Barcelona is a very popular tourist spot that caters to a lot of travelers and accommodates lots of activities under very low budgets. Besides being called out for a ‘massage heaven’ you get to experience the most popular beaches in Barcelona. Not only these beaches are well maintained for providing eternal pleasures but you can explore the most desirable diversity of seafood and water activity. Therefore, liberating you from all the baffling struggles I have curated a list of the top 10 beaches close to Barcelona that can fully comply with all your desirable fantasies of relaxation and give an exotic stress-relieving vacation at the cheapest costs.
List of Beaches to Visit in Barcelona
1. Sant Sebastia Beach
Sant Sebastia beach is one of the oldest and most traditional beaches in Barcelona which is located to the east of Barceloneta beach. They were the first beaches to provide amenities for bathing onsite, a facility meant for the Barcelonian middle class to enjoy exclusively when they were constructed in the early 20th century. As it is considered the last stretch along the Barceloneta beach, it is less popular than its neighbor given it is a little further from the nearest metro station. But with no obvious breakwater between them, they form the longest stretch of unbroken beach in Barcelona of over 2 km (1.2 mi) long. An interesting thing to note about Sant Sebastia is that it is the only other beach in Barcelona that offers a nudist area (located at its southern end). The other nudist area is Marbella Beach to the west of Nova Mar Bella beach.
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 2, 08003, Barcelona
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2. Barceloneta Beach
Being the popular beaches in Barcelona, Barceloneta beach is one of the most convenient spots without traveling too far out. In fact, it is just a leisurely 20-minute walk from Las Ramblas where the heart of the city is. Or if you prefer, you can also catch a short ride on the yellow line metro to the Barceloneta stop. Located in the traditional fishing district, Barceloneta is the city’s oldest and favorite beach that locals visit to enjoy fish and other seafood dishes. That being said, expect to see crowds along the 1.1-km (0.6 mi) long beach filled with mostly American style bars and restaurants. As the local’s favorite beach, Barceloneta also boasts numerous sports and entertainment facilities including beach volleyball and table tennis, sailing, kiteboarding, and many more. There are also plenty of refreshment kiosks, shower, and toilet facilities for you to freshen up after some sandy fun at the beach. Do not forget to look out for funky art projects dotting the sandy beach, including the “Homenatge a la Barceloneta” (Homage to Barceloneta), a quirky sculpture featuring four large iron boxes stacked up like a crooked tower. Created by German artist Rebecca Horn, it commemorates the old-fashioned shacks that once lined the beach and was commissioned for the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona.
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 16, 08003, Barcelona
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3. Bogatell Beach
Bogatell beach is frequented mostly by locals and hence has a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely swim without the worry of bumping into other people’s elbows because it is one of the top 10 beaches close to Barcelona. Soak in views of Barcelona’s impressive skyline from the sea, including the prestigious W Hotel at the far end of the nearby Olympic Port. Or join the amicable locals for a game of beach volleyball. After a wonderful time at the beach, explore Poblenou, just opposite Bogatell, a hippy neighborhood where you may stumble upon pop-up vintage markets or indie art studios.
Address: Passeig Marítim del Bogatell, 80, 08005, Barcelona
4. Ocata Beach
Another famous beach near Barcelona, just a few kilometers north of Barcelona downtown, is the alluring El Masnou town where Ocata beach can be found. The long and wide beach starts right after the marina of Port Masnou, stretching more than 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mi) long. Even in busy summer, you will surely be able to find a spot to throw your towel into the sand, without getting in the way of others. With only a 30-minute train ride from downtown, you will arrive at Ocata, which boasts a pristine and relatively flat beach, ideal for a leisurely stroll or sunbathing on the beautiful golden white sand. Less of an entertainment area like the city beaches, Ocata is the ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. Chill in one of the many Chiringuitos (beach bars) lined up along the serene beach with a cool drink. If you like, you may also want to check out the stretch towards the secluded south where nudity is permitted.
Address: Ocata beach, Barcelona, Spain
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5. Nova Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella beach is located on the other end of the coastline in the Sant Martí district. This most visited beach near Barcelona was also created because of the urban renewal that took place for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Although just 500 m (1,640 ft) long, Nova Mar Bella beach is quite popular with locals as well, probably because it is considered one of the quietest beaches in the city. More than 60% of the visitors to this popular beach are women, and you can expect to see a younger crowd here too. There is a volleyball court in the middle of the beach, and of course, the usual amenities such as showers and lifeguard services are put in place for the convenience of visitors. If you prefer to see a different side of Barcelona beach life, then make your way to experience Nova Mar Bella beach for some peace!
Address: Nova Mar Bella beach, 128, 08005, Barcelona
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6. Nova Icaria Beach
If you are heading to the beach with little ones in tow, Nova Icaria beach could just be the right one for you with its availability of many family-friendly facilities. There is a designated activity area with table tennis tables and a number of volleyball courts for you to get active. Or you can just lie on the golden sand and people watch. It feels more relaxed and spacious at Nova Icaria compared to Barceloneta although the latter is longer and wider. As an added bonus, this one of the best beaches close to Barcelona is also a great spot for catching a spectacular air show, such as the Festa al Cel or the Red Bull Air Race.
Address: Nova Icaria beach, 60, 08005, Barcelona
7. Castelldefels Beach
If you have more time to explore a little further from the city center, there are several lovely beaches in Barcelona’s outskirts to escape from the crowds downtown. Castelldefels beach may be a mere 15-minute train ride south of the bustling downtown, but you will get a 5-km (3.1 mi) long stretch of tempting sand once you arrive. Partake in a number of water sports facilities such as kite surfing and swimming in its shallow and calm waters. Or maybe you prefer to sunbathe on the golden sand and look out to marvelous views of the mountain on the horizon. Along the beach heading towards the north, you will find many hotels, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops for the touristy side of Castelldefels. Nonetheless, visit this Spain top beach near Barcelona during the low season and the beach is so empty that you can hear the sound of the splashing waves clearly. This is a true beach luxury to enjoy just 15 minutes away from the busy city beaches.
Address: Castelldefels beach, Barcelona, Spain
8. Caldetes Beach
Slightly further than Ocata beach is another beach to visit in Barcelona, if not quieter beach called the Caldetes beach, less than an hour from downtown on the train. Also known as Caldes d’Estrac, Caldetes is a tranquil small village that allows for a quick retreat just a few miles northeast of the city, where you can relax and unwind. The picturesque and pristine beach in this quaint little village used to be a spa and resort town for the well-to-do, but it is now a popular tourist destination. Although it is a popular tourist spot, do not worry about it being like another Barceloneta beach. In addition, there is also a handful of Chiringuitos and atmospheric cafes to lounge in. Or if you prefer to get active, surf, or kayak in the clear blue waters and some parts of Caldetes offer stronger currents and larger waves than other beaches to add to the fun. There is also a range of outdoor activities including a volleyball court and a lovely kids’ playground to enjoy. Enjoy the picture-perfect beach, regardless of how you wish to spend your time at Caldetes!
Address: Caldes D’Estrac, Barcelona
9. Somorrostro Beach
Located adjacent to Barceloneta beach to its west, Somorrostro beach is one of the most ideally located and must-visit beaches near Barcelona within easy access to public transportation. However, it is also a place with an infamous history. In the past, it was the site of a shanty neighborhood called Somorrostro, where more than 15,000 people lived in extremely poor conditions. The neighborhood was only demolished in the 1960s and eventually became part of Barceloneta beach. Only 7 years ago in 2010, it was renamed after its former name to commemorate this historical site. Because it is so close to everyone’s favorite – the Barceloneta beach, you will also find lots of young tourists here and some locals who are attracted by the ease of visiting Somorrostro beach. Expect to see the typical beach facilities here at the 520-m (1,706-ft) long Somorrostro beach, including showers and public restrooms, children play area, volleyball courts and lifeguard service.
Address: Somorrostro beach Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 32, 08003, Barcelona
10. Sant Pol de Mar Beach
Last but not least, if time is on your hands and you truly want to escape from the hectic downtown, find your way to Sant Pol de Mar northwest of the city. The 50 km (31 mi) journey along the Costa del Maresme will lead you pass many beautiful beaches such as Ocata and other small towns, one of which is the appealing Sant Pol de Mar. There are not many tourists over here, which is something you will likely appreciate. Perhaps because of the high privacy visitors get to enjoy at Sant Pol de Mar, the beach is popular with gay daytrippers and nudist bathers. If you are game to experience anything, follow the rail tracks back towards Barcelona for about 1 km (0.6 mi) from the train station to get to the nudist coves backed by pretty hills. Nonetheless, even if you prefer to keep your kit on, this popular beach near Barcelona and enchanting coves are very enjoyable too.
Address: Platja Roques Blanques; 08395 Sant Pol de Mar, Barcelona
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Hope you enjoyed the list of top 10 beaches in Barcelona that are surreal and exciting in their own ways. Along with smooth sand and crystal clear water, you get to experience refined Thai seafood cuisines at an amazingly cheap rate while strolling on the famous beaches near Barcelona. You can contact our assistance for booking any tours or flights or hotels for exploring such exotic and adventurous cities. While don’t forget to like, share and comment under our articles keeping our bloggers motivated to write more engaging blogs like these.
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