Best Beaches in Barcelona

By Dom Bewley
mar bella

Ah, Barcelona. The Count City. One of Europe's premier places for great food, sunny weather, and a whole heap of culture. And, of course, a tourist's paradise. There's so much to see and do all across the city you might be overwhelmed. After a day of shopping, eating, and culture-absorbing, you might need a nice rest. Or, maybe you're looking for a little sun-soaked thrill? No matter your desires, you'll find it all, and more, at the beach! Golden sand, clear blue sea, and a sky to match. Just thinking about it is enough to give you goose pimples. So, if you're heading to beautiful Barcelona for a short or longer-term stay, you'll want to know which beaches are the best. Well, you're in luck. We've researched the best beaches in Barcelona, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover which is right for you.

Featuring:

  • Barceloneta
  • Mar Bella
  • Sant Sebastia
  • Nova Icaria
  • Bogatell
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Barceloneta

Barcelona's most famous beach, and the jewel in the city's sandy crown, Barceloneta holds that title with good reason. Golden sand as far as the eye can see. Well, nearly 1400ft of it, at least. Named after the eponymous fishing area where it resides, Barceloneta is truly one for the excitable, thrill-seeking tourist. Whether it's parties past sunset, a great assortment of seafood right on your 'towelstep', or a little seaside shopping, Barceloneta's got you covered.

It's undoubtedly the most lively of the beaches on this list. And, given its renown worldwide, will likely be the busiest too. However, for those of you looking to add a little spice to your sandy stay, it's easily one of the best beaches in Barcelona. There are watersports, more bars than we can count, and other entertainment that'll excite you throughout the day and into the early hours.

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Mar Bella

Let's switch gears for a moment. If Barceloneta's vibe is a little much and you're looking to really relax, then Mar Bella is for you. Known as the quietest beach in the city, it's relatively free from the tourist trappings of other beaches. You won't find bars and parties here. Just calm, peaceful beaches with calm and relaxed people.

Of course, that doesn't mean all you'll be doing is lying down and soaking up rays. There's windsurfing and kayaking on offer for you daredevils out there. It's also worth noting that it's a nudist beach. Now, that doesn't mean you have to go in your birthday suit, but it does mean that other people probably will. But hey, it's the 21st Century. Good for them. And you, if that's your thing.

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Sant Sebastia

However, if you're looking for something that treads the line between vibey Barceloneta and the zen-like Mar Bella, never fear. Sant Sebastia is here, and it's one of the best beaches in Barcelona!

Often considered the Saint-Tropez of Spain, Sant Sebastia has many of Barceloneta's best bits; the bars, the food, and the activities, but with a fraction of the people. There are sea sports to take part in, boats to relax on, and an entire ocean to swim beneath. You can even do your best Hasselhoff impression and join one of the many volleyball games you'll find. Smash that ball, yeah! Now that's volleyball! But like Mar Bella, it's definitely more laid back, so much so that, like Mar Bella, it also accommodates nudists. So, just be aware that there'll likely be some skin on show.

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Nova Icaria

Now, the above beaches might not be for everyone. If you're planning to bring the kids with you, perhaps a more clothes-friendly environment will stop any awkward staring or comments. Anything but the staring and comments. Well, Barcelona's got another great beach just for you. Nova Icaria is perfect for families, with a mix of kid-friendly activities like volleyball and water sports, and a nice mix of places to eat and grab a drink to cool off.

Plus, if the sand, sun, and sea aren't enough to keep their curious minds busy, Barcelona Zoo is just a short walk from the beach. There are hundreds of animals to meet, a reptile house filled with exotic species, and the African Savannah section where your little ones can mingle with giraffes, gazelle, and elephants. What more could a child, and a tired adult, want?

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Bogatell

And, finally, for those of you looking for a more grown-up version of Nova Icaria, look no further than Bogatell beach. Firstly, it's a beach, so expect sand, lounging in the sand, and the chance to tan your pale, vitamin d-starved body. There are also plenty of activities to participate in, from ping-pong to volleyball. All that, and nary a whippersnapper in sight. Bogatell has a higher average age than the other beaches. Perfect for the more mature of you, whether in mind or body.

Bogatell is classed as a Blue-Flag Beach, meaning it takes a sustainable approach to its shoreline. For the layman, including us, that means it's cleaner. And, as you'd expect from a Blue-Flag beach with a rubber-stamped body of water, Bogatell has some of the best watersports activities in Barcelona. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, actual surfing, and much, much more. And, after all the action - or inaction - there's a wealth of bars and restaurants just a short walk away. They're sure to quench your thirst or satisfy your well-earned hunger. Or, if you just need to cool down, go grab an ice cream at one of the pop-ups along the beach.

And those were just some of the best beaches in Barcelona. No matter what vibe you're looking for, there's sure to be the perfect beach for you. And, if you're looking for more things to do while you're in the scintillating city, why not add a little culture? Barcelona has a wide variety of art galleries to peruse, and museums to fill the brain to the brim. If you need a break from the sun, why not try some indoor activities? Taking that special someone on your trip? We've got perfect couple's activities just for you.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Sagrada Familia Interior

A monolith to Christianity, the Sagrada Familia is one of Catalonia's most iconic sights. If you're visiting Barcelona, and want to know more about it, read our guide to the brilliance of the Sagrada Familia, including the wonderfully-crafted interior! Image courtesy of Stock Holm/Shutterstock What is the Sagrada Familia To put it simply, La Sagrada Familia is a temple that was designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It was considered his Magnum Opus, but he was unable to finish it before his death more than 100 years ago. To this day, the monument has yet to be finished, with work continuing as you read this very sentence. Probably. Unless you're from the future? In which case, are flying cars any good? We've been waiting a long time for them. The History of the Sagrada Familia The idea for La Sagrada Familia popped into existence in the late 19th century when businessman Josep Bocabella visited the Vatican. It left such an impression on him that he hoped to recreate its magnificence in Barcelona, itself a very Catholic city. So, with his idea and no understanding of architecture, he approached some experienced builders and pitched it to them. Renowned Catalan architect Francisco de Paula del Villar accepted the challenge, and drew up plans for a classicly Gothic monument to Christianity. However, after the crypt was finished, creative disagreements with one of Bocabella's assistants led to him walking away from the project only a year after construction had begun. Then, Bocabella approached Gaudí, who had already made a name for himself in the city. Gaudí accepted, and got to work on redesigning the entire project. Unfortunately, the size and scope of the project would outlive both Bocabella and Gaudí, and damage to the latter's plans due to the Spanish Civil War led to a fifteen-year-long recovery job. Since then, work has restarted, with many famed builders assuming the mantle of lead architect. And after over a century since the project began, it's nearly complete! The Sagrada Familia Interior As soon as you see the Sagrada Familia, you'll understand why it's taken so long to complete. Its massive, intricate spires are quite unlike anything else on Earth. While it towers over nearly everything in the city, Gaudí demanded its tallest spire never supersede Montjuic Hill. A devout Catholic, he felt that no structure should ever exceed that of God's own making. However, once you step inside its magnificent walls, it's like being transported into another world. A breathtaking mix of Gothic sensibilities and Gaudí's love of naturalism, every inch was intricately designed to celebrate the stories and figures of the Bible, as well as Mother Nature. A short glance at the church's massive columns will inevitably evoke thoughts of gazing up at huge tree trunks. Image courtesy of Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock Given how many colors we see in nature, it's no surprise that Gaudí was quite the fan. Nearly all of his works are dripping in various colors and hues, and the Sagrada Familia is no different. Its massive stained glass windows fill the interior with beautiful mixes of reds, blues, yellows, and greens. Many techniques ensure that light focuses on specific parts of the Sagrada Familia interior. More strongly colored windows sit near the ground, while clearer ones further up, which ensures the impressive ceiling is bathed in light and draws your attention. At different times of day, the placement of the sun will dramatically affect the look of the church's inside, so you may want to visit it at more than one time during the day to see the difference! Then, there's the church's apse - the half-dome that usually sits above the altar. The Sagrada Familia's apse was Gaudí's first port of call after putting his own final flourishes on the half-done crypt. With its gaping windows letting in tons of natural light, grapevine-laden canopy, and its cross-topped altar, it's a magnificent sight and worthy of more than a few snaps. You'll also notice the apse's walls feature angels shedding tears. They must like it too! Seven chapels branch off from the apse, and two spiral staircases wind their way up the façades like two giant stone snails! Speaking of the crypt, you can see how different the original design was when compared to the unique techniques applied throughout the rest of the Sagrada Familia interior! Familiar but no less stunning mosaic floors are laden with vines, roots, and other flora. Even though Gaudí already had a mind for nature in his work, it's likely he used these designs as a jumping-off point when redesigning everything above ground! Gaudí and Bocabella remain the only two people to be buried here, which is appropriate considering their importance to the project. Given its utter brilliance, it's no wonder that the Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona's most popular tourist destinations. Rather than risk missing out or queuing for hours, why not book a guided tour of this magnificent building and learn all about it from someone a lot more clever than we are! Image courtesy of Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock Gaudí's workings up close Unlike his peers, Gaudí preferred creating to-scale models rather than relying on blueprints. What a guy. And that's good for you too, because you can also visit the Sagrada Familia museum and see many of his models up close for yourself! While much of this burnt during the aforementioned civil war, the pieces that were used to restart the project are now contained within the museum. Inside, you'll find models of the spires, many parts of the interior, as well as photos, drawings, and other artifacts from the last 150 years. Well worth a visit, simply for the scale of some of these models, which easily tower above our measly human frames. And that's everything you need to know about the Sagrada Familia interior! Enjoy your stay, and remember to take as many photos as possible!
Dom Bewley
Barcelona in March
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Barcelona in March

As Barcelona waves goodbye to winter and beckons in the spring, the city begins to enjoy the best of all worlds – Sunny days and mild temperatures, a bustling atmosphere without too many crowds, and a whole host of events to keep spirits high. Choosing to visit Barcelona in March may prove a rewarding decision no matter your travel style. Many would consider the spring period the best time to take a trip to the Catalan capital. Take this chance to explore everything the city has to offer without battling constant crowds and jump into one of the many local festivities and events.   Tourism in March Spring offers the city of Barcelona a delightful grace period in which tourism rates begin to rise gradually without taking over the city as can be expected in the summer months. With temperatures averaging between the low-40s and high-50s, you can bet on mild but sunny days and cool but pleasant evenings. While it may not be the best time for a dip in the Mediterranean, and while you’ll likely need to pack a jacket or two, March offers the ideal opportunity to explore everything that Barcelona has to offer. In booking your trip, you’ll find yourself blessed by lower airfares, cheaper hotels and pretty much your pick of the litter for accommodation. But the biggest benefit of visiting Barcelona in March will be the opportunity to see just about anything you want without any of the summertime hassle. You shouldn’t have to fight huge crowds to get into your choice of attractions, and booking should often be available for the same day. This would be the perfect opportunity to explore the Sagrada Familia without having to wade through the tourists. Or wander around Park Güell during one of its quietest and most tranquil times. Or visit Barcelona Zoo without all of the summer break kids taking up the best viewing spots. Your trip will truly be your own in spring.   Sant Medir Early in March, locals to the old town of Gràcia take to the streets to observe the Sant Medir parade and all of the festivities it brings with it. The event is most well-known for the many candies, toffees and treats thrown to onlookers by those within the procession of horses, floats and lorries. Following in the footsteps of a local baker who began the annual procession in the 19th Century after miraculously recovering from illness, the celebration has since become known locally as the dolça festa, the ‘sweet festival’ for the many treats gifted to the enthused observers. If you happen to be visiting within the first week of March and feel like embracing your inner child, be sure to make your way to the parade with a spare bag in hand ready to join the many expectant kids to catch all the candy you can!   Barcelona-Sitges International Vintage Car Rally The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded. This is truly one for the vintage vehicle buffs. For over half a century now, Barcelona has been witness every March to an enthused procession of nostalgic and bygone automobile models. For two days, the city’s coastal routes of Barcelona and Sitges growl with the sound of hundreds of these beasts for onlookers to revel at. The rally has become a staple for vintage car enthusiasts the world over, with many flocking to the city each year for the event. As such, the streets surrounding the rally route often like to capitalize on this increased custom with various events, live music, merchant stalls, wine tasting sessions and workshops.   Barcelona Marathon Having indulged in the many food-based festivities of the fall and winter seasons, many locals and visitors start training for the Barcelona Marathon. The 26-mile route takes runners on an athletic tour past some of the city’s most iconic monuments. Beginning at the foot of Montjuïc, the course loops around the inner districts of the city, past the likes of Camp Nou in the west and Parc del Fòrum in the east, before looping back around via the coast. If running is your thing, why not train up for a few months before your trip for a unique way to explore the city?   Barcelona Beer Festival Barcelona in March is also typically host to the Barcelona Beer festival, which has grown rapidly since its inception in 2012 to host around 30,000 attendees each year. The festival brings together more than a thousand accredited professionals to celebrate and share their love of brewing beer. Offering many hundreds of variations of beer and a whole host of different activities, beer lovers both local to and visiting Barcelona can truly revel in their shared beverage passions. The event also offers a range of shows and live music for attendees to enjoy. Why not go grab yourself a beer or three during your springtime visit?   St. Patrick’s Day While St. Patrick’s may not be a strictly Catalan or even a Spanish event, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t embraced by those who want to celebrate. There’s always sure to be a sizable group of expats and tourists gathering at their nearest Irish Pub to sink a few pints of Guinness. Among the most popular venues are Flaherty’s, the George Payne and the Wild Rover.   Wrapping Up Springtime is often overlooked by many as an ideal time to visit Barcelona. While it may not offer the same warm days and perfect swimming weather as summer, it compensates handsomely by allowing you to see Barcelona in a more quiet and authentic state. Alongside the benefits of lower tourism rates, you’ll also have the opportunity to observe and even participate in many of the region’s most hotly anticipated events of the year. Whether you’re looking for a genuine cultural experience or simply a relaxing trip to the heart of Catalonia, visiting Barcelona in March will almost certainly pay dividends.
Robert Heaney
week in barcelona
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A Week in Barcelona

Spending a week in Barcelona for your vacation, but fearful of missing any of the city's highlights? Never fear; we're here to do all the work for you. Relax and read on as we outline a perfect week in Barcelona!   Day 1 We'll take things easy at the start! You may have been traveling for hours, and you'll have to get used to the time difference. Make your way to your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb, put your things away, and have a nice sit-down. You've earned it, buddy. When you have settled, head out and explore the local area. You may well be staying at one of the areas we mentioned in our neighborhoods or where to stay guides, so have a browse and see what's good. You'll doubtless find a local cafe to have a meal and a coffee, a restaurant if you want something more substantial, or dare we say, a bar if you're feeling daring. You could also check our market guide if you want to cook something back home. It's early days yet, so don't worry too much about being too busy. You've still got a week in Barcelona, after all! Then, get to the resting; big day tomorrow!   Day 2 For your second day in the Catalan capital, we suggest you see all the most recognizable of Barcelona's landmarks. With enough planning and forethought, this is more than possible to do on foot. However, we recommend you save yourself the trouble and board a hop-on, hop-off bus tour instead! These run all throughout the day, and will take you to all of the city's great architectural monuments! Highlights include Casa Batlló, Plaça Catalunya, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera, and Mercat de Sarrià. Many of these are Gaudi's seminal works, and getting to all of them in a day is pretty good going! And the best thing is that if one takes your fancy, you can get off, go exploring, and then catch the next bus to the next destination. Feasibly, you could go and see everything up close, and still get to the end before the sun sets! Then, when you've seen it all, walk back and see what's going on in the city!   Day 3 On day three of your week in Barcelona, we're going to travel...through time itself! Sort of, at least, as we recommend you go and check out the city's more historic areas. Appropriately named 'Old Town', or Ciutat Vella if you want to get cultural, it's one of the most untouched places in the country. You'll see monuments to the old Roman occupation, medieval buildings that still stand tall (somehow), and plenty of winding cobbled streets filled with hidden cafes and pubs. If you want a deeper dive, take a guided tour of the area and learn all about what happened when. Get a few snaps at the gothic Barcelona Cathedral. Entry is free before midday, so all the more reason to venture out early. Then, visit Boqueria Market and follow the delightful smells to your snack of choice. End the day by exploring the neighborhood's surprisingly deep nightlife, if that's your thing, and try making some local friends along the way!   Day 4 Get up bright and early for this one, because on day four, we recommend you head outside of the city. We're heading to Montserrat, aka the Serrated Mountain, to explore one of Catalonia's most spiritual places. Thankfully, you can have all the travel taken care of by booking a bus tour from the city center. This air-conditioned vehicle ensures you can relax, save your strength for all the exploring you'll be doing, and you're free to take pictures throughout the journey! Once you arrive, admire the stunning views across the plains, go see the monastery, visit the nearby museum, and grab a spot of lunch at Mirador Restaurant. Right next door, you'll find the Stairway to Heaven sculpture, then you're free to continue on. Further up the mountain is the Santa Cova Chapel, and from there, Sant Miquel's Cross. All this exploring will take you most of the day, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you so you don't get dehydrated! Then, when the day is done, and you've filled up a camera roll, take the cable car back down the mountain and make your way home. Phew!   Day 5 Day five is culture day, so put on your most elaborate cultural hat and prepare for artsy and historical explorations! There's the Picasso Museum, where you'll get to explore the life, times, and works of the famous brushstroker. Modern art marvels can be explored at the Moco Museum, featuring works from current artists like Banksy as well as contemporary artists from the early 20th-century such as Dali. For family-filled fun, go explore the weird and wonderful offerings at the Museum of Illusions at the Big Fun Museum. To satisfy all your scientific curiosities, venture into CosmoCaixa, which lets you explore the smallest atom to the largest galaxy. Learn more about Catalonia and, by extension, Barcelona's rich history at the Museum of Catalonian History. Or, learn more about the musical heritage of the area at the Museum of Music! Whatever your cultural desires, you're bound to find them sated in the city.   Day 6 With your week in Barcelona nearly over, it's time to relax. If the weather's good, why not head to the beach? Barceloneta is the city's most famous and busiest beach, with plenty of beachside bars and restaurants to tuck into seafood treats. But, if you're looking for a quieter, more secluded stay, check out our guide to Barcelona's best beaches. Alternatively, if it's too hot or too cold to head beachside, why not take a picnic to one of Barcelona's fabulous parks? Coming in all shapes and sizes, there's bound to be one close by that ticks all your park-related boxes. Then, wander home and stop by a new restaurant for some authentic Catalonian tapas.   Day 7 And finally, we come to your final day in the city. Your week in Barcelona has flown by! So, let's look at doing some mop-up before you head home. If you want to pick up any presents for your people back home, why not take a trip to La Roca Village? If you'd like a look at Barcelona's evolving architecture throughout history, visit Poble Espanyol. Soccer fans might want to take a trip to Camp Nou and take a tour of FC Barcelona's famous stadium. Animal lovers could go see some critters at the zoo or the aquarium. Or, try seeing the city's skyline from a different perspective with a boat cruise! Then, go back, pack, and get some sleep in preparation for your trip home. And that's our guide to a week in Barcelona!
Dom Bewley

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