From ribbons of honey-colored coast that stretch 3.1 miles (5km) north in the Port of Barcelona to secret southern sands that – shh! – the locals want to keep quiet about, fundamental essentials best beaches in Barcelona.
1. Barceloneta Beach
This is it: the epicenter of Barcelona's beaches; typically the most popular strip of sand within the city. Just east of its namesake neighborhood, Barceloneta Beach throngs with sun-seekers, mojito vendors and sarong sellers throughout the height of summer.
Entirely manmade, its pharaonic gold sands were shipped over from Egypt and the palms along the promenade once called Hawaii home. For some, it could feel like a circus, however for many more, this iconic stretch of parasol-lined paradise epitomizes the energy of the city. We're firmly in the latter camp.
2. Mar Bella Beach
Towards the north of Barcelona's coastline is that this wonderfully cosmopolitan stretch of soft blonde sand, that is ever-popular by having an LGBTQI+ crowd. Mar Bella Beach includes a small nudist strip, which is clearly marked, in addition to a quantity of other amenities, together with a skate park and some aquatic sports.
3. Bogatell Beach
Fronting the hip El Poblenou neighborhood, the fluffy golden-white sands of Bogatell Beach host volleyball courts and a few seasonal xiringuitos (beach bars) with sun loungers and umbrellas.
There are a handful of excellent seafood restaurants on the promenade above, including much-loved Xiringuito Escribà, but down on the sand, this is because quiet a seaside as you'll get within this a part of Barcelona.
4. Nova Icària Beach
Arguably Barcelona's best beach for families, the southernmost strip of golden sand above Port Olímpic often echoes with the excited squeals of young kids. But that's unsurprising: having a wide selection of sports facilities, including table tennis and beach volleyball, lifeguards on patrol, and warm, shallow waters, Nova Icària Beach is the perfect place for parents to let their children run down the tank.
5. Sant Sebastià Beach
Beneath the glass gaze of W Barcelona, the 26-story, sail-shaped beach hotel that puffs out in the southern end of los angeles Barceloneta, is this wonderful slice of sun, surf and sand. Sant Sebastià Beach is really a handy stretch of white-gold for all those searching for a quick break in the city.
6. Nova Mar Bella Beach
This crescent of sparkling gold sand is how the locals have a tendency to hangout. Located for the north of the El Poblenou beaches, it's usually dotted with brightly-colored beach umbrellas and sun loungers fixed within the horizontal position. Nova Mar Bella Beach continues to have plenty of facilities, including showers and a couple of beach bars, but it's much more chilled than most of the beaches this end of the city.
7. Sant Miquel Beach
Taking its name from the 18th-century church in nearby Barceloneta, this stretch of soft honey-gold sand is among the oldest beaches in Barcelona. Because of its proximity to the old city, Sant Miquel Beach is often busy, but it's worth spreading your towel out for a while – if perhaps to determine Rebecca Horn's L'Estel ferit (The Wounded Shooting Star), a sculpture of 4 stacked cubes that appear to be like they might topple at any moment.
8. Zona de Banys del Fòrum
Not a beach within the traditional bucket and spade sense – there's no sand here – but for all intents and purposes, the bathing area at El Fòrum acts as one. Having a number of diving pontoons, several shaded areas and a groyne of solid concrete cubes, this beach-by-design is architecture you should use.
Located at the most eastern reason for the city's shoreline, where the massive Pergola solar power glints on a sunny day, this sea-fed swimming area is about 375m-long (1230ft) and 30-m (98ft) wide and includes steps down into the water that have been adapted to permit access for disabled travelers too.
9. Somorrostro Beach
Stretching out like a soft golden cat between Gas breakwater and the Moll de Marina pier, Somorrostro Beach makes locals purr with delight. This stretch of sand is how Frank Gehry's El Peix (Golden Fish) sculpture dangles enticingly out-of-reach around the promenade above. It may get busy during the summer months.
10. Castelldefels Beach
Around 20km southwest of Barcelona city center, this beautiful long sweep of golden-blonde sand beloved by kitesurfers is accessible by train. Backed by a few fairly hefty sand dunes, Castelldefels Beach is a blissful escape and barely packed. Its pink-and-apricot sunsets are often exquisite.
11. Ocata Beach – El Masnou
The beach capital of scotland- El Masnou is only around 30 minutes from Barcelona by train, however the journey is worth it with this long curl of burnished bronze sand. Motorway-wide, there's lots of space for spreading out, plus its healthy number of xiringuitos (beach bars) allows visitors to make a day's it.
Although much more peaceful compared to inner-cities beaches, beware that the drop of the beach scarp, the region between the shoreline and the seafloor, is much steeper than in Barcelona.
