For explorers, wanderers and dreamers, the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona has it all for tourists. Situated on the famous Costa Brava on Spain’s Mediterranean Coastline, Barcelona offers a dynamic mix of old world European charm and unique culture with over 4km of sun soaked beaches spread out along the coast perfect for sun-seekers. Most of these beaches are just a few minutes from the heart of the city, with blue flag EU certification for water quality, safety and services that make it perfect for a fun and relaxing day at the beach.
Here is our list of ten of the top beaches in Barcelona to help you decide which to visit first.
1. Sant Sebastia Beach
Located in the Ciutat Vella, this is one of the oldest and most traditional beaches in Barcelona. Not to mention one of the most popular, due mainly to its convenient location as well as the many amenities for visitors including toilets, showers, great parking and convenient ramps down to the beach.
2. Barceloneta Beach
This is probably the most well known and popular beaches in Barcelona. Famous for its lively beach vibe, which attracts a younger crowd, this gem is a great place to see many of the city’s attractions and enjoy the nearby clubs at night. If you are the active type, hire a bike or rent out some surfing equipment for the day. Between the sand artists, singing donut salesmen or beach drummers, there is no shortage of entertainment here.
3. Caldetes Beach
Caldetes beach is a peaceful paradise where the sun, sand and water are the main attraction. You will find everything you could want in a beach here, including a club at the end for sipping drinks while enjoying the impressive scenery.
4. Nova Icaria Beach
Another family friendly spot, Nova Icaria Beach is located beside the Olympic marina and observatory. Known as a beach for many different water sports, it also offers a relaxed atmosphere with a promenade that stretches as far as the beach itself with the nearby Icaria shopping center offering an English language cinema and plenty of shopping distractions.
5. Bogatell Beach
A little cleaner and calmer than some of the others, this peaceful spot is a bit further from the center of town and just off the metro line. The tranquil waters and soft sands give way to a raised promenade behind the beach providing a great balance of beachside food, relaxation and entertainment.
6. Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella translates to “beautiful sea” and that is exactly what awaits you here. This is a beach where everyone is welcome in Barcelona. Popular with the local gay community it is also an unofficial nudist beach. Grab a book at the beach library in the summer months or curl up on one of the plentiful benches at a beautiful beachside green garden. Go for a run on the 1.5 km running path that starts here and goes to Icaria and if it’s your kind of thing you can even stay for a late night raves on Sundays, there really is something for everyone here.
7. Castelldefels Beach
Take a short trip just 15 minutes south of Barcelona to find this sensational beach with 5 km strip of golden fine-grained sand. Watersports or wifi, swimming or sun tanning, this busy beach even has a promenade great for walking while watching all the amazing seaside sights.
8. Ocata Beach
A spacious, clean and quiet white sand oasis about 30 minutes from town. If you want a beautiful place to relax and unwind from the bustle of Barcelona, then a trip to Ocata Beach is exactly what you need.
9. Somorrostro Beach
Once part of the Barceloneta Beach, it was renamed as a separate beach after a humble settlement that used to be home to 15,000 people including Carmen Amaya, a world famous flamenco dancer. A family favourite with change rooms, children’s game area, a library, exercise equipment, beach volleyball and wifi, everyone in the family is sure to be happy here.
10. Nova Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella beach is great place to spend the day soaking in the clean warm waters and marvel at mother nature’s glory with spectacular sunsets at the end of the day. A definite favorite with women and Barceloneta locals, this beach is considered to be one of the most peaceful and tourist oriented beaches in the city. This is where to be to enjoy an authentic Barcelona beach experience.
