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Barcelona Beaches

One continuous sand stretch of 4,5 kilometers squirms along the coastline of Barcelona, filling the beaches with sun worshippers from May to October. The Barcelona beaches are vibrant - latest summer hits blast from portable loudspeakers mixing with the sound of crashing waves, beach vendors shout "Coke.. Cerveza... Beer..." and a group of youngsters play their beach games.

Barcelona beach

The months of May and October can be unstable weather wise, but from June to September sunshine is almost guaranteed and the beaches are crowded. In the high season, it might be wise to take the Yellow metro line (L4) and head further to Poblenou, where it's slightly less crowded.

You will find a good amount of services throughout the coastline. There are little bars on the sand, Chiringuitos, spread around the coastline, where you get cold drinks, cocktails and finger food. The price level is a bit higher than in the city center.

Remember to be aware of pickpockets who are constantly lurking at the beaches, especially on the most crowded ones. Never leave your bag unguarded if you go for a swim! Keep your bag very close to you and preferably closed with a zipper. Pickpockets are very skillful in Barcelona and unfortunately many people get robbed every day.

All Barcelona beaches have these basic services:

  • Restaurant services
  • Deckchair & parasol hire
  • First aid and rescue
  • Public toilet

Sant Sebastià

Sant Sebastia - Barcelona beaches
The narrow Sant Sebastia beach is the closest beach to the Barcelona city center

The most southern stretch, that starts from the sail shaped Hotel W and ends at the height of Joan Borbó street, is called Sant Sebastià. The beach is quite narrow and often crowded.  It is very popular amongs surfers and an area in the sea is reserved for them. Next to W hotel you will find a nice selection of nice restaurants. In the summertime, there is an an open-air-cinema showing films every week.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Barceloneta (1 kilometer walk)

Barceloneta

Barceloneta - Barcelona beaches
Barceloneta is the most popular beach in Barcelona

Barceloneta beach is without a doubt the most famous of all Barcelona beaches. It has the same name as the neighborhood surrounding it. It is the busiest of all Barcelona beaches, as it is the closest one to the city center. That is why many tourists choose to come to Barceloneta. You will find a great selection of seafood restaurants from Barceloneta, many the best paella & seafood restaurants are located here. If you go a few streets further away from the beach, you will find cheaper restaurant choices.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Barceloneta (1 kilometer walk)

Somorrostro

Somorrostro - Barcelona beaches
The most renowned nightclubs of Barcelona are located by the Somorrostro beach

Somorrostro beach is located next to Barceloneta. It is easy to access from Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica metro stop. Here you will find some of the most emblematic nightclubs of Barcelona such as CDLC, Opium and Pacha. During daytime you can enjoy nice food and cocktails on their terraces right next to the sand.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica (400 meter walk)

Nova Icària

Nova Icària beach in Barcelona

Nova Icària is already more local and more quiet than the Barcelona beaches closer to the center. It starts right after Port Olimpic, when you walk from the center. Nova Icària is popular among beach volleyball players and the escaping volleyballs can be disturbing, so pick your spot right. Next to Nova Icària, in the pool of Port Olimpic, you will find lots of nice seafood restaurants.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica (800 meter walk)

Bogatell

Bogatell - Barcelona beaches
The wide Bogatell beach is popular especially among the young locals

Bogatell beach is located in Poblenou neighborhood next to Nova Icària. The sand stretch is quite vast and it is popular among locals. Like in Nova Icària,  you will see lots locals playing beach volleyball throughout Bogatell. There's a McDonald’s between Bogatell and Nova Icária.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Lacuna (1,1 kilometer walk)

Mar Bella

Mar Bella - Barcelona beaches
Mar Bella beach has a special part designated for nudists

The next beach in Poblenou district is called Mar Bella. Yet again, it is less crowded than the others closer to the center. If you are into a full body tanning, the only nudist beach area on the whole Barcelona coastline is here.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Poblenou (1 kilometer walk)

Mar Bella Nova

Mar Bella Nova
Mar Bella Nova is one of the calmest beaches in Barcelona

Mar Bella Nova is similar to its sister beach Mar Bella. It’s a more quiet beach with plenty of area to enjoy of a sunny day. This area has a couple of hotels on the other side of the highway where you can enjoy a proper lunch.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Selva de Mar (800 meter walk)

Llevant

Llevant - Barcelona beaches
You can find a fenced dog-friendly area at Llevant beach

The furthest beach from the center of Barcelona is called Llevant. It is quite narrow and thus often crowded in the summer time. Llevant is the only dog friendly area on all Barcelona beaches.

How to get there:

  • Metro Yellow line/L4 to Selva de Mar (800 meter walk)

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Text: Ville Ryynänen
Photos: Jussi Ryynänen

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