Hidden beaches in Barcelona
Located north of Sant Pol de Mar, just an hour north of Barcelona, is the secret Platja de Morer. It runs parallel to the train track and has 750 metres of golden sands and clear waters to enjoy. Despite the train track and highway above the beach, you’ll find beautiful golden cliffs around the lagoon. There are also the roman ruins of Morer, which used to be a wine production centre way back in the 1 st century!
Best unique and hidden beaches around Barcelona
Is it summer already and are you stuck in front of a computer trying to figure out your holidays? The months before summer holidays everyone is puzzled about where they should go, what they will do there and what is the best location that combines everything. Well, many have already found the answer to that.
Over and over again they choose Barcelona for their summer holidays. This unique city combines a vibrant atmosphere with great history, architecture, buildings and art along with lively people, tapas and ramblas. And for those that are fans of the beach, Barcelona has many unique and hidden beaches that you can go for a swim. We will present you in this article with some of the best for your enjoyment. Many of those are just out of Barcelona so they are ideal for a day trip. We will provide you with any information you might need about getting and staying there so you do not miss out.
Top hidden beaches around Barcelona
- Platja del Portitxol: This exquisite beach is very close to the Archaeological Museum in Empúries, somewhere between L’Escala and Sant Marti d’Empúries. What is amazing about this beach is its natural surroundings. There is a pine forest around and the beach is quite extensive with golden sand. The water are crystal and calm and also you will have access to showers, restrooms and to the terrace of the Empúries hotel, very close to the beach.
- Cala Futadera: Located in Tossa de Mar, in Girona, this beach is known for many reasons. One of them is that you have to climb 300 steps or graons in Spanish to reach it. Not many people frequent the beach due to its location and the pine trees around it make up a unique paradise. The waters are again crystal and turquoise and this beach is a nudist one. Many people anchor their boat there spending the whole day there and enjoy the great view during sunset.
- Platja de Sant Simó – del Fortí o “del Bunker”: If you are not interested only in swimming but also in history, this is the beach for you. It is located in Mataró and it is considered to be one of the most well-known hidden beaches close to Barcelona. Golden sands, crystal waters, ability to go nude and not so many people are its fine characteristics. But what strikes the most is the Spanish Civil War bunker that is located right on the beach.
Anyone that has gone for a swim during their summer holidays will tell you that accommodation is of vital importance. Nobody wants to carry bags, backpacks, wet towels, umbrellas and food for long. In order to resolve this, we suggest you rent an apartment in Barcelona near public transportation, for example in Sants. Since most of the beaches are outside of Barcelona you will save time and money traveling from and to the beach. And finally, you will get to experience life in Barcelona as a true local.
Platja de Castelldefels
Castelldefels is only 30 minutes south of Barcelona and easily accessible by train from the Passeig de Gràcia station. It is a beautiful, wide beach that has a stunning backdrop of the mountains to admire. There’s ample space to relax, and you don’t have to worry about vying with other tourists for a spot!
We recommend bringing some snacks and drinks along with you to Castelldefels Beach, as there are no beach bars around like in Barcelona. There’s not much of anything around here, which is why it’s one of our favourite beaches to escape from the city to.
Platja de Garraf
Only a few stops further than Castelldefels, you can find the lovely Platja de Garraf. It offers a completely different beach experience to Castelldefels, as this beach is much smaller, and located in a rocky area among impressive cliff faces. Expect to find cute beach huts by the bay, and a sailing boat harbour too.
Platja de Garraf is slightly more touristy than Castelldefels but is well worth a visit to experience the rocky landscape and calm waters. We recommend stopping for dinner after the beach at La Cúpula restaurant, which serves delicious seafood dishes with panoramic views of the sea to accompany!
Platja de Morer
Located north of Sant Pol de Mar, just an hour north of Barcelona, is the secret Platja de Morer. It runs parallel to the train track and has 750 metres of golden sands and clear waters to enjoy. Despite the train track and highway above the beach, you’ll find beautiful golden cliffs around the lagoon. There are also the roman ruins of Morer, which used to be a wine production centre way back in the 1 st century!
The beach has a variety of services, such as showers, footpaths and a Red Cross point. It also has wooden walkways adapted for people with reduced mobility or prams. You can get here on a direct train from Plaça Cataluña.
Platja de Sant Simó
This paradise in Mataró is one of the most popular hidden beaches near to Barcelona. It is a stretch of fine, golden sand, with very little visitors to contend with! It also goes by the name of “Platja del Fortí” or “del Búnker” which means “Fort Beach” or “Bunker beach”, as you can find an actual Spanish Civil War bunker located on the beach! The forts are the last remnants of the Republic defence line, and historians have worked hard to preserve them.
Platja de Sant Simó is divided up into an area for family use, and another which is a suitable for naturists. There are beach bars, showers, volleyball, sun loungers, WiFi, a floating inflatable park, and much more to have a fun day out at this beach!
Platja de Castelldefels
The first thing I heard about Castelldefels was that the football player Messi has his villa there. Second thing was that the beach was wide, plain and long with the view on beautiful hills. And that was definitely the more convincing argument for me to go there. And indeed: At the big beach of Castelldefels you can truly enjoy a sunbath with a lot of space around you – without laying side by side with other tourists. There’s nothing much more to see in this little beach village, which is why it still remains as an insider tip for a relaxed beach day. And the best thing: It’s only 30 minutes south from Barcelona and easily accessible with the train from the station Passeig de Grácia. Make sure you’ll bring some snacks and drinks if you wanna spend the entire day at this beach, beause there are no beach bars around.
© Photo: Charles03
Platja de Garraf
Garraf is only a few train stops further than Castelldefels, but offers a completely different beach experience. The beach is way smaller, located in a rocky area with impressive cliffs around. It’s certainly a picturesque location with its cute little beach huts right at the bay and a sailing boat harbour close by. But therefore it’s also slightly more touristy and less intimate. And yet, Garraf is worth a visit, especially if you appreciate calm water and rocky landscapes or a fancy dinner at the restaurant La Cúpula, located on a cliff with a panoramic view on the sea and the harbour.
La Cúpula
Avenida Llorach, 5, 08871 Garraf, Barcelona, Spanien
© Photo:Proformabooks
Platja de Morer
Last but not least: Barcelona’s so called secret beach. One hour north from Barcelona, heading towards Sant Pol de Mar, there’s the Platja de Morer. And although it may not be the most scenic beach you’d see around the Costa Brava – because it runs parallel to a train track – it’s without a doubt the most underrated beach spot around Barcelona. Despite the traintrack and highway above the beach, you’ll find beautiful golden cliffs around the lagoon and the Roman ruins of the Morer – a former center for the wine production in the 1st century. This little beach promises a combination of urban vibes, cultural architecture and calming nature. You can get there with a direct train connection from the main square Plaça Cataluña.
Although Barcelona can get very hot and crowded in summer, it’s luckily located at the beautiful Costa Brava, that has a lot of hidden beaches to offer. Now take a dip in the sea and enjoy the sun!
© Photo: coscaron
© Photo Title: Lucas Pacheco
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