Barcelona, normally known for its incredible art and architecture, also has several fantastic beaches.
Known by locals and tourists alike, you will always have the opportunity to interact with others during your trip to the Barcelona beaches.
Suppose you’re planning to study at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). You’re even luckier, as the university is only a 15-minute walk from the nearest beach. Read on for the best beaches to visit along Barcelona’s coast.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta is the best-known beach in Barcelona, and with good reason. It is, in terms of character, the Miami Beach of Spain. Expect pumping crowds of beachgoers, entertainment in the form of incredible people-watching, and lots and lots of fun on this 400m+ stretch of golden sand.
Whether you’re looking to play a pickup game of beach volleyball or beach tennis, go bathing or enjoy water sports, or you want to lay under the sun to tan while the kids run and play along the shore, you’ll find the ideal opportunity for fun in the sun here.
Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella beach is located to the north of the city center. As such, it has a smaller crowd than other Barcelona beaches. It’s a great place to escape the beach vendors you can sometimes experience when trying to enjoy one of the busier beaches, particularly at the height of the season.
Mar Bella beach is also very popular among the LGBT community. Due to its special and secluded location compared to other Barcelona beaches, it’s one of the few nude beaches in Barcelona.
Somorrostro Beach
Not so long ago, Somorrostro was home to a makeshift shanty town neighborhood with the same name, which lasted for over 100 years before being destroyed in anticipation of a visit to the Catalan capital from Franco in 1966.
Being situated in Barceloneta, Somorrostro beach naturally has a central location and convenient access by public transport. For this reason, it is one of the favorite beach areas for young people, tourists, and of course, some locals.
Nova Icaria
Nova Icaria is a small beach covered with fine yellow sand, 400 m long and up to 60 m wide. The descent into the sea is gentle, the bottom is sandy, and there are no waves due to breakwaters.
On the territory, there are paid sun loungers and umbrellas, paths and descents for wheelchairs, a lift for bathing people with disabilities, a first-aid post, fresh-water showers, changing cabins, and toilets.
Along the boardwalk, you may also find restaurants, eateries, pizzerias, and cafés. If you’re looking for more to do, then Port Olimpic is next to it, with lots of water-based fun.
Bogatell Beach
Located between Nova Icària and Mar Bella, Bogatell is often listed as one of the best beaches in Spain. Teens tend to flock to the livelier spots, leaving Bogatell with an older average age of visitors.
The result is a remarkably tranquil feel for a city beach. However, don’t underestimate Bogatell for fun and vibrancy. You’ll find volleyball, ping pong, and plenty of willing locals ready to include you in their game. You can enjoy kitesurfing here too.
Sant Sebastia Beach
Together with Barceloneta beach, these are the city’s oldest and most traditional beaches. Sant Sebastià is one of the most popular beaches in the city, as almost 70% of users are from Barcelona, especially from Ciutat Vella.
However, this is also one of the city most frequented beaches by visitors from abroad. The recently built hotel has created a small, peaceful cove with several restaurants. Sant Sebastià beach provides easy access and enjoyment for everyone who encounters it.
Llevant Beach
As its name suggests (‘llevant’ means ‘east’ in Catalan), this is Barcelona’s easternmost beach. It opened in 2006, making it the city’s newest beach. If you are looking for peace and quiet without leaving the city, this is the best beach for being on your own, with your partner, or with the family.
