Barceloneta Beach information

However, if you’re looking for specific things to do in Barceloneta Beach, how to get there, the history, and the best hotels to stay at nearby – then this travel guide on Barceloneta Beach Spain has got you covered.

A Brief History of Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta beach | © S S / Flickr

Tara Jessop 21 October 2022

The most popular beach in Barcelona, Barceloneta beach, is located next door to the city centre and can easily be accessed by foot, taxi or public transport. Now an iconic feature of Barcelona’s landscape, Barceloneta beach is just as much a place to swim or sunbathe as a place to socialise and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

From rags to riches

If, these days, Barceloneta beach has become a symbol of Barcelona’s status as a major tourist destination – a cosmopolitan culture capital and sunny beach town – it’s easy to forget that until relatively recently the area was something of a problematic area. In fact, as recently as thirty years ago, no one would have imagined going for a swim or even sunbathing on Barceloneta beach, because there quite simply wasn’t one there.

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert’s perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
Central America South America Europe Asia Africa

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

Next

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

Back to Map

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Back to Map

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Next

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Back to Map

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between – adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Next

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka’s fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Back to Map

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains – this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You’ll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Next

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

Back to Map

Home to a handful of factories and the rudimentary homes of local fishermen, the Barceloneta had been rather neglected since the time of its creation in the 18th century. However, as they did in many other parts of the city, the 1992 Olympic Games brought about radical transformation that permanently changed the face of the Barceloneta.

The local authorities ordered the creation of a two-mile strip of beach, and the iconic Passeig Maritim, today home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, was envisioned with bars, restaurants and luxury hotels. Suddenly, the Barceloneta was in the spotlight, and the city had acquired a new place to socialise, relax and have fun.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to 800$ on our unique trips.

Palm trees and golden sand on Barceloneta beach | © Manuel Martín / Flickr

An urban oasis… of sorts

Barceloneta beach is remarkable for being on the doorstep of the city centre, literally just a few hundred meters from famous sites such as La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter or the Park Ciutadella. This makes getting to the beach incredibly easy and makes for spending a couple of hours at the beach easy to fit into your day.

However, you could say that the beach’s popularity may also have been its downfall. In 2008, the World Health Organization launched an investigation into the quality of the sand on Barceloneta beach after there were concerns over the levels of microbial life found in the water and sand.

That’s not the only controversy to have plagued the beach either, as the council announced in 2016 that the beach had lost over a quarter of its surface area since 2010. An artificial beach, Barceloneta beach was created using sand imported from abroad and has occasionally required ‘topping up’ as waves and weather erode it. The council said that over 50% of the sand added in 2008 and 2010 had been lost and would cost an expected €800,000 to replace.

A beach on the edge of the city | © Robert Brands / Flickr

A place to see and be seen

Despite some of the controversy that at times overshadows it, Barceloneta beach is one of the most popular places in Barcelona. The beach and surrounding area has something to offer everyone: outdoor gym areas, open-water swimming lanes, late-night bars, gourmet restaurants and, of course, some remarkable landmarks.

Stroll down the Passeig Maritim, and you won’t help but notice Frank Gehry‘s eye-catching El Peix: a 52m metal sculpture of a golden fish, shimmering by the waterfront. Other public artworks include Rebecca Horn’s Homenatge a la Barceloneta, a homage to the neighbourhood and the people who once inhabited the beach.

But this is also very much a place to be seen, and some of the city’s most popular nightclubs such as Pacha and Carpe Diem can be found at the north of Barceloneta beach, near Port Olimpic. These clubs host big-name international DJs and attract both locals and those visiting Barcelona.

Frank Gehry’s iconic El Peix | © Andrew Eland / Flickr

Even if Barceloneta beach remains at threat of erosion from bad weather, there’s no doubt that it has played a crucial role in making Barcelona the prime travel destination it is today.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It’s the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world. I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I’m traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

See Our Culture Trips

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel – and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm – and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset – and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Barceloneta Beach

Named as the Nº 1 urban beach in the world by National Geographic, Barceloneta Beach is the most well-known and visited beach during the summer and winter as well, where endless activity takes place all day long. Barceloneta beach takes its name from the neighborhood of the same name. Together, they make up one of the most famous and visited spots in Barcelona. Check all you can see at Barceloneta beach.

GREAT LOCATION BY THE BEACH: Find Hotels near Barceloneta

History of Barceloneta beach

It was one of the first beaches in Barcelona to go under a severe transformation when the remodeling of the coast line took place for the 1992 Olympic Games. The result was an extensive two-leveled boardwalk called Paseo Marítimo (Beach promenade) that starts right at this beach. The first one at ground level where depending on the season you can find, stores and beach related services. The upper one at street level is an observation point of the beach and perfect for practicing biking or running.

The beach forms an inseparable entity with the Barceloneta District, and it represents the best example of the city’s relationship with the Mediterranean Sea. The beach can be seen as an extension of the neighborhood. Fine food and drinks are a heavy reason too, you can end your day at the beach by dining in one of the best seafood restaurants of Barcelona, or just relax with a cocktail in one of the endless bars located just meters away from the sand. You can enjoy all these services and features:

• Closest beach to the city center.
• Sports. The practice of volleyball and ping-pong is widely popular.
• Safety. As all beaches in Barcelona, there is lifeguard and Red Cross attendance.
• Children playground areas.
• Showers as well as dressing rooms, all adapted for the disabled.
• Deck chairs and umbrella renting service.
• Free Wifi and baggage lockers.

GREAT LOCATION BY THE BEACH: Find Hotels near Barceloneta

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach by Metro

To get to Barceloneta Beach Spain by metro:

• Take the Yellow Line (Metro Line 4) to Metro Stop: Barceloneta.
• If you specifically want to get to the marina area of La Barceloneta, walk straight along the street of Passeig de Joan de Borbo for 10 minutes until you see the beach.

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach by Walking

It is also possible to walk to Barceloneta Beach Spain as it’s not very far from the city center:

• From the end of La Rambla (around the area of Rambla de Santa Monica or Rambla del Mar), it takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Below is a map of the walking trail you can follow to Barceloneta Beach Spain.

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach by Bus

Although not as fast as the metro method, to get to Barceloneta Beach Spain by bus:

• Take the Bus D20, 45, 59 to Bus Stop: Almirral Cervera or Passeig Maritim.
• Alternatively, you can join the Big Ben Hop On Hop Off Bus and get off the Bus Stop: Barceloneta.

Things to Do in Barceloneta Beach

Stroll around Port Olímpic and the connected Promenade

The Port’s history dates back to the 1992 Summer Olympics, in which the structure was originally formed to accommodate. Today, it acts as a beautiful harbor to relax and enjoy the views of the sea and the sand. There is even a fish sculpture that was designed by Frank Gehry called the Piex Olímpic.

It is also connected to the rest of the promenade that lines the beach where you can walk from the port to as far as W Barcelona.

Ride the Cable Car to Montjuïc

Parc de Montjuïc is a great and unique sight in Barcelona but one of the harder places to reach. Fortunately, one can take the cable car to Montjuïc Hill.

The ride itself provides beautiful aerial views of the ocean and the entire Barcelona city. It’s a different bird’s eye as what you would normally see in places like Parc Guell.

Relax and Soak Up the Sun in Barceloneta Beach Spain

Barcelona maintains dominantly warm weather all throughout the year. Simply basking in the sun and enjoying the vibes is the best thing to do in Barcelona Beach Spain.

There are also water sports available should you choose to do so. Barceloneta Beach offers kitesurfing and windsurfing as a fun activity to engage in. Otherwise, you can do sports on your own by playing beach volleyball or football.

Admire the lines of yachts by Port Vell

The path along Port Vell offers stunning views of the lines of yachts that line the port. If you’re into the boats or photography, this spot is a winner.

Should you want to do something more than admire the yachts, Port Vell also houses the Museum of Catalan History – a museum that tells the history of the Catalan region and what makes it unique from other parts of Spain.

Check out the whimsical L’Estel Ferit

L’Estel Ferit (or the Wounded Shooting Star) is an interesting sculpture by the beach that will surely catch your eye. Barcelona is no stranger to eclectic architecture and this one lives up to its name.

It is located at the area of the Sant Miquel, where four cubes are seemingly stacked on top of each other in random order. It’s worth checking out and taking photographs of its cool structure.

Enjoy the Tapas and Drinks in Seaside Restaurants and Bars

Barceloneta Beach is home to some of the best restaurants and bars, promising a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sea.

Some of the noteworthy ones to look into are La Deliciosa, Santa Marta, Lal Guingueta, Escriba, Jefferson and Cal Pinxo.

Either way, whichever restaurant or bar you choose to dine within the area of Barcelona Beach Spain, we honestly think you can’t wrong with Spanish cuisine and their delicious tapas and paellas.

Walk to the W Barcelona

As mentioned, W Barcelona is one of the most iconic yet controversial buildings that can be found in Barcelona Beach Spain. With its noteworthy shape, you can’t miss it as you walk through the beach and marina area.

It’s worth checking out and coming closer to the hotel, or even dining at its beautiful seaside restaurant and partying at its rooftop club.

Discover the Old Town of La Barceloneta

Now the beachside area is not only the beautiful part of La Barceloneta, it’s also a great experience to walk around the historical town center of the district.

The streets leading up to the beach are surrounded by beautifully colored buildings with small balconies, narrow streets, and palm trees all around.

We recommend checking out Placa de la Barceloneta and Carrer de la Maquinista. These areas are full of interesting alleyways and locals flooding out of bars and restaurants especially during the early evening.

There is a sort of buzzing energy to La Barceloneta where you can see how rich and lively the culture is in this part of Barcelona.

Budget Hotels on Barceloneta Beach

If you are still looking for where to stay in Barcelona, La Barceloneta is a great neighbourhood to look into. Imagine waking up and being walking distance to the beach already. It’s one of the biggest draws to staying at this area, aside from the many great restaurants and bars that you can enjoy – whether breakfast, lunch or dinner.

There are many options on where to stay near Barceloneta Beach Spain and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Below we’ve compiled a list of great hotels to check out with a rate of no more than 55 euros per night for two people .

• Hostal Nuevo Colon
  – Room rates for two people start at 37 euros per night.
• Hostal Nitzs Bcn
  – Room rates for two people with shared bathroom start at 45 euros per night.
• Unite Hostel Barcelona
  – Room rates for two people start at 55 euros per night.
• Hotel Oasis
  – Room rates for two people start at 50 euros per night.
• Hostal Drassanes
  – Room rates for two people start at 55 euros per night.

Final Thoughts on Barceloneta Beach Spain

So there you have it! This is the ultimate guide to visiting Barceloneta Beach Spain. From learning about Barceloneta Beach Facts, how to get to Barceloneta Beach, the best things to do in Barceloneta Beach and finally, a list of great budget hotels on Barceloneta Beach – we hope this answers any questions and doubts you had about visiting the neighbourhood.

Being so close to the city center and La Rambla, La Barceloneta is definitely a must-see for your trip to Barcelona. With its fine sands, architectural sights, great food, relaxed ambiance, and cultural historic sights – there is a an unparalleled beauty to this seaside district.

What about you? Have you been to Barcelona? Did you get to see the area of Barceloneta Beach? Let us know of your travel experiences or questions in the comments below!