep you entertained for your entire trip—and is sure to be on your itinerary for future travels to Barcelona.
One of the best beaches in the city of Barcelona, Nova Mar Bella should be at the top of your list if you’re looking to have a fun experience.
- Mar Bella
Mar Bella beach offers an experience of a different kind.
At Mar Bella, you aren’t required to wear anything but your birthday suit. That’s right—this is perfect for those who are looking for an exciting nude experience. That’s not to say, however, that you are required to be nude; you may still wear a swimsuit if you’re more comfortable that way.
If you’re happy bearing it all, however, Mar Bella is perfect for you. The beach proves popular among the younger crowd—giving you fresh sights and a chance to make all-new connections. Additionally, Mar Bella is popular with the gay community, making it a great meeting point for those looking to find other LGBT individuals.
But that’s only part of what Mar Bella has to offer. In addition, this great Barcelona city beach has amazing amenities, including free Wi-Fi, lifeguards, restaurants, and public showers and toilets. What’s more, it even has a kid area so that families (likely of the naturist variety) can come out for a good time!
If you’re looking for a beach experience unlike any other, consider adding Mar Bella to the top of the list. Just be aware that you might get more of an eyeful than you bargained for.
- Bogatell
Created for the 1992 Summer Olympics, Bogatell is a popular relaxation destination and one of the major cultural landmarks of Barcelona. The beach rests in front of an exquisite background of bars, restaurants, and palm trees and is a great place to spend an afternoon. In fact, there’s so much fun to be had at Bogatell, it’s hard to tell where to start.
Volleyball on the beach is a popular option. Bogatell Beach is equipped with its own volleyball nets (though you’ll have to bring your own ball if you wish to play). Of course, you can always go out for a swim as well—and will be delighted at the view of Barcelona’s skyline offered you when you do. When you’re ready to come ashore, make sure to check out incredible beachfront restaurants such as L’Escamaria, which serve traditional seafood dishes that will quickly become your new favorite food.
While you’re there, you’ll also want to check out the number of eateries, craft breweries, and art studios that dot the nearby Poblenou neighborhood. Once a major industrial center in Barcelona, the area is rapidly changing into a quaint tourist destination. Bogatell Beach offers quick access to this neighborhood, making it one of the more unique (and worthwhile) beaches in the city.
- Nova Icaria
Nova Icaria rests near famous Port Olimpic, making it a popular destination for families and groups. While the beach itself is peaceful, the surrounding bars, restaurants, and sport facilities make this one of the hottest places in the entire city. Make sure to take advantage of these incredible opportunities for a Barcelona beach vacation you’ll always remember!
- Somorrostro
Once the cozy home to 15,000 settlers, Somorrostro is a Barcelona beach with some distinction. Though the shanty town has long since disappeared, traces of the settlement remain and are reflected in the name of the beach. Interestingly, the location was not always considered an independent beach, being separated and distinguished from the larger Barceloneta beach by the city council only a few decades ago.
When it comes to services, Somorrostro Beach does not disappoint. With volleyball and exercise equipment, you’ll have tons to do even outside of the water. The Complex Esportiu Municipal Maritim is an excellent sports center where you can dive into swimming pools filled with swimming water and relax the day away by the beach. You’ll also want to check out Centre de la Platja, which will tell you everything you need to know about the nearby places, as well as advise you on the local culture and activities in the vicinity.
Simply put, you can’t go wrong with this Barcelona beach if you’re looking for a vacation that’s convenient, fun, and hard to forget.
- Barceloneta
Perhaps the most famous beach in Barcelona, this family and fishing hotspot is well worthy of its legendary status. The beach is named after the nearby Barceloneta neighborhood. Barceloneta is well-known for its incredible family atmosphere and the one-of-a-kind seafood the beach offers. Eat tapas and other highly-regarded dishes as you spend a day at Barcelona’s most famous beach!
There are a number of amenities offered that you’ll also want to take advantage of. From beach volleyball to a children’s games area, it has everything for a fun day in the sun. This even includes free Wi-Fi, which you can use to upload those hot beach selfies that will impress your friends!
While you’re there, you’ll want to check out Espai de Mar, which offers arcades under the Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta. The area is open in July, August, and the first two weeks of September and makes good fun for both you and the kids!
- Sant Miquel
One of the oldest beaches in Barcelona, Sant Miquel Beach is named after the church of Sant Miquel del Port. It’s also one of the city’s busiest beaches, with families, couples, and solo travelers coming to take advantage of the golden sand and blue waves. Sant Miquel is situated between Barceloneta and Sant Sebastia beaches and offers an array of amenities that you’ll want to check out.
For starters, make sure to visit an ice cream kiosk and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. Sun lounging areas make the perfect spot for that tan, while lifeguard and safety personnel ensure safety at all times.
- Sant Sebastia
Close to both Sant Miquel and Barceloneta, this family beach offers an incredible view of the blue coast and the mountains in the distance. A slew of great restaurants dot the beach, as well as a nearby hotel that makes the perfect place to stay overnight. Like other beaches in the area, Sant Sebastia provides free Wi-Fi, stands for ice cream and drinks, and other amenities that will make your stay more convenient.
No matter which of these you choose, you’re sure to have a great time in Barcelona. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some great beaches that are outside of the city limits!
Best Beaches Close to Barcelona
Having covered all this, let’s now go over some of the best Barcelona beaches located outside of the city limits. There are a number of great ones that can be found just past the city line. With this in mind, you’ll want to put them on your radar if you’re planning the ultimate Barcelona vacation.
- Sitges
If you’re looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona proper, a trip to the nearby town of Sitges could do you a world of good. Despite its small size, the city is home to seventeen incredible beaches of all types. Enjoy this city close to Barcelona, bare it all at a nude beach, or simply relax at nationally-loved beaches such as Platja de la Fragata. There are even gay beaches in the area, if you’re so inclined, so make sure to check them out to find the best beach outside of Barcelona for you.
- Playa de Les Roque
One of the best beaches outside of the city, Playa de les Roque is world-famous for its snorkeling. It is known for its incredible rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful tan sand that makes for the perfect relaxation.
Playa de Les Roque is located near a lighthouse, complete with incredible turrets. Stroll down the beach and see the beautiful sites or jump into the water for a bit of marine fun. There’s a restaurant and bar located on the beach that makes the perfect place to hang out when you’re ready to exit the water and a wall you can climb to make things even more exciting!
Complete with a naturist area to boot, Playa de Les Roque should be on anyone’s bucket list. Make sure to consider this beach if you plan on staying in the Barcelona area!
- Ocata Playa
Located in the town of El Masnou to the north of Barcelona, Ocata Playa is one of the most well-known (and well-loved) beaches outside the big city limits. This makes the perfect destination for anyone craving a cozy atmosphere and a quaint feel.
The place itself is long and wide, situated off relatively deep waters. This makes it great for adult travelers, especially. A number of bars offer refreshments along the outer strip of the beach; as such, Ocata Playa is a top place to go for Barcelona party goers.
The beach also offers incredible views. Painted across the coast in the distance is a cityscape dominated by a beautiful church. You don’t want to miss out on this one, which is certainly one of the best beaches outside Barcelona.
- Castelldefels
Located 18km outside of the Barcelona city limits, Castelldefels Beach is one of the most celebrated beaches in the area. That’s because the location is home to several game rooms, bars, sporting facilities, and other amenities that are sure to bring you pleasure. Whether you’re going alone or with family, you can count on this well-furnished beach to have everything you need, including play areas for children and free Wi-Fi for those who aren’t looking to get their hands wet.
More than this, the location is one of the more beautiful in the area. Wooden pathways help tourists avoid the hot sand and make for easy access around the beach. All of this combines to make Castelldefels one of the best beaches outside of the city. Come to swim, relax, eat, or party at one of the many bars that serve just the type of alcohol you like!
- Canet de Mar
Canet de Mar is a beach with a slightly different flair. Known for the beautiful strawberries and flowers nearby. The location, one of the best beaches outside of Barcelona, is located just an hour away from the bustling Spanish hubbub. You’ll be amazed at the large number of modernist buildings that line the coastline, making this beach one of the most spectacular in the region.
You can expect of Canet de Mar to be around 50 meters in width, providing ample space for restaurants and eateries. There are a number of bars here, too, making it a great place to go if you’re looking for a party away from the big city lights. Outfitted with boardwalks, campsites, a skate-park, and hotels, the beach is convenient and accessible for a wide variety of age groups and serves as one of the top recreational areas in the area.
- Playa el Morer
Playa el Morer consistently ranks as one of the best beaches outside of Barcelona, and it’s not hard to see why. Situated near the Roman ruins of Morer—which date back to the first century AD—the place spans over 750 meters and delights visitors with crystal-blue water and golden-sand beaches. Playa el Morer is located at the northern end of Sant Pol de Mar, a town situated outside Barcelona.
To reach this place, tourists can ride the train to Sant Pol de Mar from Barcelona and reach the beach from there by bus. With a Red Cross station, showers, and other amenities, it’s a great family beach that’s accessible even to those with disabilities.
- Les Casetes del Garraf
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you’ll want to visit Les Casetes del Garraf. 380 meters in length, it’s one of the longest beaches in the area and is located at the base of a national park. A famous cove separates Garraf from Castelldefels and makes for the perfect scenic getaway.
The best part? Garraf is located just 30 miles outside of Barcelona. This means that you don’t have far to go to enjoy the beautiful coast if you’re planning a trip to the city. The place itself is dotted with picturesque fishermen’s huts, which now serve as rentals for a day on the beach.
Surrounded by bars and restaurants and with good, clean water to boot, Garraf truly is one of the best beaches close to Barcelona. To make sure you have a good time, however, you’ll want to make sure you watch out for jellyfish, which are known to sometimes float around in the water.
- Montgat
Just 14km to the north of Barcelona, Montgat is a must-see beach that’s perfect for couples and families alike. A backdrop of mountains frames the beach, whose golden sand runs out to the fair blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. Montgat Beach can be reached by train from Placa Catalunya, with a short ride time of just twenty minutes.
Though the beach is pretty narrow, only around 30 meters wide at its biggest, it’s also one of the less crowded ones. This makes it a better option for those who aren’t looking to spend the day with a bunch of strangers. For this reason, it’s fair to consider Montgat one of the best beaches close to Barcelona, even though you won’t be able to experience the large number of amenities that are staples of other, larger ones.
If you’re looking for quiet travel, simply bring your towel, umbrella, and kick back and relax!
- Gava Mar
Gava Mar is legendary for its beauty. With miles of beautiful coastline, the beach is surrounded by an incredible pine forest and features preserved dunes that are well worth a look. Without a doubt, Gava Mar is one of the most stunning options on this list, and that’s even without considering the beach’s incredible amenities, which feature nearby restaurants, showers, and other beach necessities.
You can reach the beach simply by going twenty kilometers south of Barcelona with bus. The coastline totals four kilometers, making it bigger than some nearby beaches and perfect for those who like to take long walks by the coastline.
- Caldes d’Estrac
With a population of just over 3,000 people, Caldes d’Estrac is more than what it seems to be. Once a popular spot for Catalan literati, this beach-side town boasts incredible seaside fun and thermal springs. While the town is a great tourist attraction in and of itself, there’s no question that the Caldes d’Estrac beach is the main travel destination in the city.
The Caldes d’Estrac is one of the best beaches close to Barcelona. Little more than a stone’s throw from the city, the beach boasts two seafront walks in Passeig dels Anglesos and Passeig de Mar. Making things more interesting, the coast of this city was once routinely raided by pirates, making it an important cultural location in Europe. If you’re looking for a beach that’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll want to make a visit.
- Arenys de Mar
Just a stone’s throw from Barcelona, this quiet fishing town is famous for its incredible beaches. While the city itself is full of artistry and culture, it’s the beach that draw the majority of acclaim. Explore the incredible Costa Brava coastline and the wide number of beaches located there. Coming up, we’ll examine these in detail so you can find the best beach outside of Barcelona.
Beaches On The Costa Brava
With all this being said, it’s time to take a look at some of the beaches in the world-famous Costa Brava. You’ll find that there are a wide variety you can visit to have the best time during your Barcelona vacation!
- Cala Tavallera
Cala Tavallera is surrounded by incredible black rock formations that make it one of the most stunning beaches in the area. Generally speaking, it can only be reached by a two-hour walk—but don’t worry. Your efforts will be rewarded by one of the most stunning beaches in all of Europe! The area is highly secluded, visited only by a small string of tourists and fishing boats that anchor in the bay during the summer. If you’re looking for a Costa Brava beach that will truly stun you with its amazing beauty, you want to put Cala Tavallera at the top of your list!
- Platja de Sant Pere Pescador
A quick trip to Platja de Sant Pere Pescador is all that’s needed to verify the simple awesomeness of this beach. Located in the famed Bay of Roses, it is the longest in the area and is dotted by campsites that give quick access to the coast.
The beach is world-renowned for hosting the windsurfing World Championship trials and boasts a number of incredible windsurfing and kitesurfing locations. What’s more, with 6.3 kilometers of coastline, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your vacation!
- Platja d’Empúries
With its storied history, it’s no wonder that Platja d’Empuries is one of the most popular beaches in the central region of Costa Brava. Home to the Phoenicians, the Greeks, and the Romans at different times throughout the past, this location speaks of Europe’s incredible history. The beach itself is surrounded by fantastic eateries and boasts a stunning coastline that you’ll definitely want to capture on film.
- Cala Sa Sabolla
This beach cove is one of the most remote beaches on the Costa Brava. Though it can only be accessed by foot or boat, it’s well worth the trip if you can make it. A natural cove, the waters here are some of the clearest you’ll ever see, with few travelers to disturb your peace. If you’re looking for a true bit of earthly paradise just outside Barcelona, you can’t go wrong with the incredible Cala Sa Sabolla!
- Platja de Pals and La Gola del Ter
Filled with beautiful white sand dunes, Platja de Pals is intersected by the estuary of the Ter River. This solitary retreat offers a glimpse at gorgeous blue waters set against the backdrop of the estuary. The beach itself is quite large, making it a great place to hang out with family.
The best part? It is connected to other nearby beaches, such as the Raco, which means with just a little walking you’ll be able to find the perfect wind-surfing, sailing, and swimming locations! For this reason, Platja de Pals certainly ranks as one of the top beaches in the Costa Brava.
- L’illa Roja
Have a bit of nudist fun with a trip to L’illa Roja. This mixed beach features both nudists and non-nudists, meaning you can go however you feel comfortable. Bask in the sunlight against a beautiful backdrop of crystal blue waves. The beach spans 174 meters in length and is, as you might imagine, quite isolated. This makes it a great option for a romantic getaway in Costa Brava!
- Platja d’es Codolar
A beach that’s open to everyone, Es Codolar is studded with beautiful gray pebbles that cause to stand out from the rest. Es Codolar is also known as one of the more pet-friendly beaches on the Costa Brava, allowing you to take your dog off the leash and run around with you for extra fun.
The water here is brilliant blue, and the coast is surrounded by picturesque mountains of rock. Whether you’re looking to sunbathe or dive, you can do it all here at Es Codolar. This makes it one of the best beaches on the Costa Brava and well worth a visit!
- Platja del Canadell
Another rocky Costa Brava beach, Platja del Canadell features dark blue waves and it is 200-by-30 meter long. Visitors love the close proximity to nearby cities, making it a great hotspot for those who are looking for something that’s not secluded. Hit up any one of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the area, and be sure to check out the fishermen’s lodgings nearby!
- Platja de Castell
Platja de Castell is certainly one of the more scenic beaches on the Costa Brava. Taking its name from the nearby town of Castell, the place is set against a backdrop of lush pine trees that will take your breath away. Walkways for those with disabilities make the beach highly accessible, and convenient and cheap parking make a day at the beach a steal.
To make things even better, Platja de Castell offers a kayaking school for those wishing to learn and is close enough to town to spend a day exploring once you are done soaking up the sun. Make sure to check out this beach if you find yourself in the Barcelona area!
- Cala Rovira
Cala Rovira offers great, deep water swimming and a look at Spain’s history. The sand here is slightly coarse and spans a beach that travels 237 meters. Nearby you’ll find Pla de Palol, ancient remains of a Roman villa that’s open for free to the public. The place itself is flanked by gorgeous rocks, which are themselves dotted with lush green trees that will make the perfect backdrop for any selfie.
If you’re looking to get a feel for the culture of the area, be sure to see Cala Rovira. Certainly, it’s unique mix of marine fun and historical insight make it one of the most interesting beaches on the Costa Brava.
- Sant Pol
Sant Pol is the ultimate Costa Brava beach for families. A shallow bay, the waters are great for children, with nearby attractions such as the Parc de les Dunes children’s play area making it even better for families. During the summer, families can hit up the Kids Club or simply lay out on the golden sand and look at the beautiful blue waves. Take selfies by the dunes, go kayaking, or simply jump in the water for a cool and refreshing swim.
- Cala del Senyor Ramon
Cala del Senyor Ramon is fringed by tree-spotted hills of rock, making it a perfect, secluded cove. Getting to the beach isn’t easy, but the privacy the cove provides is nice. For this reason, Cala del Senyor Ramon is one of the best naturist beaches on the Costa Brava. Chill out on the sand or take a dip in the blue waters as you enjoy your day at this all-natural place.
You’ll also love the beautiful surroundings it provides. Stare out at the lush forest nearby and enjoy the tranquility of the environment. If you’re looking for a beach that offers maximum seclusion, you don’t want to miss out on Cala del Senyor Ramon!
- Platja de Santa Cristina
This curving strip of coastline is set off against a backdrop of tall green trees and classical architecture, offering stunning views you won’t want to miss. The beach is accessible by car, bus, and walking and has a width of 40 meters, making it a great option for families and couples. Unlike some of the beaches on the Costa Brava, the sand here is fine.
Just as important, you’ll be just five kilometers away from town, giving you the convenience to experience the best of both worlds.
- Platja de Treumal
Platja de Treumal is one of the quieter beaches on the Costa Brava. It’s also one of the smallest. Nearby, the surrounding landscape has been deemed by the Spanish government a National Area of Natural Interest. After you hit up the place, which features gorgeous blue-green waters and golden sand, be sure to see Pinya de Rosa. Despite its small size, Platja de Treumal is deceptively fun and great for families especially. You don’t want to leave this amazing natural place off your list of the best beaches in Costa Brava!
The Bottom Line
Barcelona and its surrounding areas offer many stunning beaches for both couples and families. Beaches within city limits are renowned for their incredible array of activities and bars, while those outside the city are known for their seclusion and beauty. With this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your next Barcelona vacation.
Finding the best beach in Barcelona has never been easier. So don’t wait! If you’re looking to go to Barcelona in the future, review the information here to make the best travel decisions! By doing so, you can be sure that your next vacation will be your best one yet!
