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13 Best Beaches in Barcelona | Celebrity Cruises - Barcelona City Guides

13 Best Beaches in Barcelona | Celebrity Cruises

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Best beaches in Barcelona

Take the train from Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya to reach Canet de Mar. The relaxing coastal journey takes just over an hour, providing the perfect opportunity to bury yourself in tantalizing sea views.

The 10 Best Beaches in Barcelona & Surroundings

Aerial view of Barcelona's coastline, in Spain.

Amidst the allure of world-renowned landmarks like Park Güell, la Sagrada Familia, and the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s coastal charm often goes unnoticed.

Beyond the big-name attractions of this bustling city, you’ll find a treasure trove of beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered.

From vibrant shores buzzing with activity to serene stretches of sand offering tranquility, Barcelona caters to every beachgoer’s desires.

Whether you seek thrilling beachside entertainment or a peaceful retreat, Barcelona is an ideal Spanish destination for a sun-soaked vacation.

Moreover, the allure doesn’t end within city limits; Barcelona also grants access to the breathtaking beaches nestled in the enchanting Costa Brava region.

Read on to discover the 10 best beaches in Barcelona and its surroundings, and discover the mesmerizing beauty of Spain’s captivating coastline.

The 10 Best Beaches in Barcelona, Spain

La Barceloneta Beach

Aerial view of the Barceloneta Beach, in Barcelona, Spain.

La Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most famous beach. Sought after by locals and visitors alike, this bustling urban beach stretches along the city’s coastline, offering sun-worshippers a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

This Barcelona beach has ample space for enjoying a whole heap of outdoor activities such as sunbathing, and jogging, as well as enjoying water sports like swimming and windsurfing.

La Barceloneta Beach is easily accessible, just a short walk from the city center. Around the beach, you’ll find an array of tapas bars, restaurants, and cafés, where you can indulge in delicious seafood and a jar of Sangria.

Address: Paseo Maritimo Barceloneta, 14, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

Nova Icària Beach

Nova Icària Beach, in Barcelona, Spain.

Nova Icària Beach (Nova Icaria Beach) is a family-friendly beach known for its more serene atmosphere compared to the vibrant La Barceloneta Beach.

Located north of the Olympic Port, Nova Icària has shallow waters and lifeguard services ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The beach also boasts a range of leisure amenities, including a children’s playground and ping pong tables table by the Bogatell breakwater and two volleyball courts near the Olympic Harbour.

Along the promenade, you’ll find a variety of beach restaurants and bars, offering a delightful selection of food and drinks.

Whether you want to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, Nova Icària Beach provides the perfect retreat from Barcelona’s hustle and bustle.

Address: Platja de la Nova Icària Spain, 08005, Barcelona, Spain

Nova Mar Bella Beach

Nova Mar Bella Beach, Barcelona, Spain.

Nova Mar Bella Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches in Barcelona.

This serene beach stretches from Bac de Roda breakwater to the Selva de Mar breakwater and has golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and a stunning backdrop of palm trees.

Granted the Blue Flag Beach award for its pristine sand and water conditions, Nova Mar Bella Beach presents an inviting setting for sunbathers and swimmers.

It has ample space to spread out, making it an excellent choice for those who value privacy and peace.

Additionally, Nova Mar Bella offers various sports facilities such as a beach volleyball court for those looking to stay active.

The beach also boasts facilities like showers, lifeguard services, and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring a comfortable and safe visit for all beachgoers.

Address: Passeig Marítim de la Mar Bella, 128, 08005, Barcelona, Spain

Mar Bella Beach

Mar Bella Beach, in Barcelona, Spain.

Located northeast of the former Olympic Village, in the Sant Martí district, Mar Bella is a lively urban beach that combines relaxation, recreational activities, and a sense of inclusivity. M

Mar Bella Beach is a nudist beach, attracting naturists from around the world who appreciate its open and accepting environment.

Beyond its nudist section, the beach also provides ample space for sunbathers and swimmers who prefer a more traditional beach experience.

The beach is well-maintained and boasts fine golden sands and clear waters, perfect for unwinding and taking refreshing dips in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mar Bella Beach offers a variety of amenities, including showers, restrooms, beach umbrellas, and sun loungers available for rent.

It also provides accessibility features, making it accommodating for people with disabilities. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding, thanks to the favorable sea conditions.

Additionally, the beach is home to beach volleyball courts, where both locals and visitors can engage in friendly matches.

Address: Av. del Litoral, 08019 Barcelona Spain

Bogatell Beach

Bogatell Beach, in Barcelona, Spain.

Bogatell Beach is a wide beach with golden sand and clear waters that provide a picturesque setting for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks along the shore.

Situated between the bustling beaches of Nova Icària and Mar Bella, Bogatell Beach is especially popular among families, thanks to its spaciousness and the presence of excellent facilities.

The beach is equipped with amenities such as showers, restrooms, and beach umbrellas, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.

Its calm and shallow waters make it suitable for children to enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience.

Moreover, Bogatell Beach boasts a long promenade lined with palm trees, offering a pleasant backdrop for relaxing strolls or cycling.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the beach’s ample space for games of beach volleyball and football.

Address: Passeig Marítim del Bogatell, 80, 08005, Barcelona, Spain

Sant Sebastià Beach

San Sebastià Beach, in Spain.

Sant Sebastià Beach is a captivating destination that combines natural beauty with a lively atmosphere.

Located in the Cuitat Vella district of Barcelona, this long and wide stretch of golden sand is one of the oldest and most popular beaches in the city.

Its clear turquoise waters provide a refreshing escape from the city heat, making it an ideal spot for swimming and water activities.

The beach also offers a range of facilities including showers, restrooms, beach loungers, and umbrellas, ensuring visitors a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Sant Sebastià Beach is also known for its vibrant ambiance and energetic atmosphere. Along the promenade, you’ll find a variety of beachfront restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can indulge in delicious seafood, Spanish tapas, and drinks.

The beach’s popularity extends to its vibrant nightlife scene, with the surrounding beach clubs hosting parties and live music events that keep the energy going long after sunset.

Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 2, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Ocata Beach

Ocata Beach, in El Masnou, Spain.

Ocata Beach is located in the neighboring town of El Masnou, which is approximately 10 miles north of Barcelona along the Costa del Maresme.

This beautiful and spacious stretch of coastline offers a more tranquil and serene atmosphere compared to the bustling beaches of Barcelona.

With its fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters, this beautiful beach provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a relaxing day by the sea.

The beach is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, including showers, restrooms, and beach bars.

Ocata Beach also benefits from its relatively uncrowded nature, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter beach experience.

The water here is generally calm and inviting, making it suitable for swimming and other fun activities.

Additionally, the town of El Masnou offers a charming coastal ambiance with its marina, restaurants, and shops, providing a pleasant complement to the beach experience.

Address: Pg. Maritim, 08320 El Masnou, Barcelona, Spain

Somorrostro Beach

Somorrostro Beach, in Barcelona, Spain.

Located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, Somorrostro Beach carries a rich heritage and has undergone extensive transformation over the years.

Formerly known as the Somorrostro shantytown, it was a symbol of resilience and community during the early 20th century.

Today, Somorrostro Beach presents a vibrant and lively atmosphere that blends tradition with modernity.

The beach’s golden sands and clear waters make it an inviting spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.

The beach offers various amenities, including showers, restrooms, and beach bars, ensuring a comfortable beach experience.

With its close proximity to the city center, Somorrostro Beach is easily accessible and popular among locals and tourists alike. Its location also offers fantastic views of Barcelona’s skyline and the iconic W Barcelona Hotel.

Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 32, 08003, Barcelona, Spain

Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar, in Barcelona, Spain.

Tossa de Mar Beach is a stunning gem that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and historic charm.

Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Tossa de Mar along the Costa Brava region, less than 2 hours from Barcelona, this beautiful sandy beach is flanked by rugged cliffs and boasts turquoise waters.

The calm and clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world teeming with marine life.

Tossa del Mar is also well-equipped with facilities such as beach bars, showers, and sunbed rentals.

As you bask in the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Tossa de Mar Castle, a prominent landmark perched on a hill overlooking the beach.

Playa de la Ribera

Playa de la Ribera, in Sitges, Spain.

Playa de la Ribera (Platja de la Ribera) is the main and most popular beach in the charming coastal town of Sitges, Spain.

Situated right in the heart of Sitges, just 40 minutes from Barcelona, this beach boasts a picturesque setting with palm trees, colorful beachfront buildings, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Playa de la Ribera is known for its wide expanse of golden sand. This is the perfect beach for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sand castles.

The beach’s convenient proximity to Sitges town center makes it a hub of activity. During the summer months, it buzzes with energy as beachgoers enjoy the sun, sea, and social scene.

Visitors can engage in water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking or join beach volleyball games organized by local groups.

Address: Platja de la Ribera 08870, Sitges Barcelona, Spain

FAQ

Does Barcelona have good beaches?

Yes, it does. Barcelona’s beaches are beautiful, and provide locals and tourists with opportunities to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.

What are the best Barcelona beaches?

The 10 best beaches in Barcelona are:

  • La Barceloneta Beach
  • Nova Icària Beach
  • Nova Mar Bella Beach
  • Mar Bella Beach
  • Bogatell Beach
  • Sant Sebastià Beach
  • Ocata Beach
  • Somorrostro Beach
  • Tossa de Mar
  • La Fragata Beach

Can you swim in the sea in Barcelona?

Yes, swimming in the sea is a popular activity in Barcelona. The city’s beaches, such as Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icària Beach, Bogatell Beach, and others, provide suitable conditions for swimming. The water quality in Barcelona’s beaches is regularly monitored to ensure it meets safety standards for swimming.

What is the most famous beach in Barcelona called?

La Barceloneta is the most famous Barcelona beach. This is also the closest beach to the Barcelona center, only 20 minutes on foot or by metro (yellow line).

Are Barcelona beaches clothing optional?

Some beaches in Barcelona have designated areas where nudity is allowed, while other sections are more family-oriented and adhere to traditional bathing attire norms. Mar Bella Beach, located east of the city, has a designated nudist area that attracts those who prefer clothing-optional sunbathing.

Which beach has the cleanest water in Barcelona?

Bogatell Beach is known for being one of Barcelona’s cleanest beaches.

To what beach do locals go in Barcelona?

Locals in Barcelona often frequent a variety of beaches, depending on their preferences and proximity to their neighborhoods. Some enjoy the popular and easily accessible beaches like Barceloneta Beach, while others prefer Nova Icària, Bogatell, Ocata, and the beaches in Sitges.

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The Most Beautiful Beaches in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelonas beaches, including La Barceloneta, are a great place to chill – with plenty of water sports on offer for the more adventurous

Barcelona’s beaches, including La Barceloneta, are a great place to chill – with plenty of water sports on offer for the more adventurous | © Marc Soler / Alamy Stock Photo

Rebecca Wilkinson 25 October 2022

Barcelona, in Spain, boasts a number of beautiful beach locations to suit everyone, whether you’re simply looking for a place to relax or you want to indulge in water sports like kitesurfing or windsurfing at Barceloneta. Here, we explore the best beaches in the Catalan capital.

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Barceloneta Beach

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Beach of Barceloneta in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

© carlos sanchez pereyra / Alamy Stock Photo

Barceloneta Beach is Barcelona’s most bustling and touristy stretch of sand and sea, which inevitably makes it one of the most crowded, but it is compensated by a surplus of entertainment and seafood options. The most popular places to feast on fresh seafood, even for locals, are at chiringuitos, or seaside huts. On the entertainment side of things, you can not only swim, but also try water sports – with windsurfing and kitesurfing the most popular options. Lively and easily accessible, this beach is perfect if you still want to be close to the city’s main attractions.

Nova Icària Beach

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Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona, Nova Icaria Beach in the morning

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With more than 400m (1,300ft) of sandy beaches and sea, Nova Icària is considered the most peaceful beach in Barcelona, so it’s a perfect choice for families or if you’re just looking to relax. Although quiet, the beach still has a range of great restaurants and bars, making it a popular destination for foodies as well as holidaymakers. One of Barcelona’s most diversely equipped beaches, Nova Icaria boasts a game area complete with a ping-pong table as well as volleyball courts, paying homage to its proximity to the Olympic Park.

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Ocata Beach

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El Masnou; playa d´Ocata.

© Album / Alamy Stock Photo

North of Barcelona and just a half-hour by train out of the city, Ocata Beach is a pristine, tranquil stretch of beautiful golden sand. Much quieter than other beaches, Ocata is more of a peaceful getaway and less of an entertainment area. Long and wide, the beach is spacious and attracts fewer tourists than those nearer to the city, making it nice and private – somewhat of a luxury in summertime when you have to compete for towel space elsewhere. Much like any Barcelona beach, it also has its share of chiringuitos selling drinks and fresh seafood.

Bogatell Beach

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Playing volleyball in Bogatell beach, Barcelona, Spain

© Xavier Fores – Joana Roncero / Alamy

Bogatell Beach, created as part of an urban planning scheme to rejuvenate the area, attracts slightly older beachgoers seeking a more relaxed experience, but still provides the opportunity to play ping-pong or volleyball. At 600m (2,000ft) long, it is smaller than the main touristy spots, but it’s clean and safe – and part of the scheme to incorporate beaches into green spaces, gardens and neighbouring districts.

Sant Sebastià

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Platja de Sant Sebastia, Sitges, Catalonia, Spain

© Peter Forsberg / Alamy

This beach is the closest to the southwestern end of Barcelona and stretches for more than 1km (0.6mi), making it one of the longest beaches in Barcelona. Much like La Barceloneta, there’s a busy and lively vibe here for much of the year, and particularly in summer. You can play volleyball or, if you’re daring, take part in extreme sports. Its popularity also means there are lots of dining options, making it a perfect place to spend the whole day.

Mar Bella Beach

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Mar Bella beach and Barcelona Club Beach, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

© Josep Curto / Alamy Stock Photo

Mar Bella is another of those beaches created as part of the urban development for the Olympic Games. Much more tranquil than La Barceloneta and Sant Sebastià, and lacking slightly in bars and restaurants, Mar Bella is still bursting with opportunities for water sports, offering the chance to windsurf, kayak and even try out something new. Twice the size of Nova Icària, it offers plenty of space to sunbathe, do sports or even rollerblade on the beautiful promenade. Head here to rent a sunbed or even a yacht, and relax in this clean, calm spot.

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Ocata Beach

Ocata is home to one of the best beaches near Barcelona for its broad swathe of white sand and gentle surf in the town of El Masnou, a mere 10 miles northeast of the city.

Getting to Ocata involves an effortless 25-minute drive or a short train journey. Catch the R1 train from Placa Catalunya or Arc de Triomf stations.

Pretty marina of El Masnou

You’ll disembark the train in front of El Masnou’s pretty marina, with its sprinkling of palm trees around the perimeter and rows of gleaming white boats located to the southwest of Ocata Beach.

White exterior of Saint Peter’s Church, El Masnou

Saint Peter’s Church, El Masnou

When you arrive, let your soles sink into the creamy foreshore, relax on a sunbed, and refuel at one of the easy-going beach bars. Afterward, stroll to Plaça de l’Església, a block behind the beach lined with orange and lemon trees outside the handsome Saint Peter’s Church.

Though the church was constructed between 1760 and 1817, it was largely destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and later rebuilt. You can take in views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea here.

Nova Icària Beach

Deep blue waters of Nova Icària Beach

Nova Icària Beach

Quieter than nearby Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta beaches, Nova Icària is considered one of the best beaches in Barcelona for its proximity to Port Olímpic. Built for the 1992 Olympic Games hosted in the city, Port Olímpic offers excellent watersports and boating activities.

Take your pick from a raft of nautical adventures, including jet-skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, and speed-boat tours. For something a little more sedate, catamaran and boat tours of the harbor also depart from Port Olímpic.

Beautiful architecture of La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia

This beautiful Barcelona beach offers plenty of space for bathing with an array of elegant restaurants close by. If you’re keen to combine a visit to Catalan’s most famous attraction, La Sagrada Familia, with some downtime on the beach, Nova Icària is the closest option.

The city’s as-yet-unfinished cathedral—arguably architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous Spanish landmark—is just a short bus or taxi ride away.

Platja d’Empúries

Umbrellas lined up on Platja d

Draped on the Gulf of Roses, Platja d’Empúries is around 85 miles north of Barcelona, in the ancient Catalan town of Sant Martí d’Empúries. As one of the best beaches near Barcelona, Platja d’Empúries is a worthy day trip if you’re prepared to rent a car and drive there.

Platja d’Empúries is a people-pleaser, refreshingly uncrowded with calm water, fawn-hued sand, and thatched parasols, flanked by an emerald-green pine forest.

The town is dotted with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the vast archeological remains of Empúries, a city founded in 575 B.C., right next to Platja d’Empúries. Follow the guided coastal trail from the beach to explore the ruins. This light walk should take no more than 10 minutes.

Beautiful exterior of Església de Sant Martí d

Església de Sant Martí d’Empúries

Once you’ve had your fill of sun, sea, and ruins, make your way to the cluster of restaurants found in Plaça Major, opposite a 16th-century church, Església de Sant Martí d’Empúries.

This romantic spot offers shaded seating outside and a warren of winding photogenic streets to discover, just moments from the beach.

Waterfront view of Barcelona

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Kerry Spencer

Kerry Spencer has been writing about travel for 15 years. A former magazine editor and the UK editor of Cruise Critic, she lives in London, where she now writes for a number of print and online publications, including Imagine Cruising, Cruise Critic, and Selling Travel, among others.












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