Barcelona’s famous architecture and rich artistic nature rank it high among many bucket lists. The city’s range of beautiful beaches each have their own personality and charm, and are distinguished by chiringuitos selling tapas, tiki huts whipping up beverages, strangely placed art or endearing villages. All the beach areas in Barcelona are easy to get to, thanks to ample public transportation. These are the best ones to stay at if you are a beach lover in Spain.
Bogatell Beach
Why Stay Here: Bogatell Beach is relaxed and perfect for the foodie traveler.
Top Hotels: ILUNION Barcelona | Unite Hostel Barcelona | Travelodge Barcelona Poblenou
Bogatell Beach is a safe, friendly beach, proximal to the trendy city of Poblenou, where you can get great food and craft booze. Locals recommend sitting down for some traditional, noodly paella at Xiringuito Escribà. Overall, this is a peaceful beach atmosphere with a beautiful look and lots of great people who are always up for a game of volleyball.
Sant Pol de Mar
Why Stay Here: Sant Pol de Mar is visually stunning, where it’s easy to sample the local cuisine.
Top Hotels: Hostal Pancheta |B&B Sant Pol
Sant Pol de Mar beach is set against a mesmerizing, romantic town buzzing with great little eateries and cafes, serving authentic dishes of Spain. The beach itself is quite preserved, and the water is crystal-clear, making it a hotspot with snorkelers. So many experiences exist in this small seaside village, from rich culinary adventures to archeological discoveries. The rocky beach offers landscape complexity that is absolutely breathtaking.
Ocata Beach
Why Stay Here: Lots of space to stretch out.
Top Hotels: Hotel Torino | Llar de Capitans Hotel
Ocata Beach’s wide, spacious grounds offer ample space for sunbathers—a welcomed treat within often packed Barcelona beaches. Located in the very small town of Masnou, parking is minimal, so you’re better off taking public transportation to reach the generous spread of sand. With fairly shallow water, it’s another good choice for families. Grab your frisbee and get ready to stretch your legs. Plenty of vendors are ready to provide refreshments.
Mar Bella Beach
Why Stay Here: It’s a fun environment with playgrounds and a laid-back vibe.
Top Hotels: Hotel Front Maritim | Attica 21 Barcelona Mar
Mar Bella Beach is heavily diverse, as one side houses nudist areas and a vibrant gay bar, and the other playgrounds and skateboard ramps for kiddos. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming with everyone melding quite seamlessly. You won’t get the same vibes as some busier beaches though, because the food vendors and restaurants are a bit more scaled back. So pack a picnic lunch and come enjoy this northern beach that’s a little less connected to the busy city.
Caldes d’Estrac
Why Stay Here: Caldes d’Estrac is a calmer choice than other Barcelona beaches.
Top Hotels: Hotel Colon Thalasso-Termal | Dynamic Hotels | Hostal Romani
Caldes d’Estrac, more commonly know as Caldetes Beach, is a refreshing change-up from some of the other Barcelona beaches. Fewer crowds make it easy to find your own nook, and everything is a bit more low key. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of bathrooms, affordable cafes and parking. Thermal baths have existed in the village for some time, as well as gorgeous 19th-century architecture that is intricate and colorful. If you’re looking to get away from the party, this is the place to do it.
Barceloneta
Why Stay Here: There’s great nightlife and an overall lively feel.
Best Hotels: Hotel 54 Barceloneta | Barceloneta Beach III | Hotel Marina Folch
Barceloneta is probably the popular beach you hear about most within Barcelona, and it has a certain charm. Young folks relax on the beach and enjoy sunbathing and trek only as far as the nearest tiki hut for an icy beverage. Interesting architecture, like the Homenatge a la Barceloneta adds an interesting visual appeal that differs from most beaches. All in all, it’s a lively, busy beach where you’ll meet a lot of people, and there are restaurants and convenient transportation in close range.
Icària Beach
Why Stay Here: Great for families and kids, and those wanting to dive into an authentic food scene.
Top Hotels: Hotel Icaria Barcelona | Hotel Arts Barcelona | Euro Hotel Barcelona
Icària Beach backs right up against Barceloneta, and once used to house lonely train tracks before the Olympics in the 1990s inspired a revitalization of the now lovely recreational hub. Volleyball enthusiasts dot the beach through the summer, and this is also a prime spot to enjoy water activities like kayaking and windsurfing. Passeig de Maritim houses great restaurants, including Mediterranean options Agua and Arenal Restaurant. With all of the fun and games, this would be a good pick for beach lovers with young kids.
Sant Sebastía
Why Stay Here: It’s accessible to those with disabilities and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
Top Hotels: W Barcelona | Safestay Barcelona Sea
Sant Sebastía is a classic beach area next to Barceloneta and a perfect place to spend time with family. All of the basics are right there, from bathrooms to kiosks selling drinks and snacks. Bike paths allow for an activity away from the sand as well. Nearby Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta features an indoor pool if you’ve had enough of the sun, and you can also indulge in a massage here. What makes the beach extra special is the water chair that helps travelers with disabilities experience the water. Fun fact—Sant Sebastía is one of the oldest beaches in Barcelona.
Garraf Beach
Why Stay Here: Garraf Beach reflects coastal Spain before modernization.
Top Hotels: URH Sitges Playa | Little Beach House Barcelona
Garraf Beach is often referred to as being hidden, and unspoiled, meaning there hasn’t been much industrialization or alterations from excessive traffic. So if you want to experience what beaches were like when mainly fisherman boats puttered the waters, and the sounds were those of the lapping waves, Garraf is it. The city is nestled slightly above the rocky terrain and a picturesque beach is set in a calm cove.
