Barcelona Beaches

Barcelona offers a vast stretch of coastline that comes as a surprise to some first-time visitors. From Barceloneta and the Marina of Port Vell to the Diagonal Mar area,  the beaches run virtually uninterrupted.

For a choice of restaurants and cafés, head into the Port Vell Marina area in Barceloneta or to the Port Olimpic area where you can take the steps down by the bronze fish statue for beach front dining or further along past the towers to the Marina area for a range of seafood and other restaurants.

You can typically enjoy the Barcelona beaches from March to October and sometimes even as late as November you might see sunbathers. Either way, the promenade is great for a family stroll at any time of the year.

A Choice of Beaches

Although the tendency for many tourists is to head to Barceloneta which is closest to the city centre, the beaches stretch for several kilometres along the Barcelona coastline and each has its own distinct characteristics. Nova Icària and Bogatell Beach are those closest to the Port Olimpic area with its small marina, choice of bars, shops and restaurants. There is also a climbing frame on the sand for kids here plus a somewhat dated but still popular outdoor fitness area.

If you are looking for somewhere a little quieter then head to the beaches of Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella further to the East. Although still busy in the summer, you can also enjoy the grassland in the park just up from the beach which has plenty of space for picnics and a children's playground at the bottom of the Rambla del Poblenou. One of the nicest offerings of the city beaches are the Chiringuitos, the beachside cafes that open throughout the daytime and evening for light meals and drinks and relaxing music.

Heading even further east along the shoreline, it can come as a surprise to discover a natural seawater swimming pool built as part of the Parc del Forum.  An area of sea is sectioned off where you can dive and bathe during the summer months.