Best Beaches in Barcelona: A Local’s Guide to the best beaches in and around the City

A trip to Barcelona just wouldn’t be complete without a beach day, no matter what time of year you visit. But with such a long stretch of coastline, it can be tricky to decide which spot is right for you.

That’s why I’ve put together all the info and comparisons you need on the best beaches in Barcelona, along with the top beach destinations nearby.

You’ll also find helpful tips and personal insights for planning your beach trip, getting there, and knowing what to expect. All that’s left for your unforgettable beach day in Barcelona is to pack your bag and go.

Our Barcelona Beach Comparison

Beach/Feature	Family-friendly	Touristy	Accessible for people with disabilities	Quiet*
Sant Sebastiá		X	X
Sant Miquel		X	X
Barceloneta		X	X
Somorrotro	X	X
Nova Icària	X		X	X
Bogatell
Mar Bella	X		X	X
Nova Mar Bella	X		X	X
Llevant

*When you’re talking about Barcelona’s city beaches, “quiet” is always a relative term—maybe take it with a grain of salt.

The different sections of the beach in Barcelona

Before we dive (pun intended) into the most beautiful beaches around Barcelona, let’s start with the city’s own urban beaches. I’ll walk you through them from south to north (so the order doesn’t reflect any kind of ranking).

Each beach gets a quick intro with its main features, and afterward, you’ll find a handy overview comparing all of Barcelona’s city beaches side by side.

Platja de Sant Sebastià

Let’s start with Barcelona’s southernmost beach. Sant Sebastià is not only one of the city’s most popular beaches, but also one of its oldest. It’s the perfect spot for a walk from the city center along Passeig de Joan de Borbó, where you can also check out the yachts in Barcelona’s harbor.

At Sant Sebastià Beach, you’ll find the iconic W Hotel, which has become something of a landmark here. Right next door, the Club Natació Atlètic swimming complex attracts plenty of athletes to this part of the beach.

Platja de Sant Miquel

Platja de Sant Miquel is also one of Barcelona’s oldest beaches. Even though it’s on the smaller side, it’s still a favorite among vacationers and all kinds of beachgoers.

This beach provides easier water access for visitors with limited mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy a refreshing dip. The restrooms and showers here are also wheelchair-accessible.

Along with its wooden tower – a popular meeting spot – you’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars waiting to be explored.

Playa de la Barceloneta

Barceloneta Beach is probably the most famous beach in Barcelona. It’s named after the nearby neighborhood of La Barceloneta, which was once mostly home to fishermen.

Today, Barceloneta is one of the city’s most popular beach hangouts. The fitness area here is always buzzing with workout enthusiasts (and those who just want to give it a try). Not only the gym equipment but also the volleyball courts are in constant use and always draw a crowd.

Barcelona Fun Fact: Many people mistakenly refer to the entire stretch of beach—from Platja de Sant Sebastià to Somorrostro – as Barceloneta Beach. That’s because this whole section runs alongside the La Barceloneta neighborhood.

Platja de Somorrostro

Thanks to its central location, Somorrostro is also one of the city’s most popular beaches. With its volleyball courts, it’s especially loved by sporty young visitors.

Families with little kids will also feel right at home here. A small enclosed section of the beach lets the youngest ones splash around safely, protected from big waves.

Along the promenade, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés waiting for you, and this stretch of sand is also home to some of Barcelona’s most famous beach clubs, like Carpe Diem and Opium.

The beach’s most recognizable landmark is Gehry’s giant fish sculpture, which has long been a defining feature of Barcelona’s coastline.

Nova Icària

This part of Barcelona’s coastline is known as one of the quieter spots, making it especially popular with sunseekers and anyone looking to simply relax.

If you’re in the mood for something more active, you can hit the volleyball courts to work up a sweat under the Spanish sun—and maybe meet a few new friends along the way.

Many visitors like to pair their beach day here with a stroll around nearby Port Olímpic, where plenty of bars and restaurants invite you to stick around a little longer.

Playa Bogatell

Bogatell Beach is considered the main beach of Barcelona’s Poblenou neighborhood. It’s a popular spot, but usually less crowded than the better-known Barceloneta Beach.

Often called Barcelona’s “grown-up beach,” Bogatell is especially popular with adults, while kids and teens tend to prefer other spots. That makes it the perfect choice if you just want to relax in the sun or take a refreshing dip.

But if you’re visiting Barcelona with children, you might be better off at a different beach.

Playa de la Mar Bella

As Barcelona’s unofficial nude beach, Mar Bella is especially popular with fans of the naturist scene. That said, it’s just as welcoming for visitors who prefer to keep their swimsuits on.

Thanks to its slightly more tucked-away location, Mar Bella is usually less crowded than the busier southern beaches around La Barceloneta.

Active travelers will also find plenty to do here, with a diving center and the Base Nàutica Municipal water sports club offering sailing trips, kayak rentals, and more.

Playa de la Nova Mar Bella

Playa de la Nova Mar Bella is quite similar to the neighboring Mar Bella Beach, as it’s also often used as a nude-friendly spot. It’s especially popular within the LGBTQI+ community, but you’ll also see plenty of families and young people enjoying it.

Together with Mar Bella, it’s considered one of the calmest and safest stretches along Barcelona’s coastline.

If you walk through the underpass, you’ll reach a small outdoor fitness park that’s free to use, not only for strength training but also for the occasional soccer game. The sea here, with its sometimes stronger currents, is also a favorite among kitesurfers.

Playa Llevant

Let’s head to Barcelona’s northernmost city beach: Playa de Llevant. As one of the newest beaches in town, it was only added to the city’s coastline in 2006.

The easternmost stretch of the city’s beaches (Llevant means “east” in Catalan) doesn’t differ much from its neighbor—except for one key detail:

Playa de Llevant is also a dog-friendly beach. Since most beaches in Barcelona don’t allow pets, many dog owners come here to enjoy the water together with their four-legged friends.

Beaches Around Barcelona – The Most Popular Nearby Spots

After exploring Barcelona’s city beaches in the previous section, let’s take a look at the most popular beaches just outside the city.

Beach	Travel time from Barcelona	Features
Platja Badalona	approx. 20 minutes	– Close by and popular – Cafés and restaurants along the promenade ( fewer options than in Barcelona)
Platja de Castelldefells	approx. 35 minutes	– One of the most popular beaches near Barcelona – Beautiful boardwalk with many restaurants and cafés
Garraf	approx. 30 minutes	– Fisherman’s cottage charm – Less crowded, ideal for peace and relaxation – Few restaurants, no beach bars
Sitges	approx. 40 minutes	– Combines beach with a small-town day trip – Fishing village charm, Mediterranean architecture – Popular with the LGBTQI+ community
Costa Daurada	Depending on the beach: approx. 1-3 hours	– Easily accessible by public transport – Less crowded than the Costa Brava – Popular destinations: Villanova I la Getrú, Segur de Calafell
Costa Brava	Depending on the beach: approx. 1-3 hours	– One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe – Clear, turquoise waters and Mediterranean flair – Many beaches and bays, ideal for all beach lovers – Personal favorite: Cala Estreta near Palamós

Platja Badalona

Badalona ist der nächste Ort und daher der wohl beliebteste Strand außerhalb Barcelonas. Trotz seiner Beliebtheit ist hier meist deutlich weniger los als an den Stadtstränden und das, obwohl sich Badalona nur wenige Fahrminuten außerhalb der Stadt befindet.

Als Wahrzeichen der Strände von Badalona gelten die Brücke (Pont del Petroli) und die Affenstatue des hier hergestellten Anises (Anís del Mono).

An der Strandpromenade entlang befinden sich einige Cafés und Restaurants, jedoch ist die Auswahl nicht so groß wie an den Stadtstränden Barcelonas.

Platja de Castelldefells

Thanks to its convenient location, Castelldefels Beach is one of the most popular in the Barcelona area. It’s also considered one of the most beautiful nearby beaches, which means it’s usually quite busy in summer.

Along the promenade, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the sea views with a refreshing drink or snack.

Garraf

Garraf Beach is like taking a trip back in time to old Catalonia. With its fishing village charm, this clean beach is sure to impress visitors.

In addition, there are usually far fewer visitors here than on the beaches within Barcelona, although it can get quite crowded in summer.

Garraf Beach is just the thing for anyone looking for some peace and relaxation. There are a few restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, but no beach bars like the ones you find in Barcelona.

Vicki’s Tip: Der Chiringuito de Garraf bietet eine hervorragende Aussicht und die Fideuà schmeckt auch echt gut.

Sitges

The beaches of Sitges are something special. Sure, you can soak up the warm waters of the Mediterranean, but the real bonus is that a beach day here doubles as the perfect day trip from Barcelona.

Sitges is hands down one of the prettiest towns in the area, with its fishing-village charm and gorgeous Mediterranean architecture.

It’s also a big favorite in the LGBTQI+ community. Over the years, Sitges has built a reputation as a super welcoming, pride-filled town with tons of events, spots, and venues that celebrate diversity.

Costa Daurada

The Costa Daurada stretches south of Barcelona and, along with the Costa Brava, is one of Catalonia’s most popular coastlines.

It’s usually easier to reach the Costa Daurada by public transport than the Costa Brava, which makes it a great choice for visitors without a car.

Another bonus: many of the beaches here are far less crowded than those along the busy Costa Brava.

Some popular beaches you can reach by train:

• Villanova I la Getrú,
• Segur de Calafell and
• the beaches around Tarragona

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is often ranked among the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. Loved by both locals and visitors, this stretch of “rugged coast” (that’s what its name literally translates to) combines dramatic scenery with a relaxed Mediterranean vibe.

With crystal-clear turquoise water that could rival the Caribbean and pine trees lining the cliffs, the Costa Brava has that perfect mix of exotic beauty and Mediterranean charm.

There’s no shortage of choice either—you’ll find hundreds of stunning beaches and hidden coves, each with its own character.

One of my personal favorites is Cala Estreta, just outside Palamós. Getting there takes about a 25-minute walk along the cliffs, which keeps the crowds away. The reward comes down to a peaceful, picture-perfect cove that’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply unwinding by the sea.

Water temperatures in Barcelona

The climate chart above gives you a clear picture of Barcelona’s water temperatures throughout the year. You’ll probably notice that while the Mediterranean is refreshing, it usually stays pleasantly warm.

On average, water temperatures range from about 55°F (13°C) in February and March to a comfortable 77°F (25°C) in August.

That said, the chilly winter months aren’t really suited for swimming. For most visitors, the sea feels pleasant enough for a dip from late May through early October, depending on the weather.

Nude beaches in Barcelona

In the following paragraph, you will find the official nude beaches in and around Barcelona. The beaches are listed in alphabetical order.

• Aiguadolç, Sitges
• Cala Morisca, Sitges
• Els Balmins, Sitges
• La Mar Bella, Barcelona
• La Murtra, Sant Pol del Mar
• La Musclera, Arenys de Mar
• La Picordia, Arenys de Mar
• La Roca Grossa, Sant Pol de Mar
• Les Roques, Calella
• Ocata, Masnou
• Platja de la Desenrocada, Sitges
• Platja de la Mora, Badalona
• Platja de la Murtra, Viladelcans
• Platja de L’Home Mort, Sitges
• Platja de Ponent, Premià de Mar
• Platja de Ponent, Vilassar de Mar
• Platja del Coco, Badalona
• Platja Llarga d’Ibersol, Vilanova i la Geltrú
• Platja Naturista, El Prat de Llobregat
• Playa de la Punta de la Tordera, Malgrat de Mar
• Protegida sector II, El Prat de Llobregat
• Roques Blanques, Sant Pol de Mar
• Platja de Sant Sebastià, Barcelona
• Sant Simó, Mataró

Dog Beaches in Barcelona

If you are going on vacation with your dog and don’t want to miss out on a visit to the beach, you will find the dog beaches in Barcelona and the surrounding area in the following paragraph.

• Cala Vallcarca, Sitges
• Platja canina de El Masnou, Montgat
• Platja canina de Pineda de Mar
• Platja de la Conca, Malgrat de Mar
• Platja de Les Salines, Cubelles
• Platja de Llevant, Barcelona
• Platja de Poniente, Mataró
• Platja la Picórdia, Arenys de Mar

Bathing Season in Barcelona

The official swimming season in Barcelona is divided into three periods:

• high season,
• mid-season,
• and the low season.

Below you’ll find the general time frames. Exact dates for the current year are listed on Barcelona’s official website.

High Season (temporada alta de baño): Late May to mid-September. During this time, water temperatures usually range between 68–77°F (20–25°C). Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm, and public restrooms are open from 10:30 am to 9 pm.

Mid-Season (temporada media de baño): Late March through May and the second half of September. Water temperatures average between 57–70°F (14–21°C). Lifeguard service is available most days (sometimes only on weekends, depending on the month) from 10:30 am to 6 pm, with public restrooms open during the same hours.

Low Season: The rest of the year. During this period, the sea is usually too cold for bathing. You can still enter the water at your own risk, but there are no lifeguards on duty. Some public restrooms may also be closed.

Barcelona Beach Webcam – Your virtual live visit

Beach Rules in Barcelona

Different countries, different customs—and that includes a day at the beach. Here are the most important rules to keep in mind when visiting Barcelona’s beaches.

Topless sunbathing is allowed

Unlike in many countries where women can’t go topless at the beach, in Spain it’s not only allowed but completely normal for women of all ages.

No smoking

Since 2022, all Barcelona beaches have been smoke-free thanks to the Playas sin humo initiative. Anyone caught smoking anyway can face a fine.

Take your trash with you

Every summer, Barcelona’s city beaches struggle with litter, especially during high season. Cigarette butts, plastic straws, bottles, and cans are often left behind and carried into the sea by the wind. Please be mindful and take your trash home with you or use the bins provided.

No dogs allowed

Dogs are generally not permitted on Barcelona’s beaches. Only designated dog beaches are open to four-legged visitors. You can find a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in the previous section.

Beach Workout

Beach sports are a favorite activity for many visitors. To avoid disturbing others, please keep games to the volleyball courts and designated sports areas. After 7 pm, though, the entire beach is open for sports – just remember to be respectful of other beachgoers.

Fishing hours

Good news for fishing fans: fishing is allowed on Barcelona’s beaches, as long as you stick to the official hours: 7 pm to 10 pm. The only exception is Barceloneta Beach, where fishing is only permitted from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Don’t climb on the breakwaters

Walking on the breakwaters is generally prohibited and can technically result in fines of €750–1,500. That said, you’ll notice many locals and visitors ignoring the rule, but simply know that officially, it’s not allowed.

Public showers and restrooms

Every beach offers public showers and restrooms, free of charge. However, some of them might be closed during the low season.

Barcelona’s Coast

After diving into Barcelona’s best beaches, let’s first get a sense of where the city’s coastline actually is.

As you can see on the map, Barcelona sits on the northern Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The climate here is generally mild, with warm summers and relatively gentle winters.

What is so special about Barcelona’s beaches?

Barcelona’s beaches are quick and easy to reach. Thanks to their close proximity to the city center, you can get there by public transport or even on foot.

Whether you’re into beach bars, good food, sports, or family fun, you’ll find it all on Barcelona’s beaches.

The History of Barcelona’s Beaches

Today, the beach feels like an essential part of Barcelona, but it wasn’t always that way. What may come as a surprise is that the beaches, as we know them now, have only existed for a few decades.

For much of Barcelona’s history, the waterfront was reserved for shipping and fishing. In fact, there weren’t any sandy beaches here at all.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that work began on creating Barcelona’s beaches. As part of the massive “Barcelona ’92” project, the city not only expanded and modernized many areas but also started reshaping its coastline. The goal of this long-term project was to transform the city in time for the 1992 Olympic Games.

And that beautiful golden sand you see today? Most of it was actually brought in from Egypt!

Barcelona Beach Vacation Tips – How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Watch your valuables

Barcelona, unfortunately, has the reputation of being Europe’s pickpocket capital. Don’t let that scare you off (I’ve lived here for around ten years and have never been robbed), but do keep a close eye on your belongings—especially at the beach.

The easiest way to avoid problems is to simply leave your valuables at your accommodation – or even better, at home. Other options include using hidden money pouches or taking turns swimming if you’re at the beach with friends or family.

You can also ask the person on the next towel over to keep an eye on your stuff while you take a dip.

Don’t forget sunscreen

The Spanish sun is no joke—it’s much stronger than in Central Europe and easy to underestimate. Personally, I even put on sunscreen in winter when I go to the beach, just to avoid nasty burns.

Because of the high humidity and salty sea air, you can burn much faster than you might expect, especially if you’re not used to intense sun. Do yourself (and your skin) a favor and apply sunscreen generously before you head out.

Skip the beach cocktails

If you’ve ever been to Barcelona’s busy beaches in high season—especially around Barceloneta—you’ve probably seen the illegal cocktail vendors wandering the sand.

Sure, an ice-cold mojito brought right to your towel might sound tempting on a hot day, but the hygiene and quality of these drinks are… questionable, to say the least. Lab tests have found all sorts of things in them (trust me, you don’t want the details). Judging by the piles of half-finished cups left behind, they don’t even taste that good.

If you’d like a refreshment, please stick to the surrounding bars and supermarkets.

Keep beachwear at the beach

It’s understandable—when you’re strolling through Barcelona in vacation mode, it’s tempting to stay in your bikini or swim shorts. But as the name suggests, beachwear is meant for the beach.

Locals find it disrespectful to see tourists wandering through shops, supermarkets, and city streets in their swimwear. Think about it—would you shop at your local grocery store back home in just a bikini? Probably not. So best to keep the beachwear for the sand.

Be aware of tourist traps

In Barcelona, the rule is simple: wherever there are lots of tourists, there are also scams. And that includes the beaches.

If someone approaches you at the beach offering to sell you something or provide a service, take it with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, there are plenty of clever scams here, and new ones pop up all the time.

Vicki’s Barcelona Tip: Check out our guide on safety and tourist scams in Barcelona to learn about the most common tricks—and how to avoid them.

Barcelona Restaurants, Cafés & Clubs

For many, a great beach day isn’t complete without a refreshing cocktail or a delicious meal. That’s why in the next section you’ll find some tasty options right near the shore.

Chiringuitos on Barcelona’s Beaches

You’ve probably seen them – those little beach bars where you can grab a snack, a cold drink, or a cocktail with your toes in the sand. In Spain, they’re called chiringuitos (or xiringuitos in Catalan).

Vai Moana

If you’re chasing tropical vibes, Vai Moana at Bogatell Beach is a must. Its name comes from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and the spot is famous for exotic cocktails, tasty tapas, stuffed pineapples, and hearty sandwiches.

Xiringuito Escribà

This beachside spot delivers the ultimate summer vibe and, according to many visitors, serves up the best paella in all of Barcelona. Alongside a variety of snacks and salads, the highlights of the menu are the fresh fish dishes and the wide selection of different paellas.

Burgers with a View – Bacoa Burger Barceloneta

Bacoa is one of Barcelona’s most popular burger chains, and its Barceloneta location comes with prime beach views. Prices are in line with other burger spots in the city—no extra charge for the stunning setting.

Choose from creative burger combos (including plenty of vegetarian options), plus snacks and cold beers.

La Barca del Salamanca – Seafood with a Harbor View

Right on Port Olímpic, this is one of our favorite restaurants for fish and seafood. Whether you’re craving paella or a generous lunch menu, seafood lovers are sure to find something here. During the busy summer season, the set lunch menu is a great budget-friendly way to enjoy high-quality dishes.

Barcelona Beach Clubs

In addition to its many bars and restaurants, Barceloneta is also home to some of the city’s most famous clubs. Here are a few of the top favorites:

• Shoko
• Opium Barcelona
• Hotel W – Wet Deck
• Catwalk
• Pacha Barcelona
• Razzmatazz

Sights Along Barcelona’s Beaches

L’Estel Ferit

L’Estel Ferit is one of the most popular meeting points along the city’s beachfront. Known to locals as Els Cubs (“the cubes”), this ten-meter-high statue was designed by German artist Rebecca Horn.

Made of glass and steel, it looks like a stack of leaning cubes and was installed for the 1992 Olympic Games. You’ll find it on Sant Miquel Beach.

W Hotel

The iconic W Hotel, which opened in 2009, has quickly become part of Barcelona’s skyline. For many visitors, it’s the first building they spot from the plane as it approaches the coast.

Even if you’re not staying there, you can head up to the rooftop bar for a drink with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Homenatge a la Natació

Another steel sculpture on Barcelona’s beachside is Homenatge a la Natació (“Homage to Swimming”). As the name suggests, the artwork represents four swimming disciplines: diving, water polo, racing, and synchronized swimming.

The Fish

The Peix (“Fish”) is one of Barcelona’s most recognizable seaside landmarks. Created by architect Frank Gehry for the 1992 Olympics, this massive 35-meter-tall golden steel sculpture sits near the Torre Mapfre, one of the two towers that dominate the beach skyline.

Even if you don’t immediately recognize it as a fish, it’s still one of the most famous symbols of Barcelona’s waterfront.

Barceloneta Market

Just a short walk from Barceloneta Beach, the neighborhood’s market hall is well worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find fresh produce, seafood, and a handful of lively bars serving refreshing drinks and tasty tapas. Seafood lovers in particular will be in heaven here.

Architecture fans will also appreciate its design—the market was built to harness solar energy, making it both striking and sustainable.

FAQ about Beaches

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So, which one is your favorite beach in Barcelona and the surrounding area? Do you have a hidden gem to share? Let us know in the comments below!

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About the AuthorVicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

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