Beaches in Barcelona
Best Beaches in Barcelona For A Perfect Beachside Vacation
Here is the list of 10 Beaches in Barcelona
1. Barceloneta Beach (Sant Sebastià end)
Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most iconic beach, buzzing with energy from sunrise to sunset. Close to the Gothic Quarter and flanked by a lively promenade, it attracts everyone—from locals playing paddleball to tourists sipping sangria at beachfront bars. While it can get crowded in summer, its proximity to the city and its wide, golden sands make it a must-visit for first-timers.
Location: El Barceloneta neighborhood, walkable from the city center
Nearby: Tapas bars, cable car, Gothic Quarter
Accessibility: Adapted showers, amphibious chairs, accessible boardwalk
Atmosphere: Lively, touristy, great for people-watching
2. Somorrostro Beach
A continuation of Barceloneta, Somorrostro has a calmer, more local feel despite being centrally located. It’s a great spot for early morning swims or sunset dips without the heavy party vibe. Its history as a former Romani settlement adds cultural depth to this revitalized stretch of sand.
Location: Between Barceloneta and Port Olímpic
Best For: Quieter central beach experience
Accessibility: Lifeguards, adapted access points, info stands
3. Nova Icària Beach
Popular with locals, Nova Icària is a balanced, family-friendly beach near the Olympic Port. It’s well-equipped, peaceful, and great for sports or relaxed swimming. It’s also one of the most inclusive beaches, with excellent accessibility features and low waves for safe bathing.
Location: Near Port Olímpic and Nova Icària Park
Facilities: Volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, adapted changing rooms
Crowd: Families, friend groups, laid-back vibe
4. Bogatell Beach
Clean, spacious, and well-organized, Bogatell Beach draws a more mature local crowd. It's ideal for joggers, casual swimmers, and those who want a more peaceful beach experience with fitness zones and less commercial bustle.
Location: East of Nova Icària, accessible via metro/bus
Vibe: Active, calm, fewer vendors and tourists
Highlights: Outdoor gym, long boardwalk for cycling/running
5. Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella is a dynamic, youthful beach known for its inclusive atmosphere. It has a designated nudist area and is popular with the LGBTQ+ community. There’s a skate park nearby, water sports rentals, and weekend parties in summer—making it the most alternative of Barcelona’s beaches.
Location: Sant Martí district
Known For: Nudist section, LGBTQ+ zone, summer parties
Access: Ramp access and adapted facilities
6. Nova Mar Bella Beach
Quieter than its neighbor, Nova Mar Bella offers soft sands and clear water with a much more relaxed vibe. It’s popular with women, locals, and those seeking a break from the party crowds without leaving the city.
Location: East of Mar Bella
Vibe: Calm, local-friendly
Facilities: Loungers, beach bars, showers
7. Llevant Beach
Barcelona’s newest beach and the only one that officially allows dogs during summer (in a designated area). It’s less polished, but quieter and more functional, especially for residents in nearby Poblenou. A good option for a morning walk or swim with a pet.
Location: Easternmost beach in the city
Unique Feature: Dog-friendly zone (summer fenced area)
Facilities: Limited, less crowded
8. Sant Miquel Beach
One of Barcelona’s smallest and oldest beaches, tucked beside Barceloneta. It’s ideal for a quick swim with views of the Estel Ferit sculpture and easy access to the old town. Despite its size, it has all the necessary services and tends to feel less chaotic.
Location: Near Plaça del Mar and Passeig de Joan de Borbó
Highlights: Sculpture landmark, quieter than central stretch
Best For: Short visits, quick dips, photography
9. Banys del Fòrum (Fòrum Bathing Area)
A unique, non-sandy bathing area designed for city swimmers who want clean water without waves or beach crowds. It’s accessible, deep, and calm—great for floating, sunbathing on concrete decks, or just dipping in quickly on a hot day.
Location: Parc del Fòrum, northernmost point of coastline
Type: Concrete platform, no sand
Best For: Swimming without sand, accessible bathing
10. Ocata Beach (El Masnou)
If you want a beach escape from the city, Ocata is perfect. Just a 25-minute train ride north, it has wide sands, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful vibe far from the crowds of Barceloneta. It’s great for families or couples wanting a quieter beach day without leaving metro Barcelona.
Location: El Masnou, ~25 min by Renfe train
Atmosphere: Relaxed, local, spacious
Ideal For: Day trips, couples, families, photography
Barcelona’s coastline is an extension of the city itself—vibrant, diverse, and welcoming. Whether you're looking to people-watch on Barceloneta, surf the waves at Mar Bella, or escape to the calm of Ocata, there’s a beach for every kind of traveler. With easy access via public transport and plenty of local personality at each stretch of sand, beach-hopping in Barcelona is as much about exploring the city’s soul as it is about sun and sea.