Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is a popular vacation spot in Europe and is famous for its gorgeous beaches. Crowds are often the thickest from April to October because of the warm water. No matter what you want to get out of your beach day, Barcelona has a shoreline for you.
LOVE PEOPLE WATCHING:
Barceloneta Beach is the most well-known beach in the city, making it one of the busiest as well. Barceloneta is almost a mile long, and is rarely a calm spot. The hordes of visitors make this beach perfect for those who want to take in people watching. Barceloneta is easy to get to via public transportation and offers plenty of activities such as bike rentals, cafes, and palm tree-covered walkways. This beach also offers a view of the famous Frank Gehry sculpture in the Hotel Arts Barcelona.
STAY CLOSE TO THE CITY:
Bogatell Beach is the ideal destination fr people wanting a beach experience with an urban twist. Bogatell Beach is often much quieter than the popular Bareloneta Beach, and is generally visited by an older crowd. Locals frequent the beach thanks to its sense of tranquility and calmness. Bogatell Beach offers visitors lifeguard service, wheelchair accessibility, and showers. The beach was originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, and has visually interesting sculptures throughout.
TRAVEL WITH A FAMILY:
If you’re traveling with children, Nova Icaria is the beach for you. It is a kid-friendly location within walking distance of the Olympic Port. The beach offers activities to keep kids busy such as water and beach sports. The water is warm enough for swimming and parents can lounge on the sand. The area is also riddled with restaurants nearby to suit every taste.
BARE IT ALL:
Nova Mar Bella Beach is one of two nude beaches in Barcelona. It is incredibly private, and mostly sees a younger crowd. The beach is popular with the residents of Sant Marti and very well-liked by the gay community of the area. It’s quiet and far from the city center of Barcelona, making it a secluded retreat for visitors. Nearby, in Rambla del Poblenou, there are a plethora of cafes and restaurants to eat at. Some eateries offer fresh fish caught by local fishermen.
GO WHERE THE LOCALS GO:
Barcelona locals often cite Castelldefels Beach as the very best beach in the Barcelona area. It is out of the city limits, and takes 20 minutes by train to reach, followed by a short walk. Castelldefels Beach is a quiet way to escape the fast pace of the city. Even further from the city center than Noval Mar Bella Beach, it is perfect for water activities like wind and kick surfing, and offers great swimming spots. In the surrounding areas, there are lots of beach shacks and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat.