18 Best Beaches in Barcelona and Beyond (Local’s Guide)

One of the best things about Barcelona is having the Mediterranean Sea right at your doorstep, with miles of beaches to explore.

But here’s a fun fact: many of Barcelona’s city beaches were actually created for the 1992 Olympics, with sand brought in from the Sahara Desert!

I live in Barcelona and have spent a lot of time exploring the coastline, and I’ve found that some of the best beaches are actually a little outside the city center.

In this guide, I’m sharing 18 of the best beaches in Barcelona and beyond, including popular city beaches, quieter local favorites, and my personal tips for planning the perfect beach day.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Barceloneta isn’t the most beautiful beach in Barcelona, but I have to mention it first because it’s by far the most popular. 

Its central location makes it one of the easiest beaches to reach, especially if you’re staying near the Gothic Quarter or El Born. 

The beach itself is medium-sized with soft sand and typically calm waves, though you’ll occasionally see surfers out when the waves pick up. 

There are a few beachfront xiringuitos (beach bars) where you can grab food or drinks, but most people bring their own towel and lay out on the sand. 

If it’s your first time in Barcelona and you want that classic city beach experience, this is the place to start.

Tip: You’ll also see a lot of random vendors on the beach selling cocktails like mojitos and sangria.  I wouldn’t recommend buying any of these because you don’t really know where they come from.  Instead, stop at a grocery or convenience store on the way and bring your own food and drinks!

📍 Location: Google Maps

Bogatell Beach is a great option if you want to escape the heavy crowds of Barceloneta without straying too far from the city center. 

It’s located a bit further north and has a more local vibe, with beach volleyball nets and people actually swimming or hanging out instead of just passing through. 

You’ll find a few casual xiringuitos right on the sand, plus some nicer seafood and paella restaurants just above the beach. 

It’s also right outside of Xiringuito Escribà, which is my favorite spot for paella in Barcelona. 

It still gets busy, especially in summer, but it feels a little more relaxed than the beaches closer to downtown.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Nova Icaria is just on the other side of Port Olímpic and sits right next to Bogatell, so the two beaches almost blend together. 

It has a similar laid-back vibe, with beach volleyball courts and people hanging out for the day. 

A newly built two-level promenade now runs alongside the port, with some really good restaurants like El Tribut and Eldelmar overlooking the beach. 

The walkway wraps around the marina and follows the water, which is great for a scenic stroll before or after your beach time. 

It’s a solid choice if you want to stay close to the city but skip the chaos of Barceloneta.

📍 Location: Google Maps

​​Somorrostro Beach is just on the other side of Port Olímpic and feels a bit more enclosed, almost like a small cove. 

The waves are usually calm because there’s a rocky pier that juts out into the water and makes it a good spot for swimming. 

It’s located right below some of Barcelona’s most popular nightclubs like Opium and Shôko, which have underground seating and tables facing the sand. 

The boardwalk runs above, while the restaurants and nightlife venues sit underneath, situated along the edge of the beach. 

There’s also an outdoor training area with workout machines nearby, so you’ll often see locals getting in a quick beachside workout.

Safety Tip: The beaches in the city center are known for having some of the worst pickpocketing in Barcelona.  Never leave valuables unattended on the beach and try to take turns with friends going in the water.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Sant Miquel Beach is located just south of Barceloneta, and the two beaches kind of just blend together. 

One of the main landmarks here is the famous L’Estel Ferit sculpture, which is four stacked, leaning steel cubes with windows that’s right on the beach. 

It’s also where you’ll often spot some seriously impressive sand castles and sculptures.  I once saw one that was a huge dragon blowing real fire! 

The beach is close to the restaurants and shops in Barceloneta, so it’s a convenient stop if you want to grab a bite or wander around before or after your beach time.

📍 Location: Google Maps

San Sebastian Beach sits right outside the W Hotel and curves along the edge of the coast, which makes it one of the most recognizable beaches in Barcelona. 

It’s a popular spot for standup paddleboarding and there are some paddle shops right near the water.

This stretch of beach also has some very cute and trendy beachfront restaurants like Julieta’s and Gallito, plus an Honest Greens, which everyone here is obsessed with. 

Just a heads up—I’ve noticed this beach tends to have a lot of nudity (both male and female), so you might want to keep that in mind before you pick your spot.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Platja de la Nova Mar Bella is located further north of Bogatell, so it’s a bit removed from the more central beaches, but still walkable if you’re up for a longer stroll. 

It’s important not to confuse it with the neighboring Platja de la Mar Bella (without the Nova), which is known for being clothing optional. 

Nova Mar Bella is much quieter, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere.

It’s especially convenient if you’re staying in the Poblenou area. 

There’s one beachfront restaurant here that also offers chair rentals, so you can settle in for a laid-back beach day.

Tip: “Platja” means “beach” in Catalan so you might see that on signs or on Google Maps.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Llevant Beach is right next to Nova Mar Bella and is one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Barcelona, so you’ll often see people hanging out here with their dogs. 

It’s probably not the most scenic beach in the city, but it’s clean, quiet, and usually less crowded than the more central spots. 

The sand is a bit more coarse compared to other beaches, but it’s still a nice place to relax without all the noise and foot traffic. 

If you’re traveling with a dog or just want a low-key beach day, Llevant could be a solid option.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Sitges is one of the best options for a beach escape from the city and makes for a super easy day trip because it’s just 40 minutes south of Barcelona by train. 

The town has several different beaches to choose from, ranging from family-friendly spots to quieter stretches if you walk a bit further out. 

It still gets crowded in the summer, but the vibe is definitely less chaotic than Barceloneta. 

Be sure to check out the iconic Iglesia de Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, which is a church that sits right above the shoreline and makes for a great photo stop. 

After the beach, head to Vivero Beach Club for a drink with some of the best coastal views around, then explore the cute downtown area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

📍 Location: Google Maps

If you’re willing to venture a bit further for one of the most scenic beaches near Barcelona, Tossa de Mar is definitely worth the trip. 

Located about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of the city in Costa Brava, it’s one of the best day trips from Barcelona for a beach day with a little extra charm. 

The easiest way to get there is by bus, and you’ll arrive in a medieval beach town with cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and a castle overlooking the sea. 

The main beach, Playa Grande, is lively with options for kayaking, scuba diving, and boat rentals. 

You’ll also find smaller coves nearby if you want a more secluded spot to relax.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Blanes is about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Barcelona by train and is considered the first official town in Costa Brava, which is a stretch of coastline north of Barcelona known for its cliffs, coves, and crystal-clear water. 

It’s become TikTok famous thanks to the oceanfront pavilion at the Marimurtra Botanical Gardens, which overlooks a stunning hidden cove. 

But there’s more to Blanes than just the gardens—the town itself has a full beach scene with a long seaside promenade, restaurants, and bars right by the water. 

The main beach is a bit narrow, but the water is incredibly clear and good for swimming. 

It’s a great pick if you want a beach with scenic views, good food, and a more local vibe.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Castelldefels Beach is about 40 minutes from Barcelona (before Sitges) and it’s one of the best local spots for a more laid-back beach day. 

To get there, take the R2S train and make sure to get off at the Platja de Castelldefels station—not the regular Castelldefels stop, which leaves you much further from the beach. 

This beach has a super local feel, with lots of families and groups of friends hanging out, and surprisingly few tourists. 

It’s also one of the widest beaches near Barcelona, so even on busy days, it’s easy to find space. 

The sand is soft, the waves can be a bit bigger than in the city, and there are beach clubs where you can rent chairs for a pretty reasonable price.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Platja de Garraf is about 45 minutes south of Barcelona by train, just a bit past Castelldefels.

This small beach is situated between the sea and the mountains of Parc del Garraf, which gives it a very peaceful, scenic vibe. 

The main attraction here is Little Beach House Barcelona, a stylish beachfront hotel owned by Soho House—but the beach itself is public, so you don’t need a membership to enjoy it. 

The sand is soft, the waves are usually calm, and there are a few relaxed beachfront restaurants where you can grab a drink or a bite. 

One side of the beach is lined with tiny white and green fisherman’s huts, which have now been converted into cute little rentals and give the whole area a unique charm.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Platja de Gavà is located just before Castelldefels and not far from the Barcelona Airport.

It’s a long, clean stretch of sand that tends to be much quieter and less touristy than the downtown beaches. 

The sand is soft, the water is swimmable, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful beach day without going too far. 

The only trade-off is that you might hear planes taking off from time to time.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Platja d’Ocata is about 40 minutes north of Barcelona and easy to reach on the R1 train. 

It’s a wide, spacious beach with soft sand and a more local feel, so you won’t find as many tourists here. 

There are volleyball nets set up, a nice promenade for walking, and a few casual beach bars where you can grab a drink or a snack. 

It’s a relaxed spot that’s one of the best beaches in Barcelona for families or anyone looking for a quieter atmosphere.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Badalona is often confused with Barcelona, but it’s actually a separate town located just north of the city and only about 30 minutes away. 

You can get there easily by train, metro, or bus, and the train station is just a short walk from the beach. 

It’s a cute local town with very few tourists, which makes it a nice escape from the usual beach crowds. 

There are several different beaches there to choose from, including Platja dels Pescadors, Platja de l’Estació, Platja del Cristall, and Platja del Coco. 

The beach is a bit narrow in some areas but it’s very long, and there are restaurants and bars right along the sand for when you need a break.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Cala Morisca is a hidden gem located just before Sitges, tucked away in a secluded cove along the coastal road. 

Unlike the more accessible beaches, the only way to reach this one is by car or moto, and you’ll need to park in a paid lot that gives you direct access to the beach. 

It’s a small, quiet spot surrounded by rocky cliffs, so it feels much more private than the larger beaches nearby. 

There’s also a restaurant onsite, which makes it easy to spend a few relaxed hours here. 

Just keep in mind—it’s clothing optional and fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if you want a good spot.

📍 Location: Google Maps

Sant Pol de Mar is a small coastal town about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona on the R1 train, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a quieter beach day.

The town has a more local, laid-back feel, and the main beach, Platja de les Barques, is just steps from the train station.

The beaches here are on the smaller side, but they’re generally less crowded than Barcelona’s city beaches, even during the summer months.

You can also spend some time wandering through the town, checking out its colorful modernist buildings, or walking up to the Ermita de Sant Pau for beautiful coastal views.

It’s an easy day trip from Barcelona if you want to relax by the sea without dealing with the crowds at Barceloneta.

I hope this guide helped you get a better idea of the best Barcelona beaches and which ones are actually worth your time. 

I think Barceloneta is worth a stroll for the boardwalk and people-watching, but if you want to relax on the sand, I’d head to Nova Icaria or Bogatell instead. 

Or, if you’re up for a short trip outside the city, Sitges and Castelldefels are great options to the south, while Blanes and Tossa de Mar offer beautiful coastal views up north in Costa Brava. 

Wherever you choose, just don’t forget your sunscreen and beach towel!

READ NEXT:

• How to Take a Day Trip to Sitges from Barcelona
• How to Take a Day Trip to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona
• How to Take a Day Trip to Blanes from Barcelona