Barcelona’s beach

Barcelona ranks alongside Miami, Sydney, and Rio de Janeiro as one of the world’s top beach cities. Just a short walk from the city center, you’ll find over five kilometers of golden sand. How amazing is it that you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea during your city trip? For even better beaches, venture beyond the city limits.

The beach of Barcelona	Tickets, opening hours & public transport
Price	Free
Address	Along the Barcelona coast
Public transport / metro	Metro: Barceloneta, Ciutadella – Vila Olimpica and Poblenou (L4)
Opening hours	n/a

Table of Contents

• Barcelona’s different beaches
• How to get to the beach?
• Eating and drinking at Barcelona’s beach
• 10 x things to see and do at the Barcelona beach
• Beach guard, flags and safety
• Beaches near Barcelona
• The origins of Barcelona’s beach

Barcelona’s different beaches

Platja de San Sebastià
Platja de San Sebastià stretches from the iconic W Hotel to the large Boardriders surf shop. Once a popular nudist beach, its character has evolved since the arrival of the towering W Hotel. Still, you may occasionally encounter a nude sunbather here.

Platja de La Barceloneta
Barcelona’s most popular beach, Platja de la Barceloneta, is where you’ll find towels lined up side by side during the summer. Its prime location near the city center, along with a variety of food stalls, bars, and nearby supermarkets, make it a favorite. Between the two breakwaters, there’s an open-air gym—perfect for working on your own fitness or watching others in action!

Nova Icària
Nova Icària beach begins just after the Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre, the two unmissable skyscrapers that stand to your left when facing the sea. This beach is well-equipped for wheelchair accessibility and is a hub for beach volleyball and table tennis enthusiasts.

Bogatell
A favorite among locals, Bogatell beach is less crowded than Platja de San Sebastià or Platja de la Barceloneta but still easily accessible from the city. You’ll also find the excellent restaurant Escribà here.

Mar Bella
Further north, Mar Bella beach underwent a significant transformation for the 1992 Olympics. It’s known as a hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community and naturists, though the latter have a designated area. The Mar Bella skatepark is also a popular spot for skateboarders and BMX riders in Barcelona.

How to get to the beach?

How you reach the beach depends on which platja you plan to visit. For Platja de San Sebastià or La Barceloneta, the best option is to take the metro to Barceloneta station (L4, yellow line). From the station, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk along Passeig Joan de Borbó to the beach. Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic stroll from the city center along the harbor, making the metro unnecessary.

Find out everything you need to know about public transport in Barcelona.

To reach Nova Icària or Bogatell beaches, get off at the Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica metro station (L4, yellow line). Nova Icària is about a 10-minute walk, while Bogatell takes roughly 15 minutes.

Mar Bella beach is slightly less accessible by metro. I recommend taking the metro to Poblenou (L4, yellow line) and walking the remaining 15 minutes.

Cycling is also an excellent way to reach the beach. If one spot doesn’t suit your vibe, you can easily hop on your bike and find another!

Additionally, the red and green routes of the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service stop at the beach, with the green line operating only during the high season.

Dining, lunch and drinking at Barcelona’s beach

Looking to enjoy a seafood feast or sip a cocktail with the sea breeze in your hair? Here are my top picks!

Salamanca – A classic restaurant located on Platja de la Barceloneta. While it’s a favorite among tourists, locals have also been coming here for years. (Carrer de Pepe Rubianes, 34)

Escribà – For the ultimate vacation vibe, order a large pan of paella and a good glass of wine here. Enjoy your meal with a stunning sea view! (Avenida Litoral 62)

Maka Maka – At Maka Maka they who know exactly what we crave on a beach day: great burgers (for both meat lovers and vegetarians), fresh juices, and cold cocktails. (Passeig Joan de Borbó 76)

Las Sardinitas – This spot offers delicious and very affordable paella. (Avenida Litoral 26)

Can Fisher – The place where trendy Barcelona gathers to enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. (Avenida Litoral 64)

Also check out my Top 20 best restaurants in Barcelona.

Beach vendors in Barcelona

Beer, cerveza, agua, beer!” The chorus of beach vendors is a familiar sound on Barcelona’s beaches, much to the dismay of chiringuito owners. Despite their concerns, these vendors have become a staple of the beach experience. Craving a cold bottle of water, a Coke, or a mojito? You can simply order your drink from the comfort of your towel. Other vendors might offer colorful beach towels, or even a relaxing massage.

However, be aware that most beach vendors are not licensed, and the police keep a close watch on them. Haggling is common—expect to pay around 1.5 euros for a can of beer or Coke, and no more than 15 euros for a beach towel.

12 things to see and do at the Barcelona beach besides sunbathing

Not a fan of sunbathing for hours? There’s plenty to see and do in and around Barcelona’s beach:

1. Homage to Barceloneta
The blocky tower on Barceloneta beach is a popular meeting point for locals before a day at the beach. Called L’Estel Ferit (“The Wounded Star”), this structure was designed by German artist Rebecca Horn and was installed during the Olympic Games. It pays tribute to the small shops that once stood in this part of the old fishing district of La Barceloneta, but were cleared out for the 1992 Olympics.

2. Peix d’Or
The golden fish near the two skyscrapers was designed by Frank Gehry, again in honor of the 1992 Olympic Games.

3. Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre
These two towering buildings dominate Barcelona’s skyline and were the city’s first skyscrapers. Hotel Arts is a luxurious hotel, while Torre Mapfre is primarily a business hub, housing the German consulate, among other offices.

4. Hotel Vela (W Barcelona)
Also known as Hotel Vela, this sail-shaped structure is one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Located at the edge of the Barceloneta beach, the hotel offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and is a symbol of the city’s modern architectural flair. Even if you’re not staying there, the hotel is worth a visit, if only to admire its impressive design.

5. Volleyball
At the beaches of Nova Icària and Bogatell, volleyball is played year-round. You can bring your own net and ball to play at designated areas or ask to join a game with others.

6. Ping Pong
Grab your paddle and start playing! There are several ping-pong tables at Bogatell beach.

7. Fitness
Near the breakwaters on Barceloneta beach, you’ll find an open-air gym (free of charge). If you can’t resist a workout even on vacation, you can train here alongside some of the city’s fittest residents.

8. Sand Sculptures
La Barceloneta beach is often home to beautiful and intricate sand sculptures. These creations add a unique touch to the beach experience. While admiring them is free, it’s customary to leave a coin if you want to take a photo.

9. Sailing
From the sea, you get a stunning view of the coastline and various beaches of Barcelona. There are many options for renting a boat or joining a boat tour. For example, take a sunset cruise with a drink in hand or hop on an eco-friendly catamaran. You can drift peacefully on the water, soaking up the sun and the scenery.

10. Surfing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
For experienced surfers, the Mediterranean might be a bit tame, but beginners will appreciate the calm waters of Barcelona. You can rent a board at places like Boardriders or Surf House in Barceloneta.

Another fun way to get on the water without needing much skill is stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent a board at Boardriders or Surf House. Lessons aren’t really necessary—after a few falls and attempts, you’ll get the hang of it. Want to relax on the water? Try SUP Yoga! Book a session here!

11. Nightlife
Just before the Olympic Port, you’ll find one of the city’s most popular nightlife areas. Clubs like Pacha and Opium attract many partygoers to the beach starting around 1 AM. The club entrances are on the boulevard above. After dancing, you can catch your breath on the beach.

12. Swimming
Not in the mood for sand but still want to cool off in the water? Head to the swimming pool in Barceloneta. Read all about this and other swimming pools in Barcelona.

Lifeguards, flags and beach safety

During the high season, typically from May to October, lifeguards are stationed along the entire beach in Barcelona. Their primary role is to ensure that swimmers don’t venture too far out into the sea and to respond quickly if needed. If you encounter any problems, you can always approach the socorrista (lifeguard) for assistance. When night falls, the lifeguards leave their posts, and this is announced over the loudspeakers in Catalan, Spanish, and English.

Now, about the flags: Typically, you’ll see a blue flag flying. This indicates that the water and the beach meet high European quality standards. Alongside the blue flag, you’ll also notice either a green, yellow, or red flag. A green flag means it’s safe to swim. A yellow flag indicates caution—swimming is allowed, but you should be careful, perhaps due to strong winds. A red flag means swimming is prohibited.

Beaches near Barcelona

The city beaches of Barcelona are perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing break after a day of exploring the city. However, for a more laid-back beach day, we recommend venturing outside the city. With the regional Cercanías train, you can be lounging under your umbrella in just 20 to 45 minutes.

The Cercanías/Rodalies train follows the coastline both northward (up to the resort town of Blanes) and southward (towards Tarragona). You can hop off wherever you like. Some popular beaches along the route include:

South of Barcelona:

Castelldefels
A half-hour train ride from Barcelona brings you to the 6-kilometer-long beach of Castelldefels. While it may not be the most picturesque beach in Catalonia, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for space and don’t want to travel far. Just make sure to take a train that stops at Castelldefels Platja station, not Castelldefels (the town), as it’s a considerable walk from there to the coast.

Sitges
At first glance, the beach at Sitges might seem as crowded as Barceloneta, but don’t be fooled—Sitges boasts a dozen different beaches. Behind the church, you’ll find several small coves sheltered by rock walls. The town itself is also incredibly charming. Tip: At the sailing club on the pier at the foot of the church, you can enjoy a great three-course lunch in a fantastic setting. Sitges is highly recommended for a day trip out of the city.

Vilanova i la Geltrú
Between Tarragona and Barcelona lies Vilanova i la Geltrú, with six kilometers of coastline. This is the first beach where you’ll find more Catalans than tourists.

North of Barcelona:

Badalona, Montgat Nord, Ocata
Less than a half-hour train ride from Barcelona, you’ll find the popular beaches of Badalona, Montgat Nord, and Ocata. These are the beaches where Barcelona locals love to go. Wide beaches, fine sand, and plenty of space. Plus, there are lots of facilities for children. From the train stations, it’s just a short walk to the beach. Badalona and Montgat are still within Zone 1, while Ocata falls into Zone 2 on public transport.

Sant Pol de Mar
The Sitges of the Maresme coast, Sant Pol is a lovely seaside town with a few beautiful beaches, and the train ride there is wonderfully relaxing. It’s a bit further, but it’s well worth the journey. The village itself is also worth exploring.

Tossa de Mar
Even further north are Tossa de Mar and Platja d’Aro, but these beach towns are only accessible by car or bus.

The origins of Barcelona’s beach

Before the 1992 Olympic Games transformed Barcelona, the city’s beach scene was quite different from what we see today. The coastline primarily consisted of rocky shores, and Barceloneta was far from the sandy paradise it is now. Back then, it wasn’t the ideal spot for sunbathing on soft sand.

Barcelona, at that time, was known for living with its back turned to the sea. The city had largely overlooked its coastal potential, focusing instead on its bustling urban life and architecture. The beach area was characterized by its rugged, rocky terrain, which didn’t exactly invite relaxation or leisure.

The dramatic transformation began as Barcelona prepared to host the Olympics. A major part of this redevelopment involved reclaiming land and creating the sandy beaches that have become synonymous with the city’s identity today. This ambitious project involved extensive beach nourishment, which means that large quantities of sand were deposited to create the wide, inviting beaches that now stretch along the Mediterranean coast.

The result of these efforts is the vibrant, sandy stretch of Barceloneta and other city beaches, which now attract millions of visitors each year. This transformation not only reshaped the physical landscape but also changed the way Barcelonians and tourists interact with the sea. Today, the beach is a bustling hub of activity.