If you decide to travel to Barcelona in summer, you will be able to enjoy the best of a beach holiday and city break. In this article, we find out the best beaches near Barcelona centre.
Many people can’t decide on a city break to explore the historic attractions or a beach holiday to do some much-needed relaxation. Barcelona, fortunately, has a bit of both, wonderful attractions to explore and great beaches to relax. Visiting Barcelona during the summer months means you can explore the city one day, and relax on the beach the next day. In this article, we take a look at the best beaches near Barcelona city centre.
If you plan to spend time at the beach when visiting Barcelona, we recommend staying in a hotel close to the metro line 4. The metro line 4 of Barcelona metro system passes along near some of the best beaches, starting at Barceloneta beach being the first stop for a beach. Most people visiting Barcelona, and wish to relax on a beach, will choose Barceloneta beach due to being one of the best beaches near to Barcelona city centre.
Barceloneta Beach
Location: Barceloneta, Barcelona
How to Get There:
- Metro: L4 (Yellow Line), Barceloneta Station
- Bus: D20, H14, V15
Barceloneta Beach, just a stone’s throw away from the city center, is an iconic beach in Barcelona.. The beach boasts golden sands and crystal-clear waters, attracting locals and tourists alike. Along the promenade, you’ll find a plethora of seafood restaurants, beach bars (chiringuitos), and shops. For water sports enthusiasts, there are opportunities for windsurfing and paddleboarding. A short walk away is Barcelona marina where you can enjoy boat trips, including evening party boats during the summer months. Barceloneta Beach can get very busy during the summer, however, it is still a great beach near Barcelona city centre to spend a few hours relaxing. I would personally recommend this beach to anyone staying in Barcelona city centre. Overall, it is the closest beach to Barcelona city centre and ideal for a few hours swimming or relaxing.
Barceloneta beach is positioned next to Sant Miquel beach and Sant Sebastià beach. These three beaches make up the length of beaches beside the Barceloneta district of Barcelona. All three beaches are the nearest to Barcelona centre, making them ideal for people staying in the Gothic Quarter or La Rambla. There is a KFC beside the Sant Miquel beach for those wanting a quick bite to eat. There is a mirador or viewing point further on, towards the end of the port’s sea entrance. This viewing point offers some great views of the port area and the cable car towers.
Within walking distance:
- Barceloneta Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lively promenade, lined with palm trees and street performers. Enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars or sample fresh seafood at one of the chiringuitos.
- Barceloneta Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Barceloneta Market, where you can sample fresh produce and traditional Catalan delicacies. The market opened in 1884, but has since been modernised, retaining some elements of the original structure.
- Cable Car: You can catch the Barcelona cable car that takes you to Montjuïc Hill. The cable car station is situated in Barceloneta, just a few minutes from the beach.
Bogatell Beach
Location: Poblenou, Barcelona
How to Get There:
- Metro: L4 (Yellow Line), Bogatell Station
- Bus: 36, 41, 92
Bogatell Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Barceloneta. The beach is known for its clean sands and a variety of sports facilities. Volleyball courts and ping pong tables are available, making it an ideal spot for active beachgoers. Numerous beachfront restaurants serve delectable seafood dishes and refreshing drinks. It is still a busy beach in summer, but is generally less crowded than Barceloneta Beach. Bogatell Beach is not quite as close to Barcelona city centre, but won’t take long to reach if you use line 4 of the metro to Bogatell metro station.
Within walking distance:
- Poblenou Rambla: Explore the vibrant Poblenou district and its tree-lined promenade, filled with trendy shops, cafes, and street art.
- Parc de la Ciutadella: A short stroll will lead you to this sprawling park where you can unwind amidst lush greenery and visit the Barcelona Zoo.
Nova Icaria Beach
Location: Port Olímpic, Barcelona
How to Get There:
- Metro: L4 (Yellow Line), Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Station
- Bus: 36, 45, 59
Nova Icaria Beach is nestled in the Port Olímpic area, near the Olympic Port. This beach offers a mix of relaxation and entertainment, with upscale beach clubs, water sports, and a lively atmosphere. The beach is family-friendly, with calm waters and a range of dining options. Since this beach is further away from Barcelona city centre, it is less crowded and more relaxing. If you are looking for a more relaxed beach compared to Barceloneta and Bogatell beaches, this might just be the perfect option.
Within walking distance:
- Port Olímpic: Indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Port Olímpic, home to bars, clubs, and restaurants with a view of the marina.
- Casino Barcelona: If you’re feeling lucky, visit the nearby casino for an evening of gaming and entertainment.
Ocata Beach (less busy)
Location: El Masnou (30-minute train ride from Barcelona)
How to Get There:
- Train: R1 Line from Barcelona’s Sants Station
For a more tranquil beach experience, consider a short train ride to Ocata Beach. This sandy stretch offers a peaceful escape from the city crowds, with clear waters and a charming seaside town. Enjoy a laid-back day by the sea and explore the local seafood restaurants. This is the beach to go to if you want to avoid the tourists. The Ocata Beach is more a residential beach visited by the locals, and ideal for those seeking to escape the main tourist beaches of Barcelona.
Within walking distance:
- El Masnou Promenade: Take a stroll along the picturesque promenade of El Masnou, featuring charming shops and seaside cafes.
Which is the best beach near Barcelona city centre?
So, which is the best beach near Barcelona city centre? My choice would definitely be Barceloneta Beach. It is close to the centre of Barcelona, so it is easily accessible to most visitors. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit. Furthermore, it is very close to Barcelona Zoo and Ciutadella Park, so you can add these places to your day’s itinerary. Also the port cable car station is close by offering a great ride and fantastic views of the city. One of the problems I find with Barceloneta Beach is it can be a bit busy and vibrant. I guess this is because of many tourists and the younger local crowds who tend to visit in the summer months. All in all, for most people, Barceloneta will be close to the centre of Barcelona and have everything you expect from a decent beach.
Conclusion
Having a relaxing day at the beach in Barcelona has a few important things to consider. The most significant point to consider is that you keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. Since the best beaches are close to Barcelona city centre, they are close enough for pickpockets to visit as well. Take only what you need, do not leave valuable un-attended and leave items you don’t need in the hotel safe deposit box.
So, if you are planning to visit Spain and are stuck deciding on a beach holiday or city break, consider visiting Barcelona. The city not only has some remarkable sights to explore, there are some of the best beaches near Barcelona city centre to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sea. Barcelona, undoubtedly, is one of the best choices for a combined summer / city break getaway.
