If you're in Barcelona and looking for a nice place to relax by the sea, you're in luck: the city is full of beaches that are easily accessible by metro, bus or on foot. Here are some of the best beaches to discover during your stay:
1. Barceloneta
This is the best-known and liveliest. Perfect if you love the festive atmosphere, seaside restaurants and activities like beach volleyball or paddle. Mind you, it can get a bit crowded in summer!
How to get there
Metro:
Take line 4 (yellow) - Stop: Barceloneta
Once off the train, it's about a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Follow the “Platja / Beach” signs or walk towards the port.
2. Bogatell
Less touristy than Barceloneta, Bogatell is ideal for those seeking a little more peace and quiet. It's clean, well-equipped and very popular with the locals.
How to get there
Metro:
Take metro line 4 (yellow).
Get off at the Llacuna or Poblenou stop.
Then walk about 10 to 15 minutes in the direction of the sea.
3. Nova Icaria
Located near Port Olímpic, this beach is perfect for a day out with friends or family. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, and it's also a great spot for kayaking and paddle-boarding.
How to get there?
Metro:
Take metro line 4 (yellow).
Get off at the Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica stop.
Then walk about 5-10 minutes in the direction of the sea. The beach is right next to Port Olímpic.
4. Mar Bella
A more relaxed beach, popular with young people and the LGBTQ+ community. There's even a naturist area. The atmosphere is very cool and the sunsets are magnificent.
How to get there?
Metro:
Take line 4 (yellow).
Get off at the Poblenou or Selva de Mar stop.
Then walk about 10-15 minutes towards the sea, in the direction of Avinguda del Litoral.
5. Forum
The Forum is an original place to swim in Barcelona. It's not a sandy beach, but a large concrete platform with stairs leading directly to the sea. It's quiet, clean and less touristy, ideal for a break from the crowds.
How to get there:
Metro: Line 4 (yellow), El Maresme | Fòrum stop
The site is just a few minutes' walk from the Diagonal Mar shopping center.
6. Ocata (outside Barcelona)
If you want to get out of the city center, take the train to El Masnou. In just 25 minutes, you'll arrive at Ocata beach: fine sand, clear water, much quieter... a little gem not yet well known to tourists.
How to get there?
From Barcelona:
By train (the easiest and most pleasant way)
Take line R1 of Rodalies Renfe (suburban train).
Get on at Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf or Clot-Aragó station.
Get off at the Ocata stop (approx. 30-minute journey).
The beach is just opposite the station, a few minutes' walk away.
Frequency: one train every 15 to 20 minutes.