There is nothing better than to finish a long day of sightseeing in Barcelona with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean sea. Due to its enviable location, Barcelona has its seafront occupied by Europe’s best beaches that can be used even in winter (not for swimming though). As the hot weather returns, the coastline becomes a hot spot for the locals and tourists alike. Beaches start buzzing with a carnival vibe, hawkers selling sandwiches, trinkets, blankets, and sangria. When determining the top beaches in Barcelona to visit this summer, there is no shortage of decent options.

As a result of heavy investment in infrastructure during the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has undergone massive reconstruction work. Performing a massive redevelopment of the entire 4,5km (3 miles) long coastline in the districts of Ciutat Vella and Sant Marti, the local authorities upgraded the beaches’ appearance. They are now a complementary feature to the city’s richness in history, arts, and culture.

Top Beaches in Barcelona To Visit This Summer

Best Time to Go to Barcelona Beaches

Being one of the major tourist attractions in Barcelona during summers for hanging out, the high-beach season lasts from late-May through mid- to late-September. However, even in October temperatures can reach as high as 25 degrees Celsius (77F). If you want to avoid crowds go early or late in the season, in May or September. It is when the weather isn’t so hot and humid. In the off-season, you can expect some days to be cloudier than others. But this fact doesn’t stop Catalans from hanging out on the beach. Sometimes until dusk. In this post, I’ve put together a list of 10 local beaches in beautiful Barcelona, Spain to head to this summer.

What are the Beaches in Barcelona Like?

Want to pick the best stretch of sand in Barcelona? You’ve come to the right place. Barcelona is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches and rivals any that you will find around the world.

The beaches in Barna (say like this if you want to mingle with locals) are relatively clean, maintained and are pleasant to behold. There are numerous chiringuitos (bars) selling drinks and tapas. There are also public WCs, lifeguards, outside showers, and beach chair rentals. It is common for people to just lay on the sand though.

Some beaches are fronted by developed promenades filled with modern-day luxury. At the same time, others can get quite littered at the end of the day. But don’t get me wrong, Barcelona does a decent job trying to keep its beaches clean. However, don’t expect people to practice common decency to just throw their waste in the bin. Be sure to dispose of your rubbish by putting it into the bin!

1. La Barceloneta Beach

This is one of the most popular and oldest beaches in Barcelona, nestled in the very heart of the traditional fishing neighborhood. The iconic Barceloneta stretch is more than 1 km long and here’s where to come if you’re in the mood for a party. It sits close to the port and not too far from the city centre. So you can easily reach it by taking L4 line or bus and hopping off at stop Barceloneta. That being said, this beach can quickly get packed in summer.

It really doesn’t matter when you plan on visiting Barceloneta. The beach is a buzzing hot spot at all hours in summer. There are plenty of opportunities to stay active throughout the holidays. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced volleyball player, Barceloneta has its own court. Look for soccer table areas on the Eastern side of the beach, an outdoor gym and children’s playground area on the Western side.

Barceloneta swimming, hoverboarding, luxury yachting in Port Vell, parasailing, and cycling — this and much more awaits you at Barceloneta Beach. Take a one-hour boat trip or rent some equipment for a water sport like windsurfing or paddleboarding.

This stretch is one of my favorite spots in Barcelona, However, really busy at times, I love it because it’s a visual feast, a spot where you never quite know what’s going to happen. I often cycle down to the rocks near the breakwaters at the far end of the beach. Here, in front of the flamboyant W-Hotel, there is a long bike-friendly promenade, where I love to escape the crowds on a sunny day.

How to Get to Barceloneta Beach

Nearest metro: Line 4 – Barceloneta (yellow line)
Bus: 51, 45, 57, 64, 39

2. Bogatell Beach

Nestled in the Sant Marti district, Platja del Bogatell is one of the most accessible beaches to visit by families and folks with kids. Being so close to the Olympic Port, the beach has the lowest levels of pollution. It has the softest sand and is situated further away from the center in the Poblenou district. This makes the area much less chaotic, and more suitable for elderly people.

Bogatell beach has some sports equipment including two volleyball courts and Ping-Pong tables. There are lifeguard services, showers, and ramps to take you on to the beach, diving school, restaurants, and parking. The promenade runs up to Mar Bella Beach.

Due to recent terrorist attacks in Europe, many lockers have been removed so there are no lockers on the Bogatell beach at the moment. Therefore, when you travel alone you have to be careful. I strongly discourage you from leaving your belongings unattended because of pickpockets.

The only option you may use on Bogatell beach is to ask elderly people to look after your stuff. Trust your gut feelings. Locals are often really sweet. Last summer I asked a nice couple as they seemed trustworthy to me. But on the next day, I saw a man who went swimming and the woman that looked after his stuff was about to fall asleep. Because of this, I didn’t want to swim somehow far from the beach. Yup, the downside of traveling solo.

How to Get to Bogatell Beach

The nearest metro: Poblenou, Llacuna, L4 (yellow line). Or use bus 41 or 36 to reach Taulat-Ciutat de Granada, or bus 6 to get to Roc Boronat – Doctor Trueta.

3. La Mar Bella Beach

Want to avoid the hordes of busy central beaches? Take a closer look at Playa La Mar Bella. Locals love this beach because of its relaxed and liberal vibes. Mar Bella is known for being Barcelona’s best gay beach. As well as it is the most notable nude beach in Barcelona.

Mar Bella beach has been around since the 1992 Summer Olympics. Equipped with volleyball courts, skating areas, and open outdoor gym, it is a great spot to mingle with locals. Windsurfing and volleyball are definitely the most popular sports among locals at Mar Bella. So chances are you will see hordes of youth coming here around siesta time to soak up the sun and workout. While younger crowds come here in the afternoon, and a smaller gay group later in the day, older people generally prefer to visit this beach in the morning.

If you’re looking for some additional service, there are hawkers roaming around selling snacks and drinks. They are not intrusive and certainly far fewer than you will find on more popular beaches. If you visit the western end of the beach you will discover a nautical and yacht center. Mar Bella has an area for disabled people too.

How to Get to Mar Bella

Mar Bella beach is also in the Sant Marti district. It is on the eastern side of Barcelona coastline, so you can ride the subway to reach Selva de Mar station on Line 4 or hop on a bus: 36, 71, 141.

4. Sant Sebastià Beach

When it comes to hitting beaches near Barcelona city center, Sant Sebastià beach is right here for you. Situated in Ciutat Vella district, Platja de Sant Sebastià is one of the oldest and most popular urban beaches in Barcelona. Therefore, it can get really packed on lovely summer days. Closer to the W Hotel and still on the main strip of well-renowned beachfront, Sant Sebastià is the spot I prefer when I’m in the mood to take a relaxing stroll, reconnect with myself, and go swimming.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

Sant Sebastià Beach is one of the loveliest beaches to swim in Barcelona, thanks to its flat, shallow waters. This 660 meter-long stretch is considered one of the safest too since there are no dangerous currents close by the shore. It offers everything from beach activities and restaurants to nightlife and hotels. Like all other beaches in Barcelona, Sant Sebastià has the EU Blue Flag rating for eco-quality, disabled access, lifeguards, and showers. If you’re looking for the best beach in Barcelona for families, I would definitely recommend visiting Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel!

There is an annual open-air cinema festival that usually runs from June to August every Thursday and some Sundays right at the beach. They project top picks from year’s avant-garde and alternative film scene. A movie buff? Be sure to pay a visit!

How to Get to Sant Sebastià

Line 4 – Barceloneta is the nearest metro station you can use to reach Sant Sebastià. Alternatively, you can also hop on a bus (17, 39, or 64) to get even closer to the beach (Pg Joan de Borbó-Pl del Mar is the stop you need).

5. Nova Icaria

In between Platja de Bogatell and Port Olimpic, is Nova Icaria beach, a spot that stands out in Barcelona because of more relaxed and chilled vibes. There is also a jetty that lines the beach on the right side, protecting it from harsh waves, and a couple of chiringuitos nearby that provide perfect spots to sit for lunch when the weather is at its warmest (or a cool place to relax afterward, for post-beach drinks). A beach is a great place for families, youngsters, and travelers looking to avoid the crowds yet not stray too far from the downtown buzz.

When heading north away from Port Olimpic at the beginning of a beachside stroll, Nova Icaria is the first beach that visitors will come across. The standout features include a massive 52m iconic bronze fish sculpture by Frank Gehry. Platja Nova Icaria isn’t considered the most popular beach with locals. However, it is a great option if you’re looking for a less hectic and quieter beach in Barcelona, only a stone’s throw from Barceloneta neighborhood.

While the sand isn’t as soft underfoot as on many other beaches in Costa Brava, yet the water is cleaner and Nova Icaria is wide enough for some great volleyball and other sporting options.

How to Get to Nova Icaria

Bus: 141, 41, 36, 92
Metro: Line 4 – Ciutadella y Bogatell

6. Somorrostro Beach

Adjacent to Nova Icaria, there is a Platja del Somorrostro. Once an unassuming fishing village, Sorromostro was home to several thousand gypsy settlers until the mid-20th century. Now the neighborhood boasts some of the coastline’s fanciest chiringuitos (oftentimes overpriced). If you’re traveling on a budget there are several fast-food chains and a number of reasonable Middle Eastern eateries to make your Spanish vacation diet more diverse.

How to Deal With Travel Envy

This kid-friendly beach used to be part of Barceloneta beach until 2011. Now it is the closest to Barcelona’s eastern end. Somorrostro is perhaps the most energetic spot of the seafront attracting both tourists and locals.

National Parks in Spain

With a wide array of outdoor sporting and dining facilities, the beach is a popular spot in the city for the foodies and holidaymakers alike. While visiting Somorrostro you may notice a lot of hawkers and club promoters. If clubs and dancing are your things, you may be able to get a good cover deal. In fact, Somorrostro is the site of some of the city’s best clubs specializing in electronic music like Opium, Pacha, and Catwalk.

How to Get to Somorrostro

If you travel by metro, Barceloneta, and Ciutadella on L4 are the stations you should be looking for. Likewise, you can hop on a bus 16, 17, 36, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59 and 64. Or just take a ride on the tram (Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica).

7. Llevant Beach

Although rarely visited (most travelers just don’t make it this far), Platja de Llevant is the northernmost beach on Barcelona’s main seafront. This man-made beach was opened in 2007 after the demolition of an old breakwater and the construction of the platform that was intended to host the marine zoo.

The smooth golden sands, the calm water, ample of space to unwind and its northernmost location, makes the semi-urban playa de Llevant one of the quietest beaches in Barcelona. When you really need to get away hustle and bustle of famous beaches in Barcelona, Llevant is the place to go. It’s the farthest beach away from busy Barceloneta and is by far the quietest. Bring your book and a beach towel and spend some time in the sun. Good surf here as well. Like any other centrally located beaches, Llevant has everything a traveler might need – from public beach showers to ping-pong tables and Wi-fi.

How to Get to Llevant

If you travel by T4 tram the stop you need is El Maresme. If you travel by metro L4 the station you need is Selva de Mar. Or hop on a bus (7, 36, 41, 141).

Aquatic Centre Zona de baños del Forum

Last but certainly not least is Zona de baños del Forum, an artificial beach in Barcelona. Well, it isn’t a beach in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a sandless area reclaimed from the sea that retains the best parts of the experience—sunshine, great vibes, and water activities.

In fact, the Forum is a shallow, saltwater pool that is perfect for families with kids, especially those who are just learning to swim. If history is your thing, you may want to know that the entire site used as an execution site for people who opposed Franco’s dictatorship. Zona de baños del Forum is open daily in July and August, and during the first two weeks of September.

How to Get to Zona de baños del Forum

T4 tram will take you to Fòrum stop. The metro L4 line will take you to El Maresme|Fòrum. Bus B20, B23, H16, V29, V31, V33, 136.

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE:

Money-saving travel tips for Europe

Visiting Phuket: Top Tips to Know Before You Go

Best Things To Do in Barcelona Spain