In addition to its fountains, sculptures, and Antoni Gaudí architecture, Barcelona's beaches can't be beat. Looking for things to do in Barcelona? Between visiting museums and watching one of our jaw-dropping shows, scheduling some time to soak up the sun is important.
These perfect beaches in Barcelona are some of the best for every situation. Pick one or two from the list whether you're looking for a place to have fun with the kids or a serene sandy paradise. Get ready to join us on a tour of Barcelona's best beaches.
Family-Friendly and Tranquil
If you're yearning for a fun-filled day by the sea, look no further than Barcelona's family-friendly beaches. With golden sands and a host of amenities, these beaches offer the perfect setting for a day of sun, sand, and smiles. Let's dive in and explore some of the top family-friendly beaches in Barcelona.
1. Nova Icaria Beach
Stretching about 415 meters along the city's seafront, Nova Icària beach boasts a tranquil charm. It keeps beachgoers spellbound. It's like the calm before the storm or the hush that settles over the audience of one of our shows before the first act begins.
With a wooden walkway leading to the water's edge, Nova Icària provides everyone with a gateway to aquatic adventures. Adapted facilities with changing rooms, showers, and even a crane lift make things easier for visitors. On-site volunteers are available to lend a helping hand.
Nova Icària also has a children's play area, buoy-marked bathing areas, lifeguard towers, and volleyball courts. It's a safe, family-friendly, smoke-free beach where you can spend a happy afternoon with the kids.
2. Nova Mar Bella Beach
Nova Mar Bella Beach is 420 meters long. It emerged from the grand redevelopment of the Barcelona seafront for the Summer Olympic Games in 1992. Now, the volleyball court provides a battleground on which teams can spar with the intensity of our skilled circus performers.
Accessibility is high on the priority list for Nova Mar Bella Beach. From adapted facilities, such as toilets and showers, to wooden walkways leading right to the beach, no one's left out of the seaside spectacle. Even public transport goes above and beyond usual standards. It's been adapted to make beach access easier for everyone.
Locals flock here with their families to bask in the sun and surf. Arrive early to hire deckchairs and parasols and stake out your favorite spot.
Popular and Vibrant
Sometimes, a trip to the beach isn't complete without the bustling, fun-filled atmosphere created by many tourists having fun in the sun. If you're looking for a popular, vibrant beach, check out the following options — these beaches buzz with all the vivacity of one of our shows.
3. Barceloneta Beach
Stretching for 422 meters along the coast, Barceloneta Beach is more than sand and sea; it's a cornerstone of Barcelona's heritage.
Barceloneta rests between the Gas breakwater and Sant Miquel Beach, a testament to tradition in a city of constant change. It's like the grand old ringmaster of the circus, commanding respect and admiration from all who behold its splendor.
But what makes Barceloneta truly shine? It's not just its storied past, but the fantastic facilities it offers. An arcade runs the length of the top of the beach, providing entertainment and access to the Espai de Mar centre. In and around this building, visitors of all ages and abilities come together to embrace the joys of sport and leisure. This beach offers adapted public toilets, showers, volleyball courts, lockers, and more.
4. Somorrostro Beach
Once home to the Somorrostro shanty town, Somorrostro Beach is a beacon of hope and renewal. Today, it's a vibrant activity hub where visitors swim in the buoy-marked bathing areas or play volleyball on the courts.
A children's play area ensures that even the youngest family members will have a memorable time. Its reserved parking areas, adapted facilities, and wooden walkways demonstrate how important accessibility is here.
If you decide to take a trip to Somorrostro beach, don't forget to visit the Centre de la Platja. Here, environmental education takes center stage every summer. Here, environmental education takes center stage every summer. There are workshops, storytelling sessions, and guided tours that bring the natural beauty of the seaside to life.
Picturesque and Serene
You don't have to go far to find serene, beautiful beaches. Bogatell Beach is just a short distance from some of Barcelona's best tourist attractions, including Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Stroll through the bustling streets of La Rambla and the historic Gothic Quarter before making your way to the beach.
5. Bogatell Beach
Stretching for more than 700 meters along Barcelona's seafront, Bogatell Beach is ideal for relaxing. Find a spot and let waves of relaxation roll over you.
If you are tired of lounging under the sun, why not challenge your friends to play a friendly game of ping-pong? Or perhaps you fancy a soccer match on the soft sands, where the only goal is to have fun in the sun.
Let's not forget the volleyball court at the far end. Watch as beach athletes showcase their skills against the backdrop of the cloudless azure sky.
Unique and Alternative
Looking for a Barcelona Beach that's a bit different from the norm? Sometimes, it's good to step away from the familiar to discover a new way of living — and some exciting and unique things to do in Barcelona. Think of it as jumping from the platform — arms outstretched — and hoping your trapeze partner will catch you.
6. Mar Bella Beach
For those seeking a different experience, Mar Bella Beach is more than a simple stretch of sand. Residents of the Sant Martí district are drawn here by the beach's avant-garde spirit.
In the designated nudist area, societal norms melt away. The human form becomes a work of art against the backdrop of the Mediterranean horizon. Whether the art in question is that of Picasso, Miró, or one of the old masters is in the eye of the beholder! One thing's for sure: On Mar Bella Beach, freedom reigns supreme.
A playground of sporting facilities awaits on Mar Bella's shores. From volleyball courts, basketball hoops, skateboard rinks, and Ping-Pong tables, there's plenty to do.
A nautical center sits on the western end of the beach, where water sports enthusiasts can unleash their inner daredevil on the waves. Here, adrenaline and exhilaration perform hand-in-hand, like our acrobats on the flying trapeze.
Cirque du Soleil is in Andorra!
Ready for a whimsical twist to your Andorra visit? Make the most of your day with high-flying Cirque du Soleil acts and vibrant shows!
Out-of-City Escapes
Some beautiful beaches can be found if you're willing to travel a little further out of the city. You can build a fantastic day out by combining your beach trip with hiking in Barcelona as you traipse the beautiful Catalan countryside.
The Garraf Coastal Trail is close to Castelldefels and Sitges. It's an excellent chance to explore the beautiful Garraf Park.
7. Caldetes Beach
Picture this: a stretch of pristine white sand dotted with colorful umbrellas. Picknickers. Sunbathers. Pure bliss. Enjoy the postcard-perfect scene and stretch out in bliss.
As well as being the ideal place to relax, the spacious Caldetes beach is also a playground for adventure. With a dedicated kids' playground and a volleyball court for enthusiasts of the sport, there's never a dull moment. Those who crave excitement can enjoy more thrilling activities like kayaking, surfing, and swimming.
Culinary delights await nearby. La Guingueta de la Barceloneta offers a taste of local flavors to tantalize your tongue. Here, you'll see the best views in Barcelona and a menu showcasing the best Mediterranean cuisine.
Whether you prefer lounging under the shade of an umbrella or riding the waves like a true circus performer, Caldetes Beach promises a beach outing like no other.
Come bask in the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Barcelona's beloved gem. The adventure awaits, and Caldetes Beach is your ticket to coastal bliss!
8. Castelldefels Beach
The three distinct beaches of Castelldefels offer something for everyone. Metropolitan travelers mingle with Barcelona locals on bustling Baixador or El Apeadero Beach. It's an easy ride from the city on the train, with a stop right by the beach. This beach is the southernmost of the three beaches and the most popular.
Central Lluminetes Beach has enchanting dunes. Northern La Pineda Beach is the first regulated kitesurfing area in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Each stretch of sand beckons with its own unique charm.
When it comes to amenities, Castelldefels has you covered. Beach bars and restaurants offer refreshments. Children's play areas, sun beds, and beach sports areas ensure endless entertainment for the whole family.
Need a break from the sun? Wooden beach access walkways lead you to toilet facilities, showers, and changing rooms. It's comfort and convenience throughout your beach day.
Lifeguards are on duty daily to ensure your safety in the water. Services are announced over loudspeakers, via municipal bulletins, and environmental points all over.
Diverse and Inclusive
Everyone should be able to enjoy a day on the beach. No matter your race, gender, sexuality, or identity, the following beaches will make you feel at home.
9. Sitges
Welcome to the radiant shores of the beach town of Sitges, where the golden sands beckon travelers from near and far. Situated a stone's throw from bustling Barcelona, this vibrant coastal town is a melting pot of culture and diversity.
At the heart of Sitges lies its magnificent beaches, where fine, golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Unlike nearby gravelly waterfronts, Sitges' warm powder sand feels like silk beneath your toes. This beach offers endless opportunities for frolicking and water sports, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Sitges is more than just sea and sand; it's also a town steeped in history and culture. Wander through the cobbled streets of the old town. You'll see modernist mansions stand side by side with traditional whitewashed houses.
Marvel at the extravagant colonial-style villas built by those who returned after trading in the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries. They're a testament to Sitges' rich past and diverse heritage.
Sitges has an open-minded and inclusive atmosphere, making it a top LGBTQ+ travel destination. Rainbow flags flutter proudly along the beach, welcoming all to embrace their true selves. From the vibrant gay beach to the bustling bars along Carrer 1er de Maig, Sitges radiates acceptance and the celebration of diversity.
When it's time to refuel, Sitges' eclectic food scene offers something for every palate. Try a local favorite, like nem, which serves up a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Or, discover a hidden gem, such as Mama's Picanteria where soul food takes on a global twist. The dining options are as diverse as the town itself.
For an unforgettable culinary experience, don't miss La Zorra. Chef Pablo Albuerne delights diners with his inventive twists on traditional rice dishes, such as paella.
Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the town's rich history, or indulging in a culinary adventure, Sitges welcomes you with open arms. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of culture and diversity that makes Sitges a true gem of the Mediterranean coast.
Embracing Barcelona's Coastal Charm: A Beach for Every Mood
As the sun sets on another spectacular day by the sea, we invite you to experience the wonder of one of our shows in Barcelona. Just as Barcelona's beaches offer endless delights for families seeking adventure or relaxation, our awe-inspiring shows promise to transport you to a world of enchantment.
Prepare to be dazzled by breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing music, and stunning visuals that ignite your senses. So, gather your loved ones, pack away the buckets and spades, and join us for an experience you'll never forget!