Your Guide to the Best Beach Holidays in Barcelona

As one of Spain’s most charismatic cities, Barcelona is synonymous with mouthwatering cuisine and Gaudí’s fantastic architecture. But does Barcelona have a beach? Of course. It’s a favourite destination for soaking up the summer sun, with more than 2.5 miles of golden beaches located in the city centre. There are options for everyone, whether you’re looking for a spot for a peaceful stroll or a lively party beach complete with late-night bars.

The oldest and most famous is Barceloneta Beach. Located in the historic fishing quarter, this tempting swathe of sand is known for its bustling atmosphere. Come to sunbathe. Come to swim. Come for a game of beach volleyball or to people-watch from one of the laid-back restaurants located steps from the water’s edge. Like most of the city beaches it offers excellent amenities including lifeguards in season and accessible bathrooms.

If you’re planning a family beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain, you may want to choose one of the city’s less-crowded beaches for your daily sun-and-sand fix. We love Nova Icària, located right in the middle of the city’s extended coastline in between Bogatell and Somorrostro beaches. It stretches for approximately 400 metres and offers plenty of space for building sandcastles or impromptu games of tag. There’s a children’s playground, beach volleyball and table tennis areas and a water sports centre offering dinghy sailing, kayaking and windsurfing.

Just to the north of Nova Icària Beach lies Bogatell Beach, one of the best sandy beaches in Barcelona and another popular spot for families. Bogatell also offers a wealth of sports facilities. Challenge the kids to a game of beach football or practise your dunking skills on the basketball court. Feeling a little less energetic? Rent a beach umbrella or lounge chair and claim your sunbathing spot. Both beaches are protected by lifeguards in season and Nova Icària even offers bathing assistance services for people with reduced mobility.

If you’re travelling with children, bear in mind that there are two designated nudist areas on Barcelona’s coastline: one at the southern end of Saint Sebastian Beach and the other on Mar Bella Beach.

For postcard-perfect photos of your beach holiday in Spain, we love Saint Sebastian Beach. Located at the southern end of Barceloneta, its curving coast offers a unique viewpoint of the skyline including the twin skyscrapers of the Olympic Port. Revel in this spectacle from your lounger on the sand, or from the open-air swimming pools of Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta.

If you have time to venture further south along the Mediterranean coastline, we highly recommend jumping on the R2 train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia. A 25-minute journey will take you to Castelldefels Beach, a wide, long expanse of sand with clean water and a chilled-out atmosphere. A favourite for kitesurfers in spring and autumn, this beautiful beach also offers a better angle for admiring the sunset than the city’s east-facing beaches, making it a romantic proposition for hand-in-hand strolls.

Try one of the city’s lesser-known beaches for a more peaceful moment. We like Llevant Beach, the newest and most easterly of Barcelona’s beaches. It has relatively few facilities and is more out of the way than Barceloneta or Saint Sebastian, meaning that fewer locals or visitors make the effort to get there. As such, it’s one of the quietest and most peaceful options in the city centre. It’s also clean, with safe swimming and plenty of space for spreading out your towel for a moment of seaside relaxation.

For a holiday within your beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain, ride the R1 train from Plaça Catalunya for 30 minutes until you reach Ocata Beach in the northeast. Here, spectacular golden sands meet the azure sea offering plenty of space even in peak season. There’s lots to do, too, with two sailing clubs, outdoor gym stations, and chair and umbrella rentals. In summer, lively beach bars offer sustenance to thirsty swimmers and sunbathers.

Your beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain can be an exercise in relaxation – we’re talking sunbathing, scenic seaside walks or propping up the beach bar. Or you can indulge your inner adrenalin junkie with opportunities for all kinds of water sports from deep sea fishing to yachting, windsurfing or stand-up paddling. Base Nàutica Municipal de la Mar Bella (located at Mar Bella Beach) offers sailing and kayaking excursions, while Mojokite on Castelldefels Beach caters to all your kitesurfing needs. You can even explore beneath the waves. Choose Diving Barcelona for scuba courses and fun dives on the spectacular underwater sites of nearby Costa Brava.

Beachfront dining in Barcelona is all about seafood. For a true gourmet experience, book a table at TENDIEZ Tapas Bar & Restaurant on Somorrostro Beach. Here, Michelin-awarded chef David Andrés presents the best of the region’s exquisite, fresh-caught seafood with small plates ranging from marinated scallops to lobster croquettes. For your main course, try a uniquely Catalan take on specialties including succulent monkfish and coquelet chicken.

Good to know:

• Location: Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, Avenida del Litoral, 10, 08005 Barcelona
• Hours: Daily from midday to 3:30pm (lunch) and 8pm to 11pm (dinner)
• Getting There: Pg Marítim bus stop

If you want to go directly from beach to table, Xiringuito Escribà is a local favourite on Bogatell Beach. For more than 30 years, this laid-back restaurant has revelled in its spectacular beachfront setting and drawn crowds with its generous portions and reasonable prices. Paella is a particular speciality although other must-try dishes include Andalusian-style squid and street-style ceviche. Seafood is the star of the show at both restaurants, but both also offer delicious meat-based and vegetarian options.

If there’s one local tradition you should try on your beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain, it’s the xiringuito. These casual beach bars serve drinks and snacks right on the sand from late spring to early autumn and they epitomise Barcelona’s holiday spirit. Expect tiki umbrellas, sun-drenched day beds and a menu of drinks designed to provide refreshment in the heat. One of our favourites is Vai Moana on Bogatell Beach. This Polynesian-themed bar offers beachfront views and keeps the party vibe going with ambient music, DJ sets, VIP hammocks and an extensive cocktail list. Opt for a frozen daiquiri or margarita, one of three mojito flavours or a tall jug of chilled sangria. Via Moana welcomes everyone with accessible spaces and games to keep the kids occupied while Mum and Dad relax.

Good to know 

• Location: Avenida del Litoral, s/n, Q2, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
• Hours: Seasonally from 10am to 9pm (Wed, Thurs), 10am to 10pm (Fri, Sat), 11am to 9pm (Sun)
• Getting There: Carmen Amaya - Ptge de la Llacuna bus stop

For elevated ocean views and an exclusive atmosphere, try ElCielo, a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking Somorrostro Beach. It’s loved by those in the know for its signature cocktails and stunning swimming pool.

When it comes to choosing where to stay on your beach holiday in Barcelona, Spain, waterfront hotels and beachfront resorts offer the most immersive experience. Our favourite luxury hotel is Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, a stunning choice on Somorrostro Beach that’s also within easy walking distance of the Gothic Quarter. Two swimming pools, a solarium and the option to have your own sea-view balcony are all part of the appeal.

Coastal accommodations may be beyond your budget if you plan on keeping costs to a minimum. However, ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell puts you within a 15-minute walk of bustling Barceloneta Beach while also offering the luxury of a rooftop pool complete with sea views. Modern, design-forward Mediterranean décor and a choice of family and adjoining rooms make this a good option for parents and groups of friends travelling together.

The first step is to choose a hotel that puts you within equally easy reach of the coast and the city’s cultural quarters. Then, choose the best beaches to visit based on your interests. Make sure to sample local seafood at a beachfront xiringuito, throw in a classic cocktail or mocktail and there you have it: the recipe for the perfect beach holiday in Barcelona.