Barcelona boasts some of the best urban beaches in the world, lining its palm-fringed coastline. But what if you fancy something a little more tranquil?
Take a day trip along the coastline from Spain’s second city and you’ll find a glittering array of secluded coves and wide sandy bays — with a fraction of the crowds. Sunbathe in family-friendly Altafulla, sip cocktails on the beach in Sitges, or spot marine life off the coast of Sant Pol de Mar.
Exploring the beaches surrounding Barcelona is straight-forward by train. Hop on a train at Barcelona-Sants and you can head south or north along the Catalonian coast; many beach towns are less than an hour from downtown.
Bathing suit at the ready? Here are our favorite beaches near Barcelona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Martin Silva Cosentino. Image Location: Altafulla, Spain
Platja d'Altafulla
Best for: families
Nearest station: Altafulla-Tamarit
Experience the charm of authentic Spain in Altafulla, a fishing village south of Barcelona. Families will love the one-kilometer-long Platja d’Altafulla with its clear, tranquil waters and silky sand ideal for swimming and building sandcastles. Lifeguards patrol the water during the summer, plus there are showers for rinsing off afterwards. Unlike the tourist hotspots further north, you won’t find buzzy cocktails bars lining the promenade here; expect a quiet, kid-friendly vibe.
Read also: the best of Spain's mainland beaches
Cala Roca Grossa
Best for: wild natural beauty
Nearest station: Sant Pol de Mar
Escape the crowds at this secluded cove on the outskirts of Sant Pol de Mar. Climb down the steep steps and you’ll find a golden lick of sand lapped by turquoise waters, just a 20-minute walk from the station. It might feel remote, but there is a chiringuito (traditional Spanish beach bar) selling ice-cold beers, if you’re feeling parched. Make sure you bring snorkeling gear, as there are plenty of technicolored fish to spot just offshore. And, be warned — nudist beaches sit either side of this little bay.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Sant Sebastià, Sitges, Spain
Sant Sebastià, Sitges
Best for: urban buzz
Nearest station: Sitges
With 17 beaches, you are spoiled for choice in Sitges. This coastal city is known for its pretty cobblestone streets, mansion-lined promenade, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also Spain’s most LGBTQ-friendly vacation destination. A small beach perched on the edge of the Old Town, Sant Sebastià is a favorite of the locals. There’s a family-friendly feel here but it is also surrounded by great bars. Try the homemade sangria at Karmela Terrasseta, paired with mouthwatering tapas-like grilled sardines and chimichurri-topped chorizo.
Read also: discover Spain’s famous landmarks, food, and culture
Platja de la Riera, Caldes d’Estrach
Best for: swimming
Nearest station: Caldes d’Estrach
Dive into the crystalline water at Platja de la Riera — a long flat sandy stretch in upscale Caldes d’Estrach. The beach drops off steeply into the sea, making it prime for swimming. Lifeguards keep watch during the summer months as you lap the length of the bay. After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Can Suñé by the station. This traditional Catalonian restaurant serves up shrimp arroz caldoso (similar to a saffron-infused risotto) and coca de escalivada (pizza-style flatbread topped with roasted peppers, eggplant and anchovies).
Image Credit: Getty Images, JackF. Image Location: El Masnou Port, Catalonia, Spain
El Masnou
Best for: surfing
Nearest station: El Masnou
Surf’s up in El Masnou, just 30 minutes north by train from Barcelona. This yachting town has a large marina, fringed with expensive restaurants. Next to it, you’ll find Platja del Masnou — one of the best surf spots in Catalonia. Head to the north end where right-hander waves peel off the harbor wall. Okay, it may not be Malibu — but you can expect some decent swell here, especially during fall and winter. Even if the waves are flat, take a stand-up paddleboard lesson with local school Maresme Waves.
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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Sitges, Spain
