Few cities in the world can boast of combining a huge monumental heritage with incredible urban beaches, perfectly equipped and suitable for swimming. However, the Catalan capital is among them. Any of the 10 beaches of Barcelona, distributed over almost 5 km of coastline, gathers all the ingredients to make your next family holiday or weekend getaway simply perfect (for example, the Blue Flag badge in many cases). Want to check them out in first person?
Lugaris will make it easy for you, offering you the best beach apartments in Barcelona. Staying at Lugaris Beach, you will be just 200 m from the beaches of Bogatell and Mar Bella, and if you choose Lugaris Rambla, you will barely have to walk 300 m to dive into the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
Haven’t decided where to go yet? In that case, we invite you to learn about everything that Barcelona’s beaches can offer (you will find them mentioned from north to south). Pay attention … and get the towel and bronzer ready!
FORUM BATHING AREA
The site that hosted the Forum of Cultures in 2004 now houses the only beach without sand in Barcelona. In actual fact, this area consists of cement bleachers that give access to a kind of shallow, saltwater pool. On the other hand, it is worth emphasizing that it was here that the now disappeared Camp de la Bota was located, a place that is sadly famous for having been the scene of executions during the Franco regime, and which will also soon accommodate hotels and other tourist infrastructures.
Due to its characteristics, it is a good alternative to conventional beaches, especially for people with functional diversity.
To get there, you can take the subway to Maresme station | Fòrum (L4), tram T4 to the Fòrum stop or buses 36 and 141 to Maresme | Forum
LLEVANT
Located next to the Diagonal Mar area, it is the newest beach in Barcelona (dating from 2006), which partly explains why it has fewer services than the rest. It has a length of 380 m and is the least frequented by tourists, which makes it an ideal option for those seeking peace and quiet. It is also ideal if you are planning to get there by car, as it has a nearby field where you can park.
In spite of everything, if you prefer public transport, you can travel there by subway (Selva de Mar station, L4), on tram T4 (El Maresme stop) or on buses 26 (Pg stop. Taulat-Provençals) or 36 and 141 (stop of Llull-Diagonal Mar).
NOVA MAR BELLA
This beach stands out for attracting mainly women – they account for 60% of its visitors – and young people residing in the area. In any case, it is especially recommended for people with reduced mobility, as it has a wooden walkway to access the sea, a crane and volunteers.
You can get there by metro (Selva de Mar station, L4) and tram T4 (Selva de Mar stop), or by taking bus 26 (stop at Pg. Taulat-Provençals) or buses line 36 and 141 (stop of Llull-Selva de Mar).
MAR BELLA
Although this beach was already in use at the beginning of the 20th century, it spent a long period in disuse until it was recovered on the occasion of the 1992 Olympic Games. It has a length of 500 m, it has a nudist area and another one for children’s games, which include a fun slide.
Do you feel like enjoying it? If so, you can access the area by metro (Poblenou, L4) or by taking buses 26 (Pg stop. Taulat-Bac de Roda), or 36, 71 and 141 (Llull-Bilbao stop).
BOGATELL
Together with Mar Bella, it is one of the closest beaches to Lugaris Beach. Like the previous one, it was also conditioned on the occasion of the Olympic event. The average age of bathers is around 40 years and 30% are foreigners. Its main feature is its wide range of services, which include lockers, public telephones, nets to play tennis or beach volleyball …
You can get there by subway (Poblenou station, L4), or by bus 26 and 36, getting off at the Taulat-Ciutat de Granada stop, or by bus 6 (Roc Boronat-Doctor Trueta stop).
NOVA ICÀRIA
With a length of 415 m and a peaceful vibe, it is also part of the legacy of the Olympics. This beach has a children’s play area, a beach volleyball field and water sports facilities, such as kayaking, diving or surfing. Its name, of mythological origin, is linked to the father of the Barcelona’s most important urban plan, Ildefons Cerdà, whom baptized the old road that led to the cemetery of Poblenou with such a name.
The nearest metro station is Ciutadella | Olympic Village (L4). You can also take buses 36, 41 and 92 to the Av. Icària-Àlaba stop, or bus 71 to the Àlaba-Bogatell stop.
SOMORROSTRO
Until 1966, this place housed the homonymous shanty town, which was home to the unique flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya. On the Somorrostro beach you will find an information point, luggage storage, showers, WC, playground for children and beach volleyball, a library, bicycle parking, beach bars, restaurants and free Wi-Fi.
To go there by public transport, you can go to the Ciutadella metro station | Olympic Village (L4). Another excellent option is to take bus 36, 45, 59 or 71 to the Trelawny-Pg Marítim stop, or a bus 71 to the Pg. Marítim-Hospital del Mar stop.
BARCELONETA
This 578 m long and 89 m wide beach is well known for the presence in the surroundings of some of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona. In addition, it was in a bar in this neighborhood, La Cova Fumada, where the traditional bombes were invented, one of the most popular Catalan tapas dish. If you want to know more, do not forget to take a look at the best tapas bars in Barceloneta.
Located next to a pleasant promenade, it is an ideal place to play football or skate.
You can access the area by getting off at the Barceloneta metro station (L4) or with buses 45 and 59, getting off at the Platja de la Barceloneta stop. Also, if you travel by train, it is very close to the França station.
SANT MIQUEL
The beach of Sant Sebastià takes its name from the church of Sant Miquel del Port, built in 1753. It has a length of 400 m and is one of the oldest in the city. It has a lifeguard service, an information point, showers, toilets, hammocks, beach bars and restaurants, sports equipment and free Wi-Fi.
You will arrive there by getting off at the Barceloneta metro station (L4) or at the França train station, or by taking buses 17, 39 and 64 to the Pg. Joan de Borbó-P stop. del Mar, or buses 45 and 59 to the Almirall Cervera stop.
SANT SEBASTIÀ
The beach of Sant Sebastià is considered the cleanest beach in Barcelona. It extends along just over 1 km, which makes it the longest in Barcelona. Since the beach is located in the historic center of Barcelona, it is usually very popular.
As a fun fact, it should be noted that it was here that the first baths of the city were opened, at the beginning of the 20th century.
The closest metro stop to Sant Sebastià beach is Barceloneta (L4), without forgetting the França de Renfe station. However, if you choose to go by metro, take buses 17, 29 and 64 (stop at Pg. Joan de Borbo-P. Del Mar).
Here ends this small tour of the 10 beaches of Barcelona. We hope you liked it and, above all, that you can relax on the one you like best. We will wait for you!
