Barcelona is one of the few big cities with a long sandy beach right in town. Barceloneta is the busy classic, the beaches further north are calmer, and for clear water and rocky coves it is worth a day on the Costa Brava. Here are the beaches we like, the ways to get out on the water, and a few things to know before you go.
Before you go
- Wear sunscreen, on the beach and on a boat. The sun is strong from late spring to early fall.
- Watch your things. City beaches are busy and bags left alone while people swim are an easy target. Take only what you need and keep it with you.
- Going topless is common on Spanish beaches, and nobody will look twice either way.
The city beaches
Barcelona’s seafront was rebuilt for the 1992 Olympic Games, when old industrial land along the coast was cleared and the beaches were renewed. Today there are several kilometers of sand from Barceloneta to the north end of the city, with beach bars, volleyball nets and a promenade all the way along.
Barceloneta
The main city beach, a short walk from the old town and the nearest to the center (Barceloneta metro, line L4). It is lively and packed on summer days, so arrive early in peak season. Outside the summer it is a lovely walk along the sand toward the W hotel or Port Olímpic.
Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella
A few stops further along metro line L4, these beaches are less crowded and have a more local, family-friendly feel, with beach bars and sports areas nearby. Mar Bella also has a section where nudism is common.
Castelldefels
A long natural beach south of the city, near the airport and easy to reach by train. Many locals go there on weekends, and it is a good choice if you want more space without going far.
Badalona
A town just north of Barcelona with its own long beach and seafront promenade. It is quieter than the city beaches and has a more local Catalan feel. You can get there by metro or train.
Boats
There are lots of ways to get out on the water, from party boats to private charters. We run one sailing trip that suits most people: our sailing trip with cava and tapas meets your skipper at Marina Vela, unit D03, next to the W hotel, and sails along the Barcelona coastline for about 2 hours, from €55. There is a glass of Catalan cava and a selection of tapas on board, and in the swimming months a quick stop to cool off in the Mediterranean.
Bring sun cream and a towel. It can be windy at sea, so it often feels cooler than it is, and a light layer helps. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Kayaking and snorkeling on the Costa Brava
The water off Barcelona’s own beaches is busy. For clear water, rocky coves and small caves, head up the coast to the Costa Brava. Our Costa Brava kayak and snorkel day trip takes about 6 hours in all: return transport from central Barcelona (about an hour each way), around 2½ to 3 hours of kayaking and snorkeling with a guide, a picnic lunch on the beach, and a beer or sangría back in the city, from €75. When the sea is calm, your guide may lead you into small caves and narrow coves.
You do not need kayaking experience, but all guests must be competent swimmers and comfortable in open water. The pace is easy but active. Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.
Paddleboarding and surfing
The Mediterranean is usually gentle, so there are only a few good surf days a year, but that makes it ideal for paddleboarding along the seafront. Several beach clubs and surf shops rent boards by the hour, and many also offer lessons. Take an ID with you when you rent.
More ideas
After a day at the beach, see what to do in Barcelona at night, or our top sights and attractions guide for the rest of the city.