Beaches In And Around Barcelona

Outdoors, Outside Barcelona on August 5, 2009 3:35 pm

Barcelona’s coastline stretches for kilometres with each section more popularly known by a different name such as the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada. The beaches along the coastline offer an excellent escape from the baking heat which holds the country under its grip during the summer months; but those expecting white sands and crystal clear waters could be disappointed. Barcelona is also known for its important port and therefore it would be unrealistic to expect to find Caribbean quality beaches around Barcelona.

Beaches within the city of Barcelona

For those visitors who don’t want to go far from the city, Barcelona offers a handful of beaches which, although aren’t the best quality, are visited by many everyday. There are two in particular: Barceloneta beach and the beach of Nova Icaria. Since they are located directly next to the city centre, all of the services found within the area are accessible including bars, showers, supermarkets and restaurants. Moreover given that these are very tourist-orientated, they are continually inundated with people selling drinks and coconut, Chinese masseuses, sand-horse builders and so on and so forth. Let a little time pass and soon they will be offering you mojitos and bagels. One of the most famous and widely-appreciated characters here, and a definite seller of French bagels, carries his basket balanced upon his head. Calmer and cleaner beaches can be found a little more towards the north: Bogatell and Marbella, for example.

Beaches to the north, just outside of Barcelona

You can take the train (Renfe) from the centre of Barcelona, which runs along all of the coastline from the city centre right to Mataro. Doing this, you will be able to enjoy a view of the whole coastline immediately outside the city between Barcelona and Mataro, the so-called area of Maresme. It’s entirely another world. There are about ten stops on the way there, one every five minutes; and every stop is a different beach. The beach favoured by Catalans is definately Ocata. It is loved by many surfers and so every weekend is always filled with locals. Another favoured destination for surfers is the nearby beach of Masnou (which gives its name to this stretch of the coast) is also very well-equipped and has fine, soft sand. Moving along, let’s list some of the best beaches: Badalona, Premia de Mar, Sant Andria de Besos, Villassar de Mar, and finally Mataro. It is also worth noting the beach of Sant Pol, one of the main beaches along the Maresme nord stretch.

Beaches just outside of Barcelona to the south

If you’re heading south, you can find two of the main tourist destinations along the southern coast of Catalunya that should be noted: one is Castelldefels, about 30 minutes by train from the city, characterized by its significant number of bars and restaurants in close proximity to the wide, clean beaches; and the other is without doubt Sitges. This is the jewel of Catalunya and famous across Europe for its Carnevale (the time of the year when the entire region joins in the streets for the town festival), and also for being, for a long time standing, a favoured destination of the gay community. It boasts some great beaches such as Garraf, definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. If you fancy spending a day in a sea-side setting but you also want to do a little sight-seeing, the town offers the possibility of losing yourself in its steep, narrow lanes and you can also visit the church of San Bartolome Santa Tecla and try out the delicious Catalan cooking which this specific town is renowned for.

Federico

Which is your favourite beach? Have we not mentioned it? Please leave your comments below.

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