There are countless reasons that make Barcelona an iconic destination. In addition to the allure of world-renowned museums and landmarks, like the Sagrada Familia and Casa Battló, its epic nightlife, and charming neighborhoods, Barcelona boasts a coastline dotted with beautiful beaches.
From lively and buzzing Barcelona beaches with sports courts and “xiringuitos” to stretches of sand perfect for relaxing, Barcelona caters to every beachgoer’s desires.
With over 300 days of sunny weather every year, the Catalan capital is an ideal place for a sun-soaked vacation. Read on to discover the best beaches in Barcelona and the beauty of the city’s captivating coastline.
Barcelona Beaches Map
Best Barcelona Beaches to Visit
1. Platja de Sant Sebastià – Sant Sebastià Beach
On the beachfront of Ciutat Vella, Sant Sebastià Beach is located next to the city’s port. Stretching for more than a kilometer, it is within walking distance of Barcelona’s center, making it popular with locals and visitors.
Much like Barceloneta Beach, Sant Sebastià Beach is particularly crowded in summer as the golden sand and clear waters are perfect for a refreshing escape from the city heat. An ideal spot for swimming and enjoying water activities, Sant Sebastià Beach offers a range of amenities, including beach loungers and umbrellas, restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard service.
Sant Sebastià Beach is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Along the promenade, there are many restaurants, bars, and beach clubs hosting parties and live music events from sunset to sunrise.
Sant Sebastià Beach also includes what was historically known as Sant Miquel Beach, which is an unofficial nudist beach.
2. Platja de la Barceloneta – Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona, located in – you guessed well – La Barceloneta neighborhood. This urban beach is incredibly busy and frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Stretching along the city’s coastline, Barceloneta Beach is indeed crowded, thanks to its easy access from Barcelona center, just a 30-minute walk from La Rambla. Barceloneta Beach boasts countless entertainment and food options, which adds to its popularity.
Barceloneta Beach offers beach umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent, restrooms, showers, lockers, free Wi-Fi, and a lifeguard service.
Get ready to relax by sunbathing, jogging on the seaside promenade, playing volleyball on the courts, and trying water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Around the beach, you will also find countless tapas bars, restaurants, and xiringuitos where you can indulge in delicious food and refreshing cocktails.
3. Platja del Somorrostro – Somorrostro Beach
Situated in the Barceloneta neighborhood, Somorrostro Beach has a rich heritage. It is named after the shanty town of Somorrostro, which was demolished by dictator Francisco Franco in 1966.
Today, Somorrostro Beach boasts a vibrant atmosphere that mixes tradition with modernity. It is close to Barcelona’s center and one of the most popular beaches in the city thanks to the excellent public transportation links. In addition, it boasts fantastic views of Barcelona’s skyline. The iconic Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre and Frank Ghery’s golden fish add lots to the charm of this beach.
Somorrostro Beach’s golden sand and clear waters make it a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The beach also offers several amenities, including restrooms, changing cabins, showers, and beach bars.
4. Platja de la Nova Icària – Nova Icària Beach
Nova Icària Beach is a family-friendly beach located north of the Olympic Port and the perfect retreat from Barcelona’s hustle and bustle. The vibe here is rather laid-back, especially compared to the vibrant atmosphere of Barceloneta Beach.
Nova Icària Beach has shallow waters and a lifeguard service to ensure a safe experience for everyone. In addition, other facilities you will find here are a children’s playground, ping pong tables, and two volleyball courts.
The seaside promenade is dotted with beach restaurants and bars for a lovely meal and drinks break.
Nova Icària Beach is famous for the presence of Barcelona Casino, and it is easily accessible on foot from Ciutadella Park. This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, which means it has clean and safe waters and exceptional-quality services.
5. Platja del Bogatell – Bogatell Beach
Another awesome family-friendly beach is Bogatell Beach, located in the Poblenou neighborhood. It takes its name from an old stream that once ran from the uptown area of Vilapicina.
Its spaciousness, golden sand, clear waters, and excellent amenities make Bogatell Beach popular among families. At this beach, you will find restrooms, showers, beach umbrellas and loungers, and lifeguards.
This beach’s calm and shallow waters create an ambiance particularly suitable for children, who can enjoy a safe swimming experience. If you are a sports enthusiast, you will appreciate the beach’s spaces for playing beach volleyball and football, as well as the workout area.
Bogatell Beach also boasts a promenade with tall palm trees, which is ideal for relaxing walks or cycling.
6. Platja de la Nova Mar Bella – Nova Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella Beach belongs to the Diagonal Mar neighborhood. Like other beaches in Barcelona, it was designed during the city’s urban reconstruction on the occasion of the 1992 Olympic Games.
This beach is quiet despite attracting fairly young people in the district. It is also the perfect beach for anyone with reduced mobility since it offers easily accessible amenities and specific services.
For instance, you will find wooden walkways across the sand to the sea, volunteers on hand to assist, and amphibious chairs to enjoy the clear and refreshing waters.
Nova Mar Bella Beach, awarded the Blue Flag, boasts rental beach umbrellas and deck chairs, showers, public toilets, and volleyball courts. Visitors will also find refreshment stands selling beverages and ice cream and a beach library where they can rent books.
And there you have it, the best beaches in Barcelona, map included. Which one would you pick right now for a couple of hours under the sun?
