Barcelona is famous for its with a beautiful coastline, and there are lots of beaches in Barcelona where you can enjoy sunbathing, take a dip in the sea or have a drink at a chiringuito beach bar. Here’s the lowdown on the best beaches in Barcelona, no matter what kind of beach day you’re looking for!
The Best Beaches in Barcelona
There are 10 beaches officially in the city of Barcelona, stretching from San Sebastian beach at the southern end of Barcelona’s coastline, to Banys del Fòrum at the northern end.
The best Barcelona beach for you will depend on how far you want to travel from your accommodation, if you want to have a lot of choices for food and drink, and if you prefer quieter beaches or don’t mind the crowds.
Some beaches have assistance available for people with disabilties, and there are beaches which are more popular with the gay community. There are even some nudist beaches in Barcelona so we really do have something for everyone here.
The beaches closest to Barcelona (Sant Miquel and Barceloneta in particular) are the most popular among visitors and tend to be busier and not as clean. Walking, cycling or taking the metro further north is worth it for more space, fewer crowds and less trash.
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The 10 Barcelona Beaches
San Sebastian Beach (Platja de Sant Sebastià)
San Sebastian is about 20 minutes walk from Barceloneta Metro station and is at the southern end of Barcelona’s beach strip. The iconic W Hotel at the end of the beach is a recognisable landmark to head towards if you get lost!
Although not officially a gay beach or a nudist beach, San Sebastian is a laid-back, local spot and is popular with the LGBTI community and nudists. There is an outdoor gym and climbing frame for kids and a place to rent out paddle boards as well as a chiringuito beach bar during the summer months.
In the area close to Plaça del Mar in June & July you can also catch Cinema Lluire – a cinema screen on the beach which shows a selection films shown in their original versions, usually with Catalan or Spanish subtitles.
The area is also popular with skateboarders and skaters, and there are various people selling drinks, blankets, massages and beers.
Platja de Sant Miquel
San Sebastian Beach blends into Sant Miquel, which is one of the busiest beaches in Barcelona. The location next to the Barceloneta neighbourhood means it is the closest beach to the city of Barcelona and is on the doorstep of the apartments in Barceloneta.
The beach is home to the “L’Estel Ferit” sculpture, made up of four stacked steel cubes that pop up on postcards and photos of Barcelona beaches. There are lots of restaurants and bars in Barceloneta where you can go for food or drinks before or after your beach session.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta can refer to the neighbourhood alongside the beach, which was previously a village for the fishermen who lived and worked at the docks which used to fill the seafront here, or the stretch of beach that runs alongside it.
Barceloneta beach is actually a relatively small section of the beach in Barcelona, next to Sant Miquel. Here you’ll find a few chiringuito beach bars, a kids’ climbing frame and outdoor gym equipment, as well as areas for volleyball.
There is a viewpoint known as Mirador de Pedres which has a lovely view of the beaches curving along the coast, with the sail-like W Hotel at the end.
Somorrostro Beach (Platja del Somorrostro)
Somorrostro Beach is the last section of the beach in Barcelona before you reach Port Olímpic. There are several restaurants here, and in the evenings this is a popular tourist spot for nightlife with several bars and beach clubs that practically open up onto the sand.
During the day it can get busy as it is the closest beach to Ciutadella Vila Olímpica metro station. While you’re here, take a walk around the port and have some lunch at one of the restaurants such as El Tribut or SUPERLOCAL.
The “twin towers” can be seen all along the beach in Barcelona – these are a hotel (Hotel Arts Barcelona) and an office block, previously home to Mapfre insurance services. As well as the various restaurants and a casino, you’ll also find El Peix d’Or Frank Gehry, a golden fish sculpture.
Platja de la Nova Icària
Nova Icària was one of my favourite beaches when I lived in Poble Nou, as it was the closest to my flat! It is a short walk from Ciutadella Vila Olímpica metro station just the other side of Port Olímpic, so it is close to several bars and restaurants.
It is usually fairly busy due to the closeness of facilities and transport, and you’ll also find a couple of beach volleyball pitches, several permanent beachfront restaurants that are open all year as well as an open-air gym, a kids’ climbing frame and a seating area at the far end.
One of the best things about Nova Icària beach in Barcelona is the accessible facilities available, including a bathing support service to help disabled people get in and out of the water, and use an amphibious wheelchair if needed. You can find out more about accessibility on Barcelona’s beaches here.
Another thing I love about this beach is that you want to get away from the crowds then you can take a walk along the top of the outer wall of the port along Moll de Gregal to the Escollera de Barcelona. There are hardly any people here and there are lovely views of the port and back towards Barcelona.
Bogatell Beach
Bogatell is a lovely, long stretch of sand next to the Poblenou neighbourhood. It is popular with locals and has a variety of facilities including accessible toilets and showers and wooden pathways that lead down towards the water for easier access.
If you visit Bogatell Beach I highly recommend booking a table for lunch at Xiringuito Escriba, as the paella and rice dishes there are amazing! The restaurant is up on the boardwalk with views of the sea but it does get busy at the weekends so booking is a good idea.
If you need a break from the sand and sun, nearby Poblenou Park is a greener space with trees where you can find some shade.
Mar Bella Beach (Platja de la Mar Bella)
The part of Mar Bella Beach next to Bogatell is fairly narrow, and coastal erosion is making it even narrower – but it widens up as you go further north along the sand. Mar Bella is clothing optional so don’t be surprised to see naked sunbathing here! The sand is slightly shielded from the footpath so it is a little more private than the nudist beach at Platja San Sebastian.
Mar Bella also popular with the LGBTQ community and there are several beach bars here to try out although the service is often painfully slow!
Nova Mar Bella Beach (Platja de la Nova Mar Bella)
“New” Mar Bella Beach is part of the Sant Martí neighbourhood and is mainly used by locals so it is one of the quietest beaches in Barcelona. There’s a chiringuito during the summer, and a skate park nearby.
It is also close to the shops and hotels at Diagonal Mar. It gets busier when there are events and festivals at Forum, such as Primavera Sound, which also makes the public transport much busier too.
Llevant Beach
Llevant is one of the newest beaches in Barcelona and was only created in 2006. Llevant Beach has an area marked off at the far end which is reserved for locals who have dogs with them. The special “Area Gossos” is fenced off and has dedicated amenities for dogs such as drinking troughs and dog showers, as well as more regular cleaning.
Fòrum Bathing Area
This area isn’t a beach as such as there is no sand here, but it is a public swimming area. Instead of walking into the sea from the sand as you would on the beaches in Barcelona, there is a paved area for sitting and sunbathing, with steps down into the water.
The swimming area is marked off with ropes and floats, so be careful not to go outside the designated swimming area. Apparently, there are also sea urchins here, so wearing swimming shoes is recommended.
There are some accessible services provided here too, including two hydraulic lift chairs that are used to access the water.
Gay Beaches in Barcelona
Barcelona is generally a gay-friendly city, so you can enjoy any of the beaches here without any problems. However, San Sebastian (Platja de Sant Sebastià) and Mar Bella (Platja de la Mar Bella) are known as the gay beaches in Barcelona.
Nudist Beaches in Barcelona
There are two clothing-optional beaches in Barcelona, with the official nudist beach area at Mar Bella, and an unofficial one at San Sebastian. These beaches are welcoming to everyone and popular with the LGBTQI community too.
There aren’t any physical barriers marking out where the nudist areas are, so if you prefer not to see naked bodies on the beach then it’s best to give these areas a wide berth. The beach at San Sebastian is right next to the boardwalk and there are often naked people standing or lying on the beach here, where as Mar Bella is a little more out of the way.
If you are looking for where it is safe to get naked, just keep an eye out for other nude sunbathers and stick around them!
Of course, you don’t have to take your clothes off to enjoy these beaches, but if you keep your swimsuit on then be respectful of the people around you. Avoid staring and taking photographs, just relax and enjoy the sunshine!
Topless Sunbathing in Barcelona
While nude sunbathing and swimming are reserved for the two beaches mentioned above, topless sunbathing is common on all of the beaches in Barcelona.
The Best Beaches Near Barcelona
If you venture a little further out of the city you can find even more beautiful beaches, that are much quieter than those in Barcelona. There are train services that run north and south along the coast, with pretty beaches in either direction.
Badalona
Hop on the metro or take the train to Badalona (using a standard zone 1 transport ticket or your Hola Barcelona Travel card) and enjoy Badalona beach with far fewer tourists than the beaches close to Barcelona.
If you decide to continue up the coast, Montgat is the last stop you can get off at within zone 1, although there are more beaches all along the coast in zones 2-5 up to Blanes.
READ MORE: What is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card & Is It Worth It?.
The Costa Brava
Costa Brava is famous for it’s coastline, with gorgeous sandy beaches and secluded rocky coves to explore. There are bus services to take you to along the coast from Barcelona bus station, but you will need to book seats in advance, especially at the weekend or during the busy summer periods. Moventis runs a reliable service from Barcelona airport and Barcelona city centre to the Costa Brava.
Popular stops include Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Palamós, although there are lots more places to explore. Hiring a car will give you more freedom to visit different locations, although parking can be an issue in the summer.
Sitges and Casteldefells
Sitges is a pretty town about 35 minutes south of Barcelona by train from Sants train station, in zone 3. Trains to Sitges depart from Estació de França, stopping at Passeig de Gracia before Sants, and then on towards Sitges. Sitges has several beaches to choose from, including clothing optional beaches like Platja dels Balmins.
It’s worth paying that bit extra to get a train ticket to Sitges as it’s a lovely town and well worth visiting, but if you prefer to stick with zone 1 then Casteldefells is another excellent option. You could get off in the town of Casteldefells or at the next stop Platja de Casteldefells to head straight to the beach.
Quick Tips for Enjoying the Beach in Barcelona
Check How Busy it is
The Barcelona Town Hall website has a map showing each of the beaches and how busy they are. The occupancy levels shown are updated regularly, but things can change quickly. The maps also show water quality and whether bathing is recommended. Check out the map here.
Be Aware of Thieves
Pickpockets and bag snatchers work the beaches in Barcelona, so don’t leave any valuables unattended, and keep your bag in contact with your body at all times – sneaky thieves can grab items from right under your nose! I’d also recommend a waterproof phone pouch so you can keep your phone with you at all times.
Follow Barcelona Beach Rules
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, smoking is now banned on all Barcelona beaches, except in beach bars and promenades. Make sure you take all your trash off the beach with you or dispose of it in the bins provided.
Topless sunbathing is common on all the beaches in Barcelona but nude sunbathing is only allowed at Marbella and San Sebastian beaches.
Once you leave the sand, be sure to cover up – police can issue fines ranging from €120 to €300 for walking around the streets without a top on.
Stay Safe in & Around the Water
During the low season (usually from October to the beginning of March) there are no lifeguards on duty, so be extra careful on the beaches during that time. In an emergency, call 112. In the shoulder season the facilities and life guards are usually available on weekends and during peak hours, and then during the summer they are on duty all day. You can check the bathing season and facilities available here.
Leave the Dog at Home
During the summer bathing season, dogs are banned on the beaches (except for guide dogs), apart from an area at Llevant Beach which is reserved for people with dogs.
Avoid the Beach after Heavy Rain
If it rains heavily in Barcelona then the water quality on the beaches decreases due to excess water flowing into the sea from the city streets. The same applies after a storm, although it can be interesting to take a walk along the beach and see what has been washed up!
FAQs about Barcelona’s beaches
Which is the best beach in Barcelona?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Barceloneta Beach is the most famous and easiest to reach, but it’s also the busiest. For something more relaxed, Bogatell Beach and Nova Icària Beach are popular with locals, while Mar Bella Beach has a younger, more alternative and gay-friendly vibe.
Are barcelona beaches free?
Yes, all the beaches in Barcelona are completely free to access. You only need to pay if you want to rent sunbeds, umbrellas, or use certain facilities at beach clubs.
Are the beaches in barcelona safe?
Barcelona’s beaches are generally safe, but you do need to watch out for pickpockets, especially at busy beaches like Barceloneta Beach. Never leave valuables unattended while swimming, and consider using a waterproof pouch.
Can you swim in the sea in barcelona?
Yes, the Mediterranean is usually calm and great for swimming, especially from late spring to early autumn. Always check the flag system on the beach:
- green = safe
- yellow = caution
- red = no swimming
Which barcelona beach is the least crowded?
Head further away from the centre for more space. Llevant Beach is usually the quietest, followed by Bogatell Beach. Early mornings and weekdays are also much quieter than weekends and holidays
Are there toilets and showers on Barcelona beaches?
Yes, most beaches have public toilets and outdoor showers. However, showers are sometimes limited or turned off during drought periods, so don’t rely on them being available year-round.
Are there lockers at the beach in Barcelona?
Lockers do exist at some Barcelona beaches, but they are limited, often paid, and usually tied to specific facilities such as sports centres or accessibility services. There isn’t a reliable, city-wide system of public lockers available to everyone, so it’s best to assume you won’t have access to one and avoid bringing valuables with you.
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Barcelona?
Officially, drinking alcohol on the beach is not allowed and can result in a fine. That said, you may see people doing it, especially in the evenings, but it’s best to be aware of the rules.
Which beach in Barcelona is best for families?
Nova Icària Beach is one of the best options for families. It has calmer waters, good facilities, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the party vibe at Barceloneta Beach
Is there a nudist beach in Barcelona?
Yes, Mar Bella Beach has a designated nudist section. It’s well-known, relaxed, and clearly signposted.
What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona beaches?
The best time is from May to September when the weather is warm enough for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, so for fewer crowds, consider late May, June, or September. In the off-season I still love walking along the beach on a cool sunny day!
How do you get to the beaches in Barcelona?
Most beaches are easy to reach by public transport. The closest metro stops are:
- Barceloneta (L4) for Barceloneta Beach
- Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica (L4) for Nova Icària Beach
- Poblenou or Llacuna (L4) for Bogatell Beach
You can also walk or cycle along the seafront promenade.
I hope this information about the beaches in Barcelona has helped you to plan your day – if you have any more questions about the best Barcelona beaches then head over to our Facebook group and ask our community.