Best Beaches in Barcelona, Spain
Explore the Spanish Coast Near Barcelona for Sun, Sea and Sand
Barcelona is not just a vibrant historic city. Its 4.5km of beaches are some of the finest on the Spanish coast. Here is the pick of the beast beaches around Barcelona.
Barcelona is best known as a short-break city destination, but its beaches are an extra attraction. Clean, safe, close to the city centre and easily accessible by public transport, Barcelona's beaches also have excellent facilities for swimmers and sunbathers.
San Sebastià Beach
San Sebastià is the closest beach to Barcelona, located in the Ciutat Vella (Old Town) district. It stretches around 1.1km from the port estuary near the Barceloneta area to Carrer Almirall Cervera. It is popular with local residents as well as tourists looking for a quick dip. Access for disabled bathers is good.
San Sebastià is easy to get to on public transport. Simply take metro line 4 to Barceloneta, or catch bus nos. 14, 16, 17, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64 or 157.
Nova Icària Beach
Nova Icària beach is another favourite with both locals and visitors, partly because of its easy access from Barcelona by public transport. It is 400m long, stretching from the Olympic Port to the Bogatell breakwater. It is popular with families and groups of friends and is quieter than San Sebastià. Access for disabled bathers is one of the best in the city.
There is also a children's play area, a ping-pong table and equipment for volleyball games near the Olympic Port. You can rent beach umbrellas and chairs and there are plenty of lockers and drinks/snack stalls.
To reach Nova Icària beach, take metro line 4 to Ciutadella y Bogatell, or bus nos. 6, 36, 41, 92, 141. You can also catch the tram no. T4, getting off at Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica. A cycle track runs direct from Barcelona.
Nova Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella Beach is around 500m long, running from Bac de Roda to the Selva de Mar. It is part of the 1992 Olympic Games development and is linked with Mar Bella. It is most popular with women bathers and most users are young, mainly residents around the Sant Martí district. Access for disabled bathers is good.
Nova Mar Bella is one of Barcelona's most peaceful beaches and has the usual parasol and beach chair rental and drinks and snacks bars. You can also borrow books from the beach library.
To reach Nova Mar Bella beach from Barcelona, take either metro line 4 or tram line 4 to Selva de Mar and El Maresme. You can also take bus nos. 36, 43 or 141. There is a cycle track running direct from Barcelona.
Barcelona's Sunbathing Season
All beaches are open all year round, but facilities are only in place between 6 March and 15 November. Different levels of service (lifeguards, snack bars, parasol rental etc) are available at different times of the year.
High season runs from 31 May to 28 September, and the first two weekends of October. Mid-season runs from 17 March to 30 May although on bank holiday weekends a high-season service will be available.
Other beaches are at the Barceloneta, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Llevant.
