Barcelona Beach – Soak up the sun and have a bundle of fun!

Barcelona lists, Outdoors on June 7, 2010 10:41 am

Thousands of people come to Barcelona each summer, and most like to spend at least one day relaxing at the beach rather than sightseeing.

This article is designed to help you choose which beach you would prefer to go to, based on your preferences. As with everything else in the city, Barcelona offers something for everyone, whether it is relaxing on a quiet beach, taking in a sometimes market-like atmosphere, or even looking for a beach where being naked is the norm!

We will give you a short guide on each beach, with each of their facilities, advantages and disadvantages.

The beaches start in the old city and then head out all the way to the Forum, so the guide will start at the city centre beaches, before travelling along the almost 4.5km stretch of sand.

Sant Sebastia

This runs from the port estuary up to Carrer Almirall Cervera. As this beach is the closest to Barcelona city, you can imagine it is one of the busiest during the hot summer months, filled with foreign tourists, entertainers, drink sellers and people offering you massages. It gives the party atmosphere that sums up this area of town during the summer.

What’s here: 5 ice cream and drink stands, sun lounger rental, parasol rental, 2 watchtowers and lifeguard highchair, 11 public toilets, 18 showers, lockers, disabled persons assistant service

Information points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and Lifesaving, Citizen’s Advice

Transport: Metro: Barceloneta Bus 14, 16, 17, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64, 157. 2 Bicing parking areas.

Barceloneta

Like Sant Sebastia this is located in the Ciutat Vella district, and goes from C/Almirall Cervera to the Olympic Port. Is it the oldest and most traditional beach in the city, and certainly the favourite among foreign visitors. Again like Sant Sebastia, there are plenty of people trying to sell you all sorts of things, and there is a party like atmosphere. There are also plenty of activities to keep you occupied, from sports equipment to children’s play areas.

What’s here: Volleyball courts, Children’s play area, Gym, Ping-Pong table, Skating area, 4 restaurants, 3 ice cream stands, 2 sports shops, Beach library, Sun lounger rental, Parasol rental, Watchtower and 2 lifeguard highchairs, 7 public toilets, 21 showers,

Information Points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and lifesaving, Citizen’s advice.

Transport: Metro: Barceloneta / Ciutadella Bus: 14, 16, 17, 36, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64. Tram: Ciutadella-Vila Olympica 4 Bicing parking areas and a Cycle track.

Nova Icaria

This beach moves us into the Sant Marti district of the city. It is known as one of the quietest beaches in the city, and therefore attracts more families, and generally just people wanting to relax. Nova Icaria also boasts several other activities to keep you occupied, as well as an area for disabled persons that includes a bathing assistant service.

What’s here: Volleyball courts, Children’s play area, Ping-pong table, 4 drinks and ice cream stands, Sun lounger and parasol rental, Watchtower and lifeguard highchair, 15 public toilets, 12 showers

Information Points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and lifesaving, Citizen’s advice, Electronic information panel

Transport: Metro: Ciutadella y Bogatell Tram: Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica Cycle track. Bus: 6, 36, 41, 92, 141

Bogatell

Bogatell is one of the beaches most appreciated by the Barcelona natives, as well as tourists who like to step off the beaten track. One of the beaches main attributes is its safety, along with the fact that it is quiet and quite far from the heart of the city. Like the other beaches, Bogatell offers some recreational equipment for those that can’t sit still, and the sand is much nicer than that further towards the port.

What’s here: Volleyball courts, Ping-pong table, 2 drinks and ice cream stands, Sun lounger and parasol rental, Watchtower and lifeguard highchair, 10 public toilets, 10 showers.

Information Points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and lifesaving, Citizen’s advice.

Transport: Metro: Poblenou and Llacuna Bus: 6, 36, 41, 92, 141. Cycle track.

Mar Bella

This is again a beach appreciated by the locals, perhaps their favourite in fact, due to its beautiful landscape and wide range of recreational activities on offer. This is shown by the large numbers of young people from the barrio of Sant Marti that frequent the beach every week. In addition to all the activities, part of the beach is also designated as a nudist area.

What’s here: Volleyball courts, Ping-pong table, Children’s play area, Skating area, Basketball net, Yacht base, 3 drinks and ice cream stands, Beach library, Sun lounger and parasol rental, Watchtower and lifeguard highchair, 6 public toilets, 9 showers

Information Points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and lifesaving, Citizen’s advice.

Transport: Metro: Selva de Mar Bus: 36, 71, 141. Cycle track with 2 Bicing parking areas.

Nova Mar Bella

As you can probably tell from the name, this is next to the Mar Bella beach, although it doesn’t have too much in common with its neighbor, apart from sun, sea and sand. The difference is that Nova Mar Bella is a lot more tranquil. There aren’t really any extra activities available and most of its regular visitors cite the peacefulness as the main attraction.

What’s here: 3 drinks and ice cream stands, Sun lounger and parasol rental, Watchtower and lifeguard highchair, 5 public toilets, 8 showers

Information Points: Guardia Urbana (City Police), Rescue and lifesaving, Citizen’s advice.

Transport: Metro: Selva de Mar and El Maresme Tram: Selva de Mar and El Maresme Bus: 36, 43, 141. Cycle track.

Llevant

This is the last of the beaches created along the Barcelona coastline in the summer of 2006. It doesn’t have much there, and isn’t really the nicest beach that Barcelona has to offer, although if you are looking for a quiet relaxing day away from the crowds then it is likely to provide a sufficient day out.

What’s here: Watchtower and lifeguard highchair, 7 showers

Information Points: Notice boards

Transport: Metro: Selva de Mar Tram: Selva de Mar and El Maresme Bus: 7, 36, 41, 141. Cycle track

Parc del Forum

This appears as a mix between a beach and a port. Located about 20 minutes from the centre, it is used a lot for annual events and festivals such as Primavera Sound, has a yacht marina, and also a swimming area. This is open from May to September and is basically a protected swimming pool enclosed in the sea. They have deck chairs, and run games for children. A range of recreational activities are also on offer here, and there is also an area especially for disabled persons, with a ramp to the water and an amphibious chair.

What’s here: Enclosed swimming pool, Scuba diving courses, Water skiing, Catamarans, Kayaking, Lifeguard towers and highchairs, Public toilets and showers, Special service for disabled persons.

Information Points: First aid and rescue, Public address system

Transport: Metro: El Maresme Forum Tram: Maresme Bus: 7, 36, 43, 141. Cycle track and Bicing parking area.

Our Tips for Barcelona’s beaches

It can be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for on a day at one of Barcelona’s beaches. On the main tourist stretch, especially at Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta, it can be very difficult to relax. People will offer you something every couple of minutes, from massages to drinks. If you want to relax then we suggest you stay away from this area of the beach. However, if you are looking for a carnival atmosphere, wouldn’t mind a nice massage whilst lying on the beach, or a cold can of lager being brought to you for just 1 euro, then it can be a great way to spend the day.

If you do want a chilled out day at the beach, then head further along the coast to the other beaches mentioned in this article.

For really good quality beaches though, and if convenience can be thrown out the window, you can always go to one of the beaches outside of the city. Places such as Castelldefels and Sitges to the south, with Ocata and Sant Pol to the north.

Barcelona Beach Accommodation

If you are still looking for hotels or apartments in Barcelona, then we have a great selection for you which are located close to the beach. Here are a few of our favourite apartments.