Just past the bustle of Barcelona, the coastline quickly reveals its softer side. You’ll spot rugged headlands, sandy stretches and villages with their own rhythm quite apart from city life. The Catalan coast is blessed with a string of beautiful beach towns, some lively and artsy, others content to stay low-key, attracting families and those after affordable beach towns near Barcelona.
You’ll find you can get to the best towns near Barcelona by train, meaning less stress and planning. In fact, some of the best beaches near Barcelona are accessible by public transport. These coastal spots are where locals actually live, meaning proper bakeries, neighbourhood markets and the odd festival or two. For a proper beach holiday near Barcelona, these towns have got nearly everything you need—except, perhaps, the crowds.
Top beach towns near Barcelona
Sitges - playful beach vibes
The seaside town of Sitges is a real magnet for both Barcelona day-trippers and those in the know across Spain. It’s famous for its open-minded spirit, colourful festivals (like the international film fest and Carnaval), and, of course, a string of golden beaches buzzing with energy. The old town’s a maze of whitewashed lanes splashed with bougainvillaea, leading you to lively seafronts—Platja de la Ribera and Platja dels Balmins being firm favourites.
The town’s always held a bit of an artistic edge and is well-known as LGBTQ+ friendly, so the nightlife’s brilliant and the bars lively long into the evening. For food, you’re spoilt—look out for local arroz dishes, fresh tapas joints and little patisseries where you can grab a xuixo and a coffee. Prices are steeper than in less famous spots, but the scene’s worth every cent if you like big energy and people-watching by the sea.
El Masnou – the underrated local favourite
El Masnou rarely pops up in guidebooks, but it’s a classic choice for those looking to dodge the crowds and get a feel for local life. The town’s a jumble of old apartments, bustling bakeries, and one of the longer stretches of clean, uncrowded sand close to Barcelona. There’s a marina at the centre, with a handful of laid-back terraces if you fancy a drink at sunset.
Foodies can find plenty of spots dishing up steaming fideuà and fresh seafood. Trains get here in just 30 minutes from Barcelona, and since it's not touristy, you’ll hear mostly Catalan on the esplanade. Rental prices are gentle, and you’d hardly think you were just down the line from the city.
Tossa de Mar - medieval seafaring
Head north and Tossa de Mar delivers something completely different: cobbled streets, a properly preserved medieval old town, and those unmistakable Costa Brava cliffs battered by salty breezes. It is arguably one of the most beautiful beach towns near Barcelona. The old fortress (Vila Vella) watches over the main stretch—Platja Gran—perfect for those classic castle-and-sea photos.
Beyond the town, you’ll find tucked-away coves like Cala Pola and Cala Bona, both ideal if you fancy slipping away from crowds. Kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking routes along the coastal path make Tossa a draw for outdoorsy types and families after a bit more space. Evenings are for wandering narrow lanes, popping into traditional Catalan taverns, and sampling a glass of local garnacha.
Garraf – a former fishing village
If you’re after somewhere more low-key, Garraf is a little stop on the train line that most people cruise straight past. Things move at a slower pace—there’s just one main sandy beach hugged by old fishermen’s huts, now painted pretty pastels. Often, you’ll find just a handful of locals under straw parasols, the odd windsurfer, and families tucking into picnic lunches.
There aren’t loads of restaurants, but the chiringuito on the sand is great for grilled sardines and ice-cold vermut. The train journey in, winding along cliffs, is a treat in itself. It’s a top option for those after affordable beach towns near Barcelona, where the main event is a swim and a snooze.
Blanes – gateway to the Costa Brava
Blanes marks the beginning of the wild Costa Brava, with its dramatic rocks and pine-topped headlands. You get the best of two worlds here: the convenience of a bustling seaside town—big market and loads of shops—and easy access to stunning natural sights like Jardí Botànic Marimurtra. This marriage makes it one of the nicest towns near Barcelona for family holidays. Platja de Blanes is one of the more family-friendly beaches in Spain, while several smaller coves to the north offer quieter retreats.
Summer brings festivals and fireworks over the bay, but away from the main drag, you’ll still find old-school tabernas and corners where time’s not a bother. Blanes is especially popular with Spanish holidaymakers—think proper paella lunches and sandy siestas under striped umbrellas.
Best small beach towns near Barcelona
Sometimes you just want a place where life trundles along, nobody’s in much of a rush, and you can actually hear the waves without someone setting up a Bluetooth speaker next to you. The stretch of coast outside Barcelona hides a handful of little seaside towns perfect for just that.
Alella
You won’t find crowds here, mainly as it's not right on the seafront. You're more likely to see a couple of locals enjoying a mid-morning vermut and the soft clatter of the odd bicycle riding past. The vineyards creeping down towards the sea give the place a dreamy backdrop, and the local bars feel like you’ve slipped into a village gathering.
Sant Pol de Mar
This one has a peaceful, lived-in feel. Blue shutters, lemon trees and fishermen quietly mending their nets by the slipway. It’s the kind of place where lunch turns into an unhurried afternoon chat, and you start wondering if you could get used to the slower pace.
Caldes d’Estrac (Caldetes)
Locals rave about the seafood straight from the port, best enjoyed with your toes in the sand at one of the unfussy beach bars. If you run out of steam after your meal, those old thermal baths just behind the main drag are spot on for a soak.
Finding your spot: the safest areas to stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that’s easy to fall for, and it’s a brilliant place to spend some time. If you're heading over for a short visit, a study term, or are just testing the waters by renting a room for a while, then getting to grips with the safest areas to stay in Barcelona is a huge part of the puzzle. Getting the right spot to set up camp can really make all the difference to your stay, helping you get under the skin of this brilliant Catalan city.
Beyond the resorts: areas to avoid in Tenerife & authentic alternatives
Tenerife is a real place of contrasts with its stark volcanic heart, lush northern valleys and sunny southern coastline. It’s a year-round favourite for a reason, and most visits are completely trouble-free. However, like any destination that draws big crowds, some parts might not offer the experience you’re looking for. A few areas can feel overwhelmingly commercial, while others are perhaps best avoided if you're after a quiet, authentic stay. Knowing about these specific areas to avoid in
Things to do in Benalmádena: beaches, the pueblo and top attractions
Benalmádena is a popular spot on the Costa del Sol, located in the province of Málaga. You won't run out of things to do in Benalmádena as the town is split into three very different areas, each with heaps going on. You have Benalmádena Costa, which has long sandy beaches and the well-known Puerto Marina. Further inland and connecting the areas is Arroyo de la Miel, which feels more like a lived-in Spanish town and acts as the main commercial centre. Then, set back on the hillside, is Benalm
Who owns the Savage Islands? The dispute between Spain and Portugal
Few know that, in the middle of the Atlantic north of the Canary Islands, lies a small, wild archipelago sparking an age-old rivalry. The Savage Islands conceal a territorial dispute stretching back over five centuries. Discover who owns the Savage Islands and all you need to know about this intriguing territory.
Living in Torrox: Costa del Sol's sunniest spot
Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which
Things to do in San Sebastian: pintxos, beaches and city views
Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground. It's framed by the glistening bay of La Concha on one side and rolling green hills on the other.
What to do in Valencia in August 2025: events, festivals and free activities
If you're planning a summer escape to Spain, Valencia in August should be high on your list. This vibrant Mediterranean city offers a brilliant mix of culture, festivals, beaches and long, sunny days — making it one of the best places to visit in Spain during the summer.