Barcelona is renowned for its ideal location in Spain, nestled between the mountains and the sea. With the arrival of spring and summer, the city’s beaches fill up with locals and tourists in search of the sun. Barcelona’s beaches stretch up and down the coast, and to reach them, you only need a 20-minute train ride from the city center. Let’s take a look at Barcelona’s most beautiful beaches:
Barceloneta Beach
Everyone is talking about Barceloneta. Located in the city’s heart, it is probably the most touristic beach. Barceloneta is offering countless ways to spend a summer afternoon, playing frisbee, volleyball, or paddle boarding and enjoying a glass of mojito at one of the many ‘chiringuitos‘ (open-air restaurants) dotted along the seafront.
And, maybe, after the beach hours, you wil enjoy these epic panoramic views of Barcelona.
Mar Bella Beach
About 20 minutes from Barceloneta, you’ll find Mar Bella Beach. Known as a nudist beach, Mar Bella is less crowded than Barceloneta, and the water is cleaner. The location is much more relaxed and ideal for the parties held here once the evening falls, when DJs sit at turntables and blast the music. As long as you’re a fan of sunbathing without clothes, this beach is an excellent choice.
Also here is the Base Nàutica de la Mar Bella water sports center, where you can rent equipment and take lessons in various water activities. Other facilities include showers, toilets, waste collection services, children’s playgrounds, parking, disabled access, lifeguards, and drinking water fountains. Bathing near the jetty is not allowed. Also, it is forbidden to bring animals to the beach or use soap while bathing in the sea.
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Tossa de Mar Beach
About an hour’s drive away is Tossa de Mar, one of the most beautiful beaches in Catalunya, with crystal clear waters and golden sand, the ideal place for an unforgettable trip, especially for the beauty of the scenery.
Here you’ll find exceptional fish restaurants nestled along the water and a charming medieval old town, perched on top of a hill and mirrored in the water. It’s quite unusual to see such well-preserved medieval walls near the sea! In Tossa, locals mingle with tourists, but the area is considered family-friendly, as young people head for nearby Lloret de Mar.
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Platja de Sant Sebastià
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are countless beaches in Barcelona (stretching for more than four kilometers of coastline!), most of them true paradises for those eager to relax. The one closest to the center is Platja de Sant Sebastià, in the vicinity of La Barceloneta beach. Here you’ll find lifeguards, palm trees, disabled access, waste collection services, and showers. In addition, there are playgrounds for children.
Costa Brava
Costa Brava is a region famous for its magnificent beaches and small bays. Admire the enchanting scenery on your way through the tourist-filled resorts and fishing villages dotted along the coast. If you have one, your driver will be able to recommend the best places to stop and enjoy the beach, the shops, and the culinary delights served by the restaurants. A day trip that gives you a great way to explore the Costa Brava, away from the city crowds.
Sitges and Bodegas Torres
Relax on your trip to Bodegas Torres, one of Catalonia’s most famous vineyards and the charming coastal settlement of Sitges. Accompanied by your guide, you will enjoy special attention on this unique tour that includes the two Catalan tourist attractions.
The first stop is at the Torres Winery (Bodegas Torres), where you will learn many interesting facts about the region’s wines as you taste or buy them. Then you’ll visit Sitges, a coastal settlement that’s an ideal location for a quiet lunch by the sea.
After lunch, take a stroll through the town’s cobbled streets, admiring the whitewashed fishermen’s houses, the beautiful beaches, the inviting shops, the cosmopolitan bars, and the imposing church.
The beach at St. Cristòfol Lighthouse
El Far de Sant Cristòfol beach is one kilometer long and 150 meters wide, making it the largest beach in Vilanova i la Geltrú. Named after the lighthouse near the harbour, the beach is in the middle of a residential area characterized by abundant flora. Golden sand and calm, clear waters make this an ideal place to enjoy the sun and the water.
Port Aventura Park and Caribe Aquatic Park
Port Aventura Park is famous for its dizzying rollercoasters, creative games, and cosmopolitan theme.
One of Spain’s most popular adventure parks, it is located a short distance from Barcelona and offers you countless innovative and fun ways to spend a day out of the ordinary. The hottest spots in the park are Temple Del Foc and Hukaran (one of Europe’s tallest roller coasters). The park is close to the Caribe Water Park, so you can divide your day between the breathtaking rides and the relaxation that the water activities on the tropical beach offer.
Nova Icària Beach
Nova Icària Beach is one of the most popular beaches in town for its facilities. Here you can have all the fun and relaxation you need in a location right next to Port Olímpic. You have parking, toilets, showers, lifeguards, drinking water, children’s playgrounds, and disabled access on the beach. It is forbidden to swim near the pier, bring animals to the beach or use soap in the water.
Bernat Picornell swimming pools
In the center of the Olympic Park, you will find these pools dating from 1969, completely renovated for the 1992 Olympic Games. Polo competitions were only part of the water sports that took place here. There are two pools that measure 50 meters each. During the summer, the pools are also open at night.
The only drawback is the road to get here. The easiest and most direct way is the No 61 bus if you don’t have a car. Otherwise, you can take the metro to Paral.lel station, then the funicular, which takes you to the stadium, only a few meters from the pools.
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