Have you ever dreamed of spending a weekend in a beach paradise? Of being drenched in the sunlight? Of an utmost communion with nature when swimming in the sea? Look no further then Barcelona, one of the best beach destination there is, which also boasts great food like its signature tapas; a lot of sunshine; and a bustling port to add to historical landmarks such as its Port Vell, scenic street scape, a renovated marina at World Trade Center boasting a gob-smacking vista; and stunning beaches like its kinetic Barceloneta, always awash with mirth and revelry!
Explore the pearl of the Mediterranean but first check out our top 8 Barcelona beaches travel guide for you to feel like real Don Quixote 😎
First, let's start from the beginning. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and as a capital it is quite large. Thus there are a number of beaches like Barceloneta within the city limits and even within walking distance from the downtown district, but also there is a lot of other attractions like Barcelona's restaurants, its gorgeous hotels, and the city's old district.
Barceloneta Beach
One of the Mediterranean best beaches to go for a sun bath when on a visit to Barcelona downtown is the la Barceloneta Beach. Head here with your significant other to watch sunsets, do watersports, or play beach volleyball, one of the best things to do in La Barceloneta Beach.
Also keep in mind that the beach is an inalienable part of Barcelona and its history: the neighborhood was put up by Barcelonans expelled from La Ribera in 1714, and is a veritable architectural tribute to the centuries of Barcelona's history.
You can go to the 422-metre-long beach via Barceloneta stop on the following buses: us V17, V19, 47, 59, D20; and Metro line L4 (Barceloneta & Ciutadella), also known as yellow line. Note that it is great to walk, and the neighbourhood is really nice, which makes La Barceloneta, along with San Sebastian, one of Barcelona beaches most easily accessible from the downtonwn...
Note that there is a legend that it was the sheer beauty of this scenic stretch of sand that led Miguel de Cervantes to dream up the battle between the Knight of the White Moon and Don Quixote...
Drink cold drinks at Llevant Beach and see white moon
For a serene escape from the city centre Barcelona's hustle and bustle make your way to Llevant Beach: Even though as Barcelona's newest beach, Llevant Barcelona has the fewest beach facilities, it boasts a lot of beach space to laze about on the sand, even during the peak season. It is also much quieter than La Barceloneta beach.
Note that the 375 meters-long stretch of sand still features such amenities as toilets, parking infrastructure, showers, a police station, lifeguard; information point, Barcelona WiFi hotspots, a volleyball court, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rentals.
Take delight in Spanish summer year-round at Bogatell Beach
Sitting just over 2 km away from Barcelona downtown, Bogatell Beach is a veritable sandy idyll. Here you can not only play beach football or volleyball, but also go swimming with friends and then have a picnic.
Note that one of the characteristic qualities of the beach is its limpid waters and fine-grained sand. It is also great for going windsurfing...
Explore Barcelona's Nudist Beaches
But it is not just sand and sun that lures to the city's beachfront, it is also a chance to frolic around naked right on the beach. Even if de La Barceloneta is the largest beach, where most go to spend their day and evening hours while having fun, there are a lot of alternatives. One of them is Sant Sebastia Beach.
Go naked on San Sebastia Nudist Beach (walking distance from the Ramblas and La Barceloneta)
Sant Sebastia Beach is known as Barcelona' longest. It stretches over 1 kilometer along the part of La Barceloneta neighborhood, making it a perfect beach getaway close to Barceloneta Beach and Barcelona city centre.
If you head to the W Hotel you will have not only a great panorama of Barcelona but also a chance to caper around naked in front of the swimming pools at an unofficial nudist beach, or pop by the beach's great LGBTQ section.
Note that you can get to San Sebastian Beach either by bus, or on foot. It lies within the walking distance from other Barcelona attractions like de la Barceloneta, local bars; good night venues; and famous port area, Port Cell, along with Spain's most iconic promenade, the Ramblas.
Go windsurfing at Mar Bella Beach
Once home to a cluster of beach baths, today Mar Bella Beach is Barcelona's main nudist and gay beach. Here you can not only divest yourself of your garb but also play beach volleyball , with pals, all naked.
What is there to do at Mar Bella Beach?
Note that beach renovation works led to the beach splitting into two parts one being Mar Bella Beach, consisting of a nudist beach and a children's playground, and New Mar Bella, another idyllic expanse of sand, frequented predominantly by women and younger people.
Note that there is a number of choice spots to go windsurfing in Barcelona, with arguably the best one being Poblenou Nautical Club in Barcelona, at Mar Bella Beach, just a short walk away from metro line and Barcelona's narrow streets.
Relax at Ocata Beach
Have you been dreaming of escaping Barcelona's bustling marina area and its narrow streets and venturing out of town. Take a break from the hectic la Rambla on a trip to explore Catalan sandy hidden marvels.
First and foremost is Ocata Beach: it lies just outside of Barcelona, at the town of El Masnou, but it's worth the trip. It's a quieter beach with a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families and those looking to commune with nature in Spain.
Go hiking in Serralada de Marina Natural Park
One of the best things to do when visiting Ocata Beach and Spain in general is to go for a hike in Serralada de Marina Natural Park, complete with its stunning hiking trails, great those who want to explore the area's natural beauty. Also bear in mind that visitors can head for lunch in El Mansou, a scenic seaside town with a serene, siestal ambiance.
How to you get to Ocata Beach from Barcelona?
The most convenient way to get to Ocata Beach is by train. You can take the R1 line from any of the central Barcelona stations, such as Plaza Catalunya or Arc de Triomf, and get off at the Ocata station. From there, it's just a short 5-minute walk to the beach.
If you prefer to drive, you can take the C-32 highway from Barcelona towards Mataró and then take the Ocata exit. Parking your vehicle can be a real challenge at high season, so it's best to make it here early or use public transportation instead.
Another option is to take the bus from the port of Barcelona to Ocata. The TMB bus company operates several bus routes that stop near the beach, including lines B23 and B26.
Overall, getting to Ocata Beach from Barcelona is easy and convenient. Whether you prefer to take the train, drive, or take the bus, you can be soaking up the sun on the beach in no time.
Have lunch at Castelldefels Beach
Another beach to escape the day to day commotion of a large metropolis is Castelldefels Beach...
This beach is located just outside of Barcelona and is popular with both tourists and locals. It's known for its long stretches of sand; its excellent water sports facilities but also great picnic spots and pleasant ambiance.
Where can I have lunch at Castelldefels Beach?
What is more, you can have lunch at one of the restaurants situated around it. There are several restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, with stunning sea views at that.
One highly recommended restaurant is Rober's Frankfurt Castelldefels, a chilled place renowned for ambrosial German-style sausages; another great option is Restaurant Casanova Beach Club, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and has a beachside location with outdoor seating and a vast swimming pool. The restaurant and bar has a relaxed atmosphere and is popular for its fresh seafood dishes and cocktails.
For those looking for a more casual option, there are several beach bars and chiringuitos (small beachfront bars) where you can grab a quick bite to eat or a refreshing, cold drink at. Tibu Ron Beach Club is a popular spot for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food.
Overall, there are plenty of options for lunch at Castelldefels Beach, ranging from casual beach bars to upscale restaurants.
How do I get from Barcelona to Castelldefels Beach?
Sitting just outside Barcelona, there are many ways to travel from Barcelona to Castelldefels Beach.
One option is to take the train from Barcelona Sants station to Castelldefels station, which is about a 25-minute ride. From Castelldefels station, you can take a bus or a taxi to the beach, which is about a 10-minute ride away.
Another option is to take a bus from Barcelona to Castelldefels. There are several bus companies that operate this route, with buses departing from various locations throughout Barcelona. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
If you prefer to drive, you can take the C-32 highway from Barcelona towards Castelldefels. The drive takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. There are several paid parking areas near the beach if you are planning to drive.
Overall, there are several convenient transportation options for getting from Barcelona to Castelldefels Beach, whether you prefer to take public transportation or drive.
You can also use Andy to book your transfer from Barcelona to Castelldefels
Go sightseeing at Garraf Beach -
Tucked away in the northeastern coast of Spain, Graph Beach offers you a wide range of activities to enjoy. One of the best things to do at Graph Beach is to soak up the sun on its golden sands, while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
You can also take delight in in a variety of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding.
For those interested in exploring the surrounding area, there are several walking and cycling routes that offer breathtaking views of the coastline.
Can I go sightseeing near Garaff Beach?
Garaff Beach boasts a lot of cool landmarks. For example, you can go for a morning hike to Garaff National Park, a piece of pristine flora and fauna, placed in a scenic setting; or you can swing by Montserrat Mountain Range, situated just a short drive from Garraf Beach and home to the famous Montserrat Abbey. It has become a place of pilgrimage thanks to a much venerated Virgin Mary statue, and as such it draws in thousands of pilgrims from all over the world; or pay a visit to El Castell de Castellet, a 10th century-built medieval fortress, located just a short drive from Garraf Beach,
What is the best way to travel to Garaff Beach from Barcelona?
The best way to get to Garai Beach from Barcelona is by car or public transportation.
If you are traveling by car, you can take the AP-7 highway towards Girona and then take the exit towards Palamós. From Palamós, follow the signs to Garai Beach, which is about a 15-minute drive away.
If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Barcelona to Girona and then transfer to a bus that goes to Palamós. From Palamós, you can take a taxi or walk to Garai Beach, which is about 4 kilometers away.
Another option is to take a bus from Barcelona to Palamós, and then take a taxi or walk to Garai Beach. However, the bus schedule may be limited, so it's important to check the timetable in advance.
Overall, traveling by car is the most convenient and flexible option, while public transportation is a good alternative for those who prefer not to drive.
BONUS: Sitges Beach - One of the most alluring beach destination is Sitges. It perfect for sightseeing around Barcelona because it is located about 45 minutes south of the city in the charming town of Sitges. It's known for its limpid water, soft sand, and cool beachfront promenade. Book your ride from Barcelona to Sitges
FAQ
Are Barceloneta and other Barcelona beaches free?
Barcelona is known for its revolution, extolled by the likes of Hemingway, Serge and Orwell and in accordance with the principle of popular might, all pubic beaches in Barcelona are free to enter.
Barcelona has several public beaches that are free to access, such as Barceloneta Beach, Sant Sebastià Beach, Bogatell Beach, and Mar Bella Beach. These beaches are open to the public year-round, although they can be very crowded during the summer months.
However, please note that some services on the beach such as sunbeds, parasols, and showers, may come at a cost. Additionally, some activities such as water sports or beach clubs may require a fee. But if you are simply looking to enjoy the sand and sea, you can visit the beaches for free.
Can you swim in Barcelona beach?
Yes, you can swim in the beaches of Barcelona. The city has several beaches along its coastline that are suitable for swimming. The quality of water is considered fine, and the beaches are said to be monitored regularly to ensure that swimming there is safe.
It is important to note, however, that the beaches can be quite packed in the summer months, (the only time of the year when swimming in Barcelona is really pleasant if you are not used to rather chilly water temperatures of the still fairly mild Catalan winter), and some areas may be for water sports only, so it is advisable to check the conditions before swimming. Additionally, there are designated lifeguard stations on each beach to ensure the safety of swimmers, so it is recommended to swim within the designated areas and pay attention to any warning flags or signs.
Overall, Barcelona's beaches are nice locales to splash around in the Mediterranean and bask in its rejuvenating sunshine.
What is the most famous beach in Barcelona?
The most famous beach in Barcelona is Barceloneta Beach, which is located in the heart of the city centre and stretches for 1.2 km along the Mediterranean coast. Barceloneta Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, bustling promenade, and numerous restaurants, bars, and beach clubs.
The beach is popular with both tourists and locals and is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and relax. It also offers a wide range of activities, including beach volleyball, windsurfing, and paddle-boarding.
In addition to Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona has several other beaches along its coastline, including Sant Sebastià Beach, Bogatell Beach, Nova Icària Beach, and Mar Bella Beach. All of these beaches are easily accessible by public transport and offer a variety of amenities, including showers, lifeguards, and sun beds.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona for a beach party?
The best time to visit Barcelona for beach parties is during the summer months, which are from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches come alive with parties, events, and festivals.
What is the best beach parties and festival in Barcelona in summer?
One of the most famous beach parties in Barcelona is the "Festa de la Mercè," which takes
place in September and features a week-long celebration of music, fireworks, and street performances. Other popular beach parties and events include the "Sant Joan" festival on June 23rd; the "Brunch in the Park" summer concert series, and the"DGTL Barcelona" electronic music festival.
It's worth noting that the beaches in Barcelona can be very crowded during the summer months, so if you want to attend a beach party, it's best to arrive early and plan ahead. Additionally, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and appropriate clothing for the beach party.
Conclusion
All in all Barcelona is a great place to visit in summer, making it beaches as fun as it can get. Also note that there are things to do in Barcelona throughout the year, so follow our blog for more tips on what to do in Barcelona...