Beaches near Barcelona city center

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, there are so many things that you probably already want to do and see. Many people plan to see La Sagrada Familia, tour museums and have delicious tapas during their time in this incredible city. What many people don’t realize is that they can also enjoy beaches near Barcelona. From beach bars to beach umbrellas and lounge chairs, there are many ways to make the most of your time at the best beaches in Barcelona during your trip.

5 Dreamy Beach Stays Around Barcelona

Barcelona is a dream destination for beach lovers. Apart from being blessed with close to three miles of easy-to-access city beaches, there are some 360 miles of jaw-dropping coastline to explore within just a couple of hours’ drive of the city. The Catalan coast stretches from the wild shores of the Ebro Delta in the south, through the sprawling golden sands of the Costa Dorada, past Sitges and Barcelona, to the pebble beaches of the Maresme and the secluded rocky coves of the Costa Brava, all the way up to the French border in the north.

Apart from close to three miles of city beaches in Barcelona, there are some 360 miles of . [+] jaw-dropping Catalan coastline to explore within just a couple of hours’ drive of the city. Pictured: Fortress Vila Vella and Badia de Tossa Bay in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava.

And while summer may be all but over in most of Europe, Barcelonians in the know will tell you September is the ideal time for some fun in the sun. As the sweltering August heat gives way to far more pleasant daytime temperatures, locals head back to their daily routines, leaving the lucky few with some extra time on their hands to enjoy Catalonia’s spectacular beaches in peace.

Here are five beachfront hotels to dream about visiting on your next trip to Barcelona (from south to north):

Le Meridien Ra is set on golden sands of the Costa Dorada, where the nutrient-rich sea is said to . [+] have healing properties.

IMAGE COURTESY LE MERIDIEN RA

Le Meridien Ra

Situated just 45 minutes from central Barcelona and 35 minutes from Barcelona Airport, elegant Le Meridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa is set right on the golden sands of the Costa Dorada (or golden coast) overlooking the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Boasting just under 400 square feet of beach per hotel room, this is the ideal getaway for travelers who prioritize personal space in the post-COVID era. Housed in a former sanatorium dating back to 1929, the nutrient-rich sea along this particular stretch of coast is said to have healing properties. This family-friendly beach resort also features a pool, beach club, state-of the-art spa and kids’ club.

You can listen to the waves crashing on the beach from your own private terrace at Little Beach . [+] House Barcelona.

IMAGE COURTESY SOHO HOUSE

Little Beach House Barcelona

Opened by private members’ club Soho House in 2018, Little Beach House Barcelona is the London-based group’s second property in Barcelona. Complete with 17 bedrooms, a rooftop terrace, restaurant, spa, and beach access, this boutique hotel and club enjoys an unbeatable location on Garraf beach, between Barcelona and Sitges. Guests are invited to kick back on the plush green-and-white striped sun loungers on the beach, or enjoy massages in the small outdoor Cowshed Spa, before drifting off to sleep to the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the beach outside. While access to Little Beach House Barcelona is reserved for Soho House members, non-members can book stays in the bedrooms via the Soho House website.

W Barcelona is the only hotel in the city center with direct access to its own small private beach.

IMAGE COURTESY W BARCELONA

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The best beaches near Barcelona to reach by train: nice and quiet

If you ask a local for the best beaches in Barcelona you will surely skip Barceloneta and you will be encouraged to take the train. That does not mean that Barcelonians do not enjoy the sea in their city, but we do tend to seek out quieter surroundings on beautiful beaches near Barcelona.

There are many beaches near Barcelona that are easily accessible by train from the city centre. If you’re visiting for a few days and want to avoid the urban crowds, head by train to one of the many beaches and coves near Barcelona. Quiet places with no tourists, where you can spend a great day at the beach without the crowds.

Also, many of the locations are so close that you can get there and back in one morning. That’s why at Fisa Rentals Apartments we suggest you make different day trips to the beautiful beaches near Barcelona and live an unforgettable summer.

The best beaches in Barcelona: nearby, beautiful and quiet

In the surroundings of Barcelona, the beaches can be divided into those to the south, towards Tarragona (Costa Daurada), and those to the north, in the area of Montgat, or further away, in the incomparable Costa Brava. But, how to choose where to go?

Beaches near Barcelona to the south

Gavà, Castelldefels, Garraf and Sitges, in order of proximity to Barcelona (25 to 45 minutes by train), are some of the most charming seaside towns closest to the city. Their beaches are very close to Barcelona and can be easily reached by train.

In recent years, the beach of El Prat, close to the airport and near the Parc del Riu Llobregat, has also become very popular. A natural environment recently recovered and highly recommended for a day out with children. However, the public transport connection is not very good so, in this case, it would be advisable to travel by private vehicle.

Pros: the beaches in the south are usually sunnier than those in the north.
Of the whole list, Sitges is one of the prettiest towns. In addition to its great gastronomic and leisure offer, it has a modernist-style historic centre and streets full of shops and old fishermen’s houses.
Cons: the waters are not so crystal clear.

How to get there: with line R2 of Renfe Rodalies (although not all trains stop at “El Garraf”).
You can leave from Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Estació de França and El Clot Aragó.
Until Castelldefels, the T-Casual serves an area that you will use to move around the city, from Castelldefels Playaonwards, the fare goes up.

Trains run very frequently.

Best beaches near Barcelona to the north

As you follow the Catalan coast northwards, the waters become clearer until you reach the Costa Brava, famous for its spectacular coves surrounded by pine trees and mountains.

The train only goes as far as Blanes. To go further: Lloret de Mar (far from the most touristic spots there are also spectacular beaches), Tossa de Mar, Sant Antoni de Calonge, Palamós, etc, you will have to take the bus.

If you don’t want to go that far, the area of Montgat (35 minutes) is also highly recommended, as well as Ocata (40 minutes), Premià de Mar (1h) or Sant Pol (1h 14 minutes).

Pros: the train stops leave you on the beach and you get off where you get off, it’s usually surprising how clean the sea is.
Cons: You’ll have to spend more time on the train.

How to get there: take Renfe Rodalies line R1 to Blanes.

You can catch it at Sants, Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf or El Clot-Aragó.

The T-Casual from one area only goes as far as Montgat Nord.

Trains run quite frequently.

To get beyond Blanes by public transport, the Sarfa buses run very well and you can get off at Estació del Nord (near the metro line 1 with a stop at Arc de Triomf).

Beaches and gastronomy

In addition to spending the day in a beautiful and peaceful setting, one of the added advantages of visiting the best beaches near Barcelona is the opportunity to try the most authentic seafood cuisine and at a much more acceptable price than in the city.

Of course, if you already know where you want to go, it’s best to book in advance, as the most famous places tend to be crowded during the hottest days.

We recommend ordering the most authentic paellas and fried fish of the day with a cold bottle of white wine. If you can get away during the week, some restaurants offer a set menu for very little money.

And for the days you stay in the city, we have a list of the best beach restaurants in Barcelona that will be very useful for you. Check them out and book a good meal with sea views!

Visit the best coves and beaches near Barcelona by train!

Both in Barcelona and in the surrounding beaches, the presence of jellyfish is not uncomon. Therefore, before leaving home it is a good idea to check the state of the beaches online. For recurrent use, the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has developed a mobile application that provides real-time information on the flag of the day, the best one being green.

And the final tip: if you want to have all the sand to yourself, early in the morning and late in the afternoon the beaches are usually quite deserted, avoiding the hottest hours of the day.

We hope you’ve found this guide to the best beaches near Barcelona useful!

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona and you still don’t have accommodation, we recommend Fisa Rentals holiday rental apartments. From our apartments in the centre of Barcelona you can take the train and visit the most beautiful beaches and coves near Barcelona.

Check availability and book your stay with Fisa Rentals and enjoy the sun and the sea just a stone’s throw from the city centre!

Barceloneta Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Barcelona for many reasons. Come here to enjoy delicious tapas, wander the soft sand in the sun, or rent a beach umbrella and lounge while you listen to the waves. This famous beach is thought to be the inspiration for one of the key scenes in Don Quixote, but it is also famous with locals who are eager to enjoy the beach without having to make a big trek to get to a lovely location for fun in the sun. In all, there are 1100 meters of gorgeous sand to explore.

Barceloneta Beach travel distance from Barcelona

You can get to Barceloneta Beach in a car in about 15 minutes. Public transit will get you there in about 20 minutes. Bus 59 travels from the Catalunya stop near La Rambla and takes you to the Pg Marítim – Pepe Rubianes stop. From there, it’s a 300-meter walk to the beach. With parking limitations, it’s definitely better to take the bus.

Our activity recommendations

This beach can get quite busy, but you can still rent sun loungers and an umbrella and carve out a cozy space to hang out for the day. Consider playing beach volleyball as well, or simply people-watch.

This location has lifeguards on duty for most of the busy hours of every day, so you can swim without worries. You can’t consume alcohol on the beach, but many people pick up a lunch basket and bring it with them to snack on as they make the most of the lovely weather and the sound of the ocean.

Consider heading here to enjoy the beach between March and May or in September and October. This is shoulder season, and the beach will be less crowded during these times. But if you want the warmest weather for swimming, July and August are the best, despite the crowds.