The best beaches in Barcelona 2025: 4 kilometers of golden sand
From bustling Barceloneta to nudist Mar Bella, we put together a list of the best beaches in Barcelona.
National Geographic called Barcelona "the best beach city in the world," but when we look for reviews about these beaches, what we find is that locals say they are crowded, dirty, and also expensive. How do you know what reality is? Is it subjective or are the locals tired of so much tourism? What are the best beaches in Barcelona ?
Barcelona is one of the coolest destinations in Europe for its pioneering gastronomy, unique architecture and legendary nightlife. But it is also because of its more than 4 kilometers of almost continuous golden sand, which is closely connected to its heart.
Best beaches in Barcelona-Popular beaches in Barcelona 2025
Much of the promenade vibrates with a cheerful atmosphere all year round, with street vendors strolling around beachgoers to sell cold cans of beer, beach blankets and some beach trinkets.
Beaches near Barcelona
Although Barcelona is not considered a typical beach destination, millions of people annually come to sunbathe and bathe in its waters.
A promenade runs along the entire Barcelona coastline that runs through all the beaches, from Levante in the north to Sant Sebastià in the south, where the famous W Hotel is located.
All beaches are well connected, maintained and equipped with all services. Due to proximity, the most popular are Barceloneta, Sant Miquel and Sant Sebastià .
Barceloneta beach
Barceloneta Beach is, along with Sant Sebastià , one of the largest and oldest beaches in Barcelona. Its central location and easy access by public transport make it one of the favorite beaches for foreign users and local young people who practice sports activities.
The beach has extensive sports and leisure equipment consisting of several volleyball courts, children's play areas, a ping-pong table, a gymnastics area and a "beach library" service.
Somorrostro Beach
Located between the Hospital del Mar and Calle de la Marina, Somorrostro Beach includes a stretch of coast that previously belonged to Barceloneta Beach.
The beach was recently renamed to pay tribute to the Somorrostro neighborhood that, after a hundred years of life, was demolished for Franco's visit to Barcelona in 1966.
Read More - Beautiful, Must-Visit Beaches Near Barcelona
Somorrostro Beach has a very central location and its easy access by public transportation also makes it one of the favorite beach areas.
Sant Sebastia Beach
Located next to Sant Miquel Beach, Sant Sebastià Beach is one of the largest and oldest beaches in Barcelona.
Along with Bogatell Beach, Sant Sebastià is one of the beaches frequented by older people and, like Mar Bella Beach, it has some areas dedicated to nudist users.
Sant Sebastià Beach has an area for people with reduced mobility where some volunteers help them use an amphibious chair so they can enjoy the sea.
Sant Sebastia Tower
Located next to Sant Sebastiá Beach, in the port area, the San Sebastián Tower is one of the stations of the cable car that connects the port with Montjuïc Mountain.
Nova Icaria Beach
Nova Icà ria Beach is one of the quietest beaches in the city and is usually frequented by families with children and groups of friends.
Thanks to its central location next to the Olympic Port, many users reach it by walking or using public transport. The beach has extensive sports equipment consisting of volleyball fields, a games area and a ping-pong table.
Like other beaches in Barcelona such as Sant Sebastià or Nova Mar Bella, Nova Icà ria Beach has an area for people with disabilities in which some volunteers help people with reduced mobility to take a swim on the beach.
Bogatell Beach
Renovated during the recovery of the city's maritime façade in the nineties, Bogatell Beach is usually very crowded, although less crowded than Barceloneta beach.
Bogatell Beach is usually frequented by an older crowd than its neighbors Nova Icà ria and Mar Bella.
Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella Beach was created during the urban remodeling that was carried out on the coastline for the 1992 Olympic Games.
Frequented by a fairly young public, the beach has a space used as a nudist beach, as well as different sports facilities such as a track volleyball, basketball basket and ping-pong table. There is a nautical base from which water activities are carried out.
The little ones have a children's play area and during the summer they can rent books at the beach library.
Levante Beach
Levante Beach, renovated in 2006, is one of the last beaches that were added to the coast of Barcelona.
It is located next to Nova Mar Bella Beach, a little further from the city center, so it is possible to find a quieter atmosphere and fewer crowds of people.
Beaches furthest from Barcelona
Catalonia has magic because of the infinite possibilities that arise when touring it. One of them is to enjoy the tour of its coasts. Its more than 100 kilometers of coastline are sought after in summer for its charming coves, white sand beaches, boat trips and, above all, the wide variety of water sports on offer.
Sitges
Just 30 minutes south of Barcelona is the fishing town of Sitges. This fun-loving city has a very lively summer atmosphere. It has 17 golden sand beaches that, together with its beautiful white houses on the coast, make it an ideal place for vacations during your summer in Catalonia.
Garraf - On the outskirts of Barcelona
Beautiful and picturesque, this beautiful Catalan area has a beach much loved by locals. The pretty beach huts and their rocky surroundings give off a wonderful charm. In addition, the train connection directly to Barcelona makes this place an ideal place for a day trip.
Waikiki Beach - Tarragona
Located just 10 kms. from Tarragona on the Costa Daurada, Waikiki beach enters any list of the 10 best beaches in Catalonia. This stretch of sand is named after the famous Hawaii beach, and is near a small town called La Mora.
The water is crystal blue, the sands are fine and it is the most special place to relax. Nudism is optional.
Port-Lligat beach, Cadaqués - Costa Brava
Cadaqués is a Mediterranean town that amazes anyone who visits it. Its rocky coves and winding cobbled streets make this wonderful town a must-visit for those who wish to discover the most hidden corners in Catalonia and the true essence of the sensational Costa Brava.
Salvador Dalà visited the city often and later had a house on Platja de Port-Lligat, which is today a museum.
Tossa de Mar - Costa Brava
Perhaps one of the best-known beaches in Catalonia, Tossa de Mar, is among the favorites of tourists on the Costa Brava, and with good reason. Its beaches, such as the long Platja Gran and the hidden corner of El Colodar, offer blue waters, waves and plenty of Mediterranean sun.
There is also an impressive medieval walled town called Vila Vella, ideal for an evening stroll. This is a great destination for families.
Calella de Palafrugell - Costa Brava
This beautiful coastal area is a perfect refuge to spend the summer. With crystal clear waters, thick sand, fishing boats and a beautiful town as a backdrop, Calella de Palafrugell is a first-class Mediterranean setting.
