Are there any good beaches near Barcelona?
OUR FAVORITE BEACH TOWNS NEAR BARCELONA
Barcelona enjoys a prime location by the Mediterranean Sea, and it boasts several kilometers of urban beaches. Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià, Mar Bella, Nova Icaria… Each section of the local coast has its own charm and it attracts different crowds. But what if you want to get away from the city for the day to be in closer contact with nature, and to discover different landscapes? Are there any nice beaches near to Barcelona? Yes! And the best part is that while for some you’ll need to rent a car, other can be easily reached by public transportation!
There’s lovely beach towns where the local well-off families vacation, fishing villages with picturesque beaches, rocky coves where the pine trees almost reach the water, and long golden beaches. Some are presided by old castles, while other hide ancient underwater ruins… Are you ready to discover them with us?
Maresme & Costa de Barcelona Beaches
1
Badalona
If you like the vibe of urban beaches but prefer to get away from the tourist crowds in Barcelona. Badalona is a vibrant suburban town reachable by train, with as much beach front as the big city. The coast of Badalona is divided into 8 different beaches, and our favorite is the one of the Pont del Petroli, a striking industrial metal and concrete structure that was used to download petrol in the XX century and now provides a lively underwater ecosystem great for scuba diving and snorkeling.
In that beach you also find the modernist factory of Anis del Mono liquors. But if you prefer convenience first, the Platja de l’Estació is right in front of the train station, and during the Summer season there’s a lockers service and public toilets in the beach bars. The Coco beach, named after a factory that used to be in the area, is the closest to Barcelona and it usually boasts a Blue Flag (award for the extreme quality of its water, sustainability and services).
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 11km / 7mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R1 from Plaça Catalunya (21 minutes ride)
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, light brown
BEST BEACH FOR: A quick beach outting, since it’s so close to Barcelona.
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2
El Masnou
El Masnou is a quaint suburb with a fishing origin and some pretty modernist architecture. Its main beach, just 7 minutes walk from the train station, is smoke-free and there’s public toilets and lockers at the beach bar. This beach is often awarded the Blue Flag.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 20km / 12.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R1 from Plaça Catalunya (27 minutes ride)
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, light brown color.
BEST BEACH FOR: Families with young children.
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3
Ocata
Technically within the municipality of El Masnou, this beach is so popular and its personality to different from its sister beach that we decided to count it as a different beach town. It also has its own train station right in front of the beach. The beach has 4 beach bars with public toilets and lockers, and there’s a special section of the beach where dogs are allowed. If you have the time, make sure to head over to Pastisseria Miquel to try their Masnovines, a local individual cake topped with creme brulee.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 21.5km / 13.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R1 from Plaça Catalunya (29 minutes ride)
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, light brown color.
BEST BEACH FOR: Dog lovers and families with teens.
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4
Caldes d'Estrach
Caldes d’Estrach, also known as “Caldetes” is a beach town that locals have traditionally favored not just because its beaches but also for its thermal waters, now available at a modern spa. There’s two official beaches in Calella, Els Tres Micos and Kalima or La Riera, both often awarded Blue Flags. The one right in front of the train station is the Platja dels tres Micos, which is lined up with pretty modernist vilas and features beach bars with public toilets.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 38km / 23.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R1 from Plaça Catalunya (51 minutes ride)
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car that don’t feel like driving too far, or people that are OK with a longer train ride.
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5
Sant Pol de Mar
Sant Pol de Mar is a picturesque fishing village that still preserves its authentic soul. It’s got 8 beaches, several of them outside of the actual town, and therefore offering a much more natural landscape. Actually one of them, Platja de les Banyeretes is a protected area where European shags nests. Another beach, Platja de Can Villar has also some restricted areas to preserve its natural dunes.
There’s also the Platja de les Barques, the closest one to the train station, where there’s often small fishing boats resting on the sand, and it often boasts a Blue Flag. Or if you prefer smaller beaches, there’s the Platja de les Escaletes, with short sand areas between the waves and the retaining wall that separes the water from the whitewashed buildings on Avinguda del Doctor Furest: very scenic, and less frequented.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 51km / 32mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R1 from Plaça Catalunya (62 minutes ride)
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People looking for natural landscapes and authentic flavor near Barcelona.
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Costa del Garraf Beaches
6
Platja del Prat
The road connecting the town with the beaches is lined up with a bicycle lane and dotted with picnic areas and playgrounds (although there’s not as much shade as you’d like to, in the Summer). There’s also a vantage point from where one can watch airplanes land and take off.
The beaches of El Prat have a high ecological value, and a large section of the dunes between the road that goes along them and the sand are protected. There’s 5 beaches, one of them (tucked away at the other side of the Sailing Club), is a nudist beach. Another one, La Ricarda – Ca l’Arana, has access forbidden to protect its ecosystem (but there’s a few landmarks nearby that are indeed visitable).
There’s a large parking next to the sailing club, and that gives easy access to the first beach, Platja De Can Camins where most services and beach clubs are. But beyond that point it’s either bicycle, walking or a public bus that makes several stops along the beaches. Because of that, the beaches of La Roberta and El Remolar are less crowded and feel more natural. The end of the Remolar beach is also used by nudists.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 16km / 10mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R2S from Passeig de Gracia (17 minutes ride), then PR3 bus to the beaches (30 minutes). You can also take the L9S subway line to Parc Nou and switch to the PR3 bus, but getting to the L9S is a pain, and the bus will be full with people that boarded at the train station…
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, light brown color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People looking for natural landscapes and/or airplane lovers. People with their own bicycle.
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7
Gavà Mar
Gavà is another working class town that has done a great job recovering its beaches this last years, and it’s become a great alternative for people with their own car after El Prat decided to restrict the access to the beach to private vehicles. The beach feels very green, because there’s a large pine tree forest that almost reaches the sand. There’s protected dunes, bicycle lanes, beach bars and restaurants, playgrounds…
A unique combination that makes it a favorite for a quick beach escape… if you have a car. Because you can technically get to Gava by train, but just like for El Prat you’ll need to take a local bus to get to the beaches (and for that, you’d rather take a suburban bus connecting the Gava beaches with Barcelona city – but it’s not as comfortable as the train. The beach of Gava Mar features a Blue Flag.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 21km / 13mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: L95 bus from Ronda Universitat (40 minutes).
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car that want a quick beach time, and all year round, a lovely lunch by the beach at one of its many beach restaurants.
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8
Castelldefels
With a similar vibe to Gavà, Castelldefels (also known as Playafels) was a beach favorite in the 1980’s but it entered a decadence after the Garraf tunnels opened in the 1990’s making the access to Sitges way easier than it was. However, these last years it’s seen a revival after being chosen as a living place by local celebrities and soccer players, who have opened trendy beach clubs there.
The train stops at the Southern end of the 5km (3mi) of beaches of Castelldefels, the Platja del Baixador – which has a more urban feel. As you walk North, the Platja de Lluminetes and Platja de la Pineda get a more natural feel with its protected dunes. La Pineda features a regulated kitesurf area. Lluminetes and Baixador are often awarded Blue Flags.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 24km / 15mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R2S from Passeig de Gracia (30 minutes). Make sure to get off at Platja de Castelldefels: the previous stop “Castelldefels” is the inland part of the village.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People using public transportation.
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9
Les Casetes del Garraf
El Garraf is a small whitewashed village at the beginning of the Garraf mountains, accessible by the old coastal winding road that connects Castelldefels with Sitges (not the tunnels road). The village, just a handful of streets and a church, is located on top of a hill. At its foot, in one side there’s a small marina, and at the other site there’s one of the cutest beaches in the area. It’s not a very large beach, but what makes it so pretty is the line of small white and green houses from the 1920’s and that are classed as local heritage, plus it boasts a Blue Flag. At the top of the cliff stands the scenic restaurant La Cupula, that has appeared in movies.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 30km / 18.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R2S from Passeig de Gracia (38 minutes).
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
NOT FOR: The stairs from the station to the beach don’t make it suitable for families with strollers or people with walking issues.
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10
Sitges
Sitges is like having Montecarlo (Monaco) near Barcelona. A classy combination of whitewashed houses, modernist villas, a fishing village flair and beautiful beaches. The village has an intense cultural life with festivals and traditional celebrations. And it’s also an LGTB destination that mixes seamlessly with more traditional crowds such as families and straight couples. It’s also the most international of all the beach towns near Barcelona that we have discussed so far, so you’ll find here more foreign tourists than at the other destinations.
The train station drops you off in the center of the village, and you’ll have to walk to the beach – but it’s not too long. Your best options are the Sant Sebastià beach (a small bay surrounded by modernist buildings, the Platja de la Fragata at the foot of the hill where raises the Church of St. Bartholomew and St. Tecla, or the Platja de la Ribera next to it. But if you have a car you’ll want to get further away to find less crowds. There’s 5 more sections of sand beach separated by breakwaters. I personally favor the tiny Platja de les Anquines, protected from the waves and perfect for families with little ones.
Or if you prefer, you can take the roads and head to more natural rocky coves: Cala Ginesta has dunes, Cala Morisca is popular for its lively beach bar but the beach attracts a combination of nudists and “textiles” (people who wear swim suits). Platja del Mort and Cala Desenrocada are gay nudist coves. Most of the urban beaches in Sitges receive their Blue Flag yearly.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 42km / 26mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: R2S from Passeig de Gracia (40 minutes).
TYPE OF SAND: Fine, golden color.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car. Young adults happy to take the train.
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Costa Brava Beaches
11
Tossa de Mar
The village has three distinct areas: the old town with cobble stone streets on the hill, the beach promenade and the commercial street that runs behind the beachfront buildings, and the modern town where the bus station is. The easiest beach to reach is the Platja Gran, the large one presided by the hill. But if you don’t mind walking, at the end of the road opposite to the hill there’s a quieter beach called Platja de la Mar Menuda. These two beaches have Blue Flag.
There’s also a smaller cove at the other side of the hill, accessible from the Old Town via some stairs: Platja d’Es Codolar. Other than that, Tossa is famous for its many beautiful coves, but for those you’ll either have to hike or drive there. Cala Giverola and Cala Pola are two of our favorites. Cala Futadera is frequented by nudist people.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 102km / 63mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Moventis bus from Barcelona Estacio del Nord (1 hour and 20 minutes ride).
TYPE OF SAND: Thick sand in the urban beaches: quick-dry beach shoes are recommended. Pebbles at the coves.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car.
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12
Palamós
Palamos is one of the largest beach towns in Costa Brava, but still quiet enough to be pleasant. Its urban beach, Platja Gran, is 600m / 2000ft long, and I personally prefer the part of the beach that is near the marina, which is protected from the waves making it almost as still as a pool. And when we go we usually stay for lunch at one of the several beach restaurants, which have air conditioning.
But if you prefer something smaller, then the beach of La Fosca (Blue Flag), one of the town well off suburbs, with its medieval ruins on top of a hill, the black rock that gives name to the beach and the modernist villas lining up the beachfront. Other than that, people looking for a wilder landscape have over a dozen smaller coves to chose from. Cala S’Alguer is probably the most famous one, due to the colorful fishing houses along it (cars can’t reach it: be ready for a small hike to get there). Cala Margarida has a similar feel, but the beach is narrower and the pebbles are bigger there.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 117km / 73mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Moventis bus from Barcelona Estacio del Nord (2 hours ride).
TYPE OF SAND: Fine golden sand at Platja Gran and La Fosca. Mix of thicker sand, pebbles and rocks at the coves.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car who don’t mind driving over one hour to beat the crowds.
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13
Palafrugell
Palafrugell is the name of an inland town, with several beach suburbs: in the old times the beach wasn’t safe as it could be attacked by the pirates, so the population lived inland and the beach suburbs were mostly used by sailors and fishermen. Nowadays those beach suburbs have become lovely beach villages. The most famous of them is Calella de Palafrugell, with its iconic Port Bo (also known as Platja de les Barques). Its whitewashed houses with arches and the colorful fishing boats resting on the sand will make you think of Greece and Italy.
Very close is the area of Llafranch, with its laid back feel, frequented by upper middle class locals and well informed European tourists. And just a bit further is the scenic Tamariu, a large cove surrounded by pine trees and lively beach restaurants. Tamariu is also surrounded by gorgeous smaller coves of cristalline waters such as Aigua Xelida, Aiguadolça and Cala Marquesa.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 125km / 77.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Don’t bother: it’s too complex and it’d take you like 3 hours…
TYPE OF SAND: Thick and gravelly sand. Rocks and pebbles at the coves.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car looking for scenic landscapes.
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14
Begur
Similarly, the main village of Begur is located inland, and then there’s a short 5 to 10 minutes drive to the beaches. Sa Riera is the largest and most popular, and the one with most services and beach bars. And from there departs the Camí de Ronda hiking trail with stairs up and down that goes along the coast and in 20 minutes it takes you to the striking Illa Roja beach, frequented by nudists and presided by a tall red rock. Sa Tuna, reachable by car, has a feel similar to Tamariu.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 130km / 81mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Don’t bother.
TYPE OF SAND: Thick and gravelly sand. Rocks and pebbles at the coves.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car looking for scenic landscapes.
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15
L'Escala
L’Escala is a fishing village famous for its tasty anchovies, and the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries. In its urban area you’ll find several beaches: La Platja (a small bay presided by the historical Casa del Gavia building), La Creu (with its fishing huts), Riells (a long sandy beach ina tourist district)… Then outside of the village heading North there’s the Platja del Rec (with its pine forest almost reaching the water), El Portitxol (with its instagramable stone arch), el Moll Grec (with the ruins of an ancient Greek pier) and the Empúries beaches presided by the medieval hamlet of Sant Martí d’Empúries. And when the Tramuntana wind blows, you’ll want to head to the Cala Montgó to shelter from it.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 142km / 88mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Don’t bother.
TYPE OF SAND: Depending from the beach: from fine to thick and gravelly sand, to rocks and pebbles at the coves.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with their own car looking for historical settings.
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Costa Daurada Beaches
16
Tarragona
Then if you like easy hikes around protected pine woods, you’ll find Roca Plana with its large stone platforms, and Cala Fonda (also known as Waikiki) surrounded by cliffs in one side and frequented by nudists who love the cosmetic properties of its yellow clay. There’s also long white sand beaches such as L’Arrabassada and Savinosa (both featuring Blue Flags). The only urban town is the Platja del Miracle, very close to the Roman Amphitheater and right next to the train station.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 98km / 61mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The “snail” Regional Express and Intercity trains take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Beware of taking the high speed train, as it drops you at a different station in the outskirts and you’ll need to take a taxi to the city.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine.
BEST BEACH FOR: Nudists with a car looking for hidden gems.
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17
Cambrils
Those looking for well equipped but relaxed beach resorts, the village of Cambrils is the perfect alternative to the touristy Salou nearby. Palm trees, public sport facilities, family-friendly areas, wheelchair inclusive beaches, dog beach areas, “chiringuito” beach bars… And up to 4 beaches with Blue Flag.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 125km / 77.5mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Don’t bother.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine.
BEST BEACH FOR: People with car that appreciate the services of great urban beaches.
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18
L'Hospitalet de l'Infant
The four beaches of l’Hospitalet de l’Infant receive a Blue Flag every year. L’Arenal and La Punta del Riu beach are family-friendly. L’Almadrava is lined up with pretty white-washed houses. El Torn attracts nudists and is a breathtaking combination of sand dunes, pine woods and rock formations. The Cova del Llop Marí is its most unique feature: a small pebbles beach inside a cave that can only be accessed from the sea, either on a kayak or swimming from the Platja del Torn (as long as you are an experienced swimmer: the distance is not for everyone!).
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 138km / 85mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: No.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine.
BEST BEACH FOR: Anyone with their own car (as long as you don’t mind the longish drive).
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19
L'Ametlla de Mar
The variety offered by the over 20km / 12.5mi of coastline of l’Ametlla de Mar is hard to beat. From long and safe sandy beaches that are perfect for families with young kids, to nautical and adventure water sports, to pet-friendly tourism, to gorgeous nudist coves. 10 of its beaches and coves house underwater meadows of a protected seaweed: Posidonia Oceanica (Nepture Grass). L’Ametlla de Mar also features three beaches with Blue Flag: Calafató, L’Alguer and Sant Jordi d’Alfama.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 143km / 89mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Don’t bother.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine.
BEST BEACH FOR: Nature lovers (with a car).
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20
Beaches of the Delta de l'Ebre
The Ebro River is the second longest river in Spain, and it reaches the Mediterranean Sea forming a natural delta famous for its biodiversity, rice meadows and sandy beaches. One of them, Platja de Riumar, features a Blue Flag. It is dog-friendly, perfect for surf-related activities and it is surrounded by dunes of high ecological value. But there’s two other beaches that won’t get a Blue Flag for their lack of services, but are just natural wonders worth seeing.
The Platja del Fangar is a barrier beach only accessible on foot, what makes it less packed, and it feels like a sand desert in the middle of the sea. There’s a scenic lighthouse at the end of the beach. In the other hand, the Platja del Trabucador is accessible by car and it’s a narrow Isthmus or land bridge with water in both sides. It’s a great place for birdwatching and sunsets.
DISTANCE FROM BARCELONA: 185km / 115mi
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: No.
TYPE OF SAND: Fine.
BEST BEACH FOR: People looking to go off the beaten path.
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BONUS! Everything you need to know about the Barcelona city beaches
Do you know of any other nice beaches near Barcelona?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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