11 of the Best Barcelona Beaches
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain and with good reason. The city has a rich history and culture, with beautiful architecture and scenery to match.
The beaches in Barcelona are some of the most beautiful and popular in Spain. They are located along the Mediterranean coast, which means they have warm waters and plenty of sunshine all year round.
The beaches in Barcelona are also very well maintained. They have public bathrooms, showers, and plenty of places to eat or drink while you are there. There are also many parks near the beach where you can enjoy some outdoor activities.
In this article, we are going to take a look at some of the best Barcelona beaches so you can make sure your trip includes them all!
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1. Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona, it is easily accessible by foot and has areas designated for naturists. The beach has many amenities on site such as sun loungers, public toilets, showers, umbrellas and refreshments.
Located around Mar Bella beach you will also find many parks and recreational grounds such as a skate park and an athletics field.
This means you can take a trip over to the beach and spend many hours there. Whether that be sunbathing, swimming in the sea, taking part in a game of table tennis or grabbing a refreshing drink at one of the beach bars.
There are many restaurants nearby and it is a great spot for water sports. If you are really feeling adventurous there is Base Nàutica Municipal de la Mar Bella. From here you can hire kayaks, take a catamaran trip or a memorable sailing tour.
Accommodation near Mar Bella Beach
2. Nova Icària Beach
This beach is perfect for families and has all the amenities you need to make your day in Barcelona a memorable one. The golden sand on Nova Icària beach is great for sunbathing with the shallow warm waters being fantastic for swimming and paddling.
This is a very peaceful beach which makes it ideal for families with small children that want to get away from the main crowds. It is located nearby the centre of Barcelona, therefore it is easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride.
There are many parks, cafes and bars just at the beachfront, be sure to grab a drink from the beach bar – Chiringuito Mokai Beach. Nearby Nova Icària beach you will also find Port Olímpic. This complex is filled with a large variety of beach bars and restaurants.
If you are visiting the beach, it is recommended to also spend a few hours at the marina and see its beauty and the boats. You can also take many sailing experiences from here.
Accommodation near Nova Icària Beach
3. Bogatell Beach
This beach is located in between Mar Bella beach and Nova Icaria beach. This beach has a little more history than the others and was part of a development to help boost the area. This boost came from the Olympic Games 1992 that were held in the city.
One of the highlights of this beach is its volleyball games. Take part or watch others play this fun sandy sport.
This is a popular beach with families, as well as with people who want to watch the sunset from a bar or restaurant.
Some restaurant recommendations include Xiringuito Escribà and L’Escamarlà both selling delicious Meditteranean fresh seafood with sea views.
Accommodation near Bogatell Beach
4. Nova Mar Bella beach
Situated on the same strip as Bogatell beach, Nova Icària beach and Mar Bella beach, the Nova Mar Bella beach is the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing.
The beach is long and sandy with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy their own private spot without feeling crowded. It is one of the more peaceful beaches in the city. You can also rent sun loungers or parasols at this beach if you prefer shade over sunshine.
You will find a large variety of restaurants and bars along with shops nearby if you need anything during your stay here.
Similar to the other beaches in this area, it was part of the redevelopment project for the Olympic Games back in 1992.
The sporting event was a great boost for the city and it has seen a huge rise in popularity ever since. This is one of the best beaches in Barcelona and well worth visiting if you want to enjoy a quiet day by the sea.
Accommodation near Nova Mar Bella Beach
5. Sant Sebastià beach
Sant Sebastià beach is one of the oldest and most traditional beaches in Barcelona. Located on the marina edge, it is situated just away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
This beach is a little further out compared to some of the other central mainland beaches. It is still walkable but you can also get a bus which takes you all the way to the beach.
There used to be limited amenities at Sant Sebastià beach, however, the building of the W Hotel has created a small peaceful area with restaurants and activities in the vicinity. If you are staying at the W Hotel you will gain access to a small private beach.
There are not many private beaches in Barcelona, so make sure that you take advantage of this secluded part of Barcelona.
Whilst visiting Sant Sebastià beach why not have lunch at one of the seafront restaurants such as Pez Vela and Tejada Mar Barcelona. Or go up to the Hotel W sky bar and have rooftop drinks overlooking the Barcelona skyline and out to sea.
Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta is a complex of swimming pools right next to the beach. There are both indoor and outdoor pools that overlook the beach and seafront.
This is a great idea if you want the beach vibes but without the sand! There are also changing rooms and lockers here so you can rest assured you will feel comfortable and safe here.
Accommodation near Sant Sebastià Beach
6. Barceloneta beach
Barceloneta beach, Barcelona’s most popular beach, is a great place to spend an afternoon in the Catalan sunshine. It is situated in the traditional fishing district of Barcelona.
You can easily walk over to this beach but there is also plenty of public transport in the area. The beach is open all year round and has lifeguards, showers and toilets.
You will also find that smoking is prohibited on the beaches of Barcelona so you can enjoy the fresh air without having to worry about people smoking around you. This beach is clean and has beautiful fine golden sand that is perfect for lounging on all day.
Barceloneta beach is located on the edge of La Barceloneta which is a very popular and fun area to hang out. After you have enjoyed a morning at the beach you can continue your day in this area of town and experience some of the best restaurants in Barcelona. You will be spoilt for choice!
Accommodation near Barceloneta Beach
7. Sant Miquel Beach
Sant Miquel beach is located right next to Barceloneta beach. The beach is a public beach that has golden sand and clear water. It also has lifeguards, who will help you if you get into trouble in the water. There are food vendors on-site if you need refreshments while you are enjoying your time at the beach!
This beach can get quite busy as it is so popular with tourists and locals alike. The beach is a great place to take in the views and enjoy some fresh air.
You can rent umbrellas and sun beds from the on-site vendors if you want them! There is an interesting and artistic sculpture on this beach called La Estrella Herida. It is a combination of four cubes that are stacked on top of one another.
Accommodation near Sant Miquel Beach
8. Somorrostro Beach
Somorrostro beach is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the sun. It is located in between Barceloneta beach and Port Olímpic, which means that there are plenty of great restaurants, bars and shops around. It is also another very sandy beach where you can make sandcastles and sunbathe.
With all of the quirky beach bars around you can simply relax all day under an umbrella with a cocktail in hand! The beach equally has clear waters so it is a perfect spot for swimming. This beach is nearby Barcelona Zoo, it would be a great idea to double up on these activities if you were in the area.
Another beach with some history behind it, the sandy shores got its name from the old settlement that used to reside here. Somorrostro was a shanty town that housed 15,000 people before it was regenerated. Now the popular beach is open to the public all year round.
Accommodation near Somorrostro Beach
9. Llevant Beach
This is the newest beach in Barcelona as it was built back in 2006. The word Llevant means East in Catalan, which as the name would suggest, Llevant beach is the most eastern located beach in the city. Even though this beach is the newest, it has grown popular with tourists and locals alike, yet still carries that laid-back peaceful feel.
The beach is located quite far away from the main centre of the city, so if you are travelling from here, it is best to get public transport. The metro stop Selva De Mar is only a short walk away.
This beach is located next to a few fun attractions such as Dino Expo XXL. This is an amusement park created around the theme of dinosaurs, a great activity if you are travelling with children.
The BCN surf school is located here, if are feeling adventurous you could try some surfing lessons. The choppy waves in this area mean they are great for catching a wave or two even if you are a complete beginner.
Accommodation near Llevant Beach
10. Fòrum beach
Heading out of Barcelona there are more and more beaches stretching along the coastline of Spain. Fòrum beach is situated on the outskirts of Barcelona but is within the forum complex.
There are many metro, tram and bus routes that will take you to this part of the city. The closest tram stop is called Port Forum.
The beach is a little quiet but still beautiful with its long sandy beach and calm blue waters. Surrounding this beach there is a large marina that is filled with boats and yachts, several restaurants and beach bars, plus a huge events venue.
Accommodation near Fòrum Beach
11. San Adrián del Besós beach
This beach is a little more off the beaten track, however, still provides the sandy beach experience. It is not as popular as the main beaches of Barcelona, but if you are looking for an alternative experience away from the tourists and busy crowd, this could be worth the visit.
It is located next to Les Tres Xemeneies which translates to ‘three chimneys’. This historical landmark is the old remains of a thermal power station.
The large towering chimneys can be seen from afar but provide an interesting focal point for the surrounding area. Some like the interesting architecture, whilst others say it is an eye sore.
Accommodation near San Adrián del Besós Beach
As you can see from the list of best beaches around Barcelona, the city has plenty of wonderful and picturesque beaches that are clean and safe. There are definitely plenty of options and variety to choose from. Whether you want a naturist beach, a peaceful beach or a popular busy beach, there is something for everyone.
If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, make sure to include some time for beach hopping. This will allow you to experience the different beaches and choose your favourite one. Whichever one you end up choosing you will be guaranteed golden sand, sunshine and the salty sea.
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