Beach season is officially here as the temperatures start to get higher and higher every day. While the city has a long stretch of coastline with beautiful beaches, there are some truly great spots around Barcelona that are worth a day trip. Put on your sunscreen and check out these 9 beaches near Barcelona that are favorites of tourists and locals alike!
1. Sitges
Sitges is a top pick for day trips all year round, but is one of the most beautiful beaches near Barcelona that can’t be beat in the summertime. Just a 30-minute train ride from Sants train station, it’s a charming coastal village with a beachfront promenade, excellent dining options, and wonderful architecture. After splashing in the sea, enjoy a tasty paella in a neighboring restaurant, or enjoy walking around the quaint town.
Distance from Barcelona: 40 kilometers
2. Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar is located on the famous Costa Brava, whose beaches rest below rocky, picturesque cliffs. It’s about halfway between Barcelona and the French border, and can be reached in 1 hour and 20 minutes by bus. Many come the beaches lined with pine trees and cliffs for the unbelievable views and wild nature. There’s also a medieval castle and city walls on the beach that date back to the 12th century! This is one spot that is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
Distance from Barcelona: 87 kilometers
3. Castelldefels
Castelldefels is just a quick, 30-minute train ride south of the city, a town with 5 kilometers of sandy beaches to explore. It’s a bit more peaceful than Barcelona but still offers a variety of water sports, restaurants, and activity along the coast. It’s quite close by and can be reached by both train and bus rather quickly.
Distance from Barcelona: 25 kilometers
4. Platja del Prat
Platja del Prat offers the peace, tranquility, and space that just can’t be found in the city beaches near Barcelona. While you’ll see and hear planes coming and going from the airport nearby, this natural beach isn’t nearly as crowded as its city counterparts. People come here for the relaxation of the surrounding natural area and the wide open beach with plenty of room to spread out. The best way to get there is by car, but you can also get there by public transportation in about an hour.
Distance from Barcelona: 17 kilometers
5. Platja de Santa Cristina
Platja de Santa Cristina is a beach near Barcelona that feels a world away. Part of Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava, this little inlet sits between to rocky hills covered in trees that protect it from the sea breezes and and keeps large waves at bay. The water is quite calm and offers a relaxing refuge for sunbathers and swimmers. Be sure to visit Santa Cristina Chapel near the beach, from which it gets its name. You can take a train or bus and be there in 1 hour and 15 minutes or less.
Distance from Barcelona: 74 kilometers
6. Ocata
Ocata is another beach near Barcelona that can be reached by train in about half an hour but offers the peaceful ambiance of somewhere much further. It’s located just east of the El Masnou port, which offers a large variety of water sports, like sailing, boating, and more. It’s a kilometer and a half long, and the area farthest north towards Premià de Mar is a nudist beach. Also, there are many restaurants and beach bars nearby for some tasty seafood or an after-swim snack.
Distance from Barcelona: 24 kilometers
7. Canet de Mar
The seaside promenade of Canet de Mar is dotted with palm trees and lookout points to take in views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea ahead. Just 55-75 minutes away by bus or train, Canet de Mar is the perfect place for the active beach-goer. Enjoy a long walk down the boardwalk, or challenge yourself to a workout in the outdoor recreation area open to the public. Take part in water sports, or swim in the sea. Additionally, Canet de Mar offers many places to shop and eat in town that are worth a visit.
Distance from Barcelona: 48 kilometers
8. Salou
If you’re up for a longer ride, Salou is definitely worth it! You can get there by bus or train in about an hour and a half, following the coastline south into the Tarragona province. It’s a popular beach among Spaniards and tourists alike, many of whom spend weeks here at a time to enjoy the beach and town. This fun beach town on the Costa Daurada has festivals and fairs all summer long, in addition to having beautiful stretches of beaches. So if you like a lively beach with activity, this is the one for you.
Distance from Barcelona: 121 kilometers
9. Cala de Sant Francesc
Cala de Sant Francesc is a small, serene inlet on the Costa Brava, part of the town of Blanes. This little beach is only 220 meters long and largely frequented by locals due to its tucked-away location. It’s an ideal spot if you want to go where the locals go and enjoy somewhere quiet and peaceful. There are hiking paths around the beach in the nearby hills where you can visit the small chapel that overlooks the beach.
Distance from Barcelona: 75 kilometers
See more: Helpful Tips to Enjoy the Beaches in Barcelona this Summer, Summer Festivals in Barcelona this August that You Can’t Miss, 9 Coworking Spaces in Barcelona that are Perfect for Digital Nomads
If you’re enjoying beach season in Barcelona, come stay with us at Olala Homes and enjoy any one of our comfy and stylish vacation rentals!
