As summer quickly approaches, it is about to be prime Barcelona beach weather. Known for its variety of Mediterranean beaches, the Barcelona coast has 9 different beaches, perfect for every occasion. From a peaceful rest on the sand to a music-filled beach celebration with friends, there is something for everyone. Follow this overview guide, detailing the best Barcelona beaches for your ideal day in the sun.
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5 best Barcelona beaches
Barcelona is known for its beautiful, expansive beaches. While it is tempting to visit them all, it would take over an hour to just walk along the coastline of beaches in the city of Barcelona. To help you make the most of your Barcelona beach experience, here are the top 5 best Barcelona beaches for every beach preference.
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Barceloneta Beach
The most popular beach in Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach is well-loved for a reason. Located in one of the busiest areas in Barcelona, Barceloneta is always buzzing with tourists and locals alike, who are looking to enjoy flavourful cuisine, live music and beach sports. Barceloneta used to be a fisherman’s village, so the area is known for its fresh seafood and paella rice dishes, making for the perfect post-beach meal. Although Barceloneta Beach is prone to crowds and you need to be wary of street vendors and theft, it is also full of a strong culture and community. It is very accessible and the perfect spot for a large gathering with your friends. During the warmer months, the water is very swimmable, and many people choose Barceloneta Beach to surf because of the shifting sandbars. You will never run out of things to do at Barceloneta Beach.
Nova Icària Beach
Located right in the centre of the coastline and close to Ciutadella Park sits Nova Icària Beach. Known as one of the most peaceful beaches in the city, its tranquil environment will guarantee a relaxing beach day. Due to the quiet atmosphere, Nova Icària is a very popular beach, and there are many bars and restaurants closeby. The beach also has many amenities such as a ping pong table, playground and volleyball courts, making it a great place for families who are looking to relax, yet still have fun. Nova Icària also has an area for people with accessibility needs that provides a bathing support service opening in June. In addition, there is a wooden walkway along the beach to increase accessibility.
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Zona de Banys del Fòrum
Unlike your traditional beach, the Zona de Banys del Fòrum, or the Fòrum bathing area, allows for swimming and sunbathing, but instead of sand, the area is accessed by paved steps. This bathing area is enclosed to a space that is 375 metres long and about 30 metres wide. The Banys are fairly shallow, so it is a nice option for those who do not want to tackle the waves of the ocean. It is important to stay in the designated bathing areas and follow all of the safety rules and guidelines. There are also assisted bathing services with hydraulic chairs that will open in June. The Zona de Banys del Fòrum also has a boat access point and a water ski area.
Mar Bella Beach
Reconstructed for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the Mar Bella Beach is frequented often, especially by those who live in the Sant Martí district. Mar Bella also tends to be popular among younger locals since it contains several recreational facilities including a skateboard rink, volleyball court, playground and more. It is important to note, Mar Bella has one of the only designated nudist areas in Barcelona. It is clothing optional, with no judgement whatever you choose to do. There are several drink and ice cream stands by the beach in case you want a refreshing snack on a hot day. Connected to Mar Bella is Nova Mar Bella Beach, a quieter alternative. Visitors can walk just for a few minutes to reach Nova Mar Bella depending on their beach preferences.
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Sant Sebastià Beach
With similar attributes to Barceloneta Beach, Sant Sebastià is also a very lively beach that is popular among locals and many tourists. In fact, Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta Beach blend together, drawing in people due to prime location close to the city centre, as well as the assortment of bars and restaurants nearby. On the southernmost part of the beach coastline, Sant Sebastià is right beside the ports. There are also many water sports clubs along the beach for those who want to enjoy the ocean via jetski or paddle surf. The beach is known for hosting the large W Barcelona hotel. If you stand at the southern end of the beach by the W hotel, you can get an outstanding view of the entire coastline up to Fòrum. Sant Sebastià Beach does not only have beautiful views, but it also is a very active and clean beach to take in the sun or enjoy the water.