Barcelona
The beaches of Barcelona: from Barceloneta to Mar Bella
More than four kilometres of sand right by the centre, beach bars and a promenade that links it all together. Barcelona is one of few European cities with beaches this close to the old town. Here are the beaches, which to choose and where to stay.
There are few cities in Europe where you can walk from a Gothic cathedral to a sandy beach in twenty minutes. Barcelona has more than four kilometres of beaches right by the centre, linked by a single promenade. Most were created when the city smartened itself up for the 1992 Olympics, and today they are as much the city’s living room as a place to swim.
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Short answer: which beach should you choose?
Barceloneta: the best known and busiest, closest to the old town.
Nova Icària: wide, clean and family-friendly, by Port Olímpic.
Bogatell: quieter, with more locals.
Mar Bella: furthest east, popular with a young crowd and with a naturist section.
Stay by the beach
By Port Olímpic: Hotel Arts Barcelona. See rooms at Hotel Arts
At the tip of Barceloneta: W Barcelona. See rooms at W Barcelona
The beaches from west to east
Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta
Sant Sebastià begins at the W Barcelona, and further east lies Barceloneta, the city’s most famous beach. It is busy from morning to night, with beach bars, volleyball and vendors weaving between the towels.
Nova Icària and Bogatell
Past Port Olímpic the beaches grow wider and calmer. Nova Icària is popular with families, while Bogatell has a more local feel, with people jogging and cycling along the promenade.
Mar Bella and Llevant
Furthest east is Mar Bella, with a lively beach bar and a naturist section. Beyond it lie Nova Mar Bella and Llevant, where there is plenty of space even in July.
The beaches along central Barcelona.
Honestly: pickpockets and crowds
The city beaches are free, easy to reach and fine for a swim, but they are busy. Never bring valuables you cannot keep an eye on, and do not leave your phone on your towel while you swim. For more space and clearer water, take the train to Sitges or further to the Costa Brava.
Beach bars and paella
Along the beaches are chiringuitos, simple beach bars serving cold drinks and small plates with your feet in the sand. For a proper meal, head into the streets of Barceloneta, the old fishermen’s quarter, where many restaurants serve paella and arroz negre, rice turned black with squid ink. Book for lunch, the traditional time for paella.
When is the swimming season?
The water is warmest from July to September. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and September is often both warm and quieter.
Where to stay
Hotel Arts Barcelona: by Port Olímpic
A tall luxury hotel right by Nova Icària, with sea views from most rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Arts Barcelona
W Barcelona: at the tip of Barceloneta
The sail-shaped hotel with a beach bar and pool, right by Sant Sebastià.
Book your stay: See rooms at W Barcelona
See every area in our guide to where to stay in Barcelona.
Frequently asked questions about Barcelona’s beaches
What is the best beach in Barcelona?
Barceloneta is the best known, but Nova Icària and Bogatell are calmer and better for a full beach day.
Are the beaches in Barcelona free?
Yes, all the city beaches are free. Sunbeds and parasols can be hired in season.
When can you swim in Barcelona?
From June to October. The water is warmest in July, August and September.