While Barceloneta is the most popular beach in Barcelona's city centre, known for its lively atmosphere and urban backdrop, there are many more tranquil and beautiful beaches just a short journey away. With excellent public transport options, these beaches are easy to get to in under two hours by train or bus, providing an ideal retreat from the city crowds and offering a variety of picturesque settings along the Spanish coast near Barcelona.
Getting out of the city can often feel like a hassle, but all these beaches are just an easy train ride away. Plan a beach day with the family or as a couple that is affordable, stress-free and a refreshing change from the hectic beaches in Barcelona city.
Sitges
Sitges is a fun seaside town located just south of Barcelona, celebrated for its artsy vibe and LGBTQIA community. Choose to set up camp for the day on one of the central beaches, family-friendly Fragata or Ribera, or head to Sant Sebastià beach to hang out with locals. Sitges offers a lively atmosphere perfect for families and couples looking for a good time.
The town also hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the summer festival Terramar and Sitges Pride. Sitges' old town features cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed townhouses and chic boutiques. The proximity and picturesque setting make Sitges one of the best beach towns near Barcelona for a day trip or a romantic trip for couples.
Sitges is easily accessible from Barcelona with direct trains running from Sants Station, taking just about 40 minutes to reach.
Calella
Flanked by large palm trees, Calella beach is a large sandy beach dotted with stylish beach clubs. Known for its family-friendly environment, the main beach in Calella offers a range of amenities, including paddle surf rental services. You'll see people playing beach volleyball and locals cycling along the promenade. Walk right down the beach and you'll come across various rocky coves for a little more privacy.
You can reach Calella from Barcelona by taking the R1 regional train, which takes approximately an hour and takes you right along the coast.
Castelldefels
Situated just a short distance south of Barcelona, Castelldefels is a long, golden sandy beach with clear waters. With a backdrop of the Garraf Natural Park, the area feels slightly wilder than other stretches of coastline near Barcelona. Plus, it tends to be less crowded, even in summer. Kitesurfing is a popular water sport here, and the shallow waters make it a good choice for families.
Travelling from Barcelona is very easy, with regular trains departing from Barcelona-Sants Station and arriving at Castelldefels in 30 minutes.
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Canet de Mar
Canet de Mar is a picturesque town on the Maresme coast with Modernist architecture and a beautiful sandy beach. The shallow waters, gentle waves and playground make it one of the best beaches for families near Barcelona. Visitors can stroll through the town to admire the buildings, check out Santa Florentina castle, and then sate their appetite at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Get on the R1 train from Barcelona and your journey to Canet de Mar will take less than an hour. The combination of cultural attractions and beach access makes it a versatile option for a day trip if you fancy a bit of beach time and culture.
Comarruga
Located in the Costa Daurada region, Comarruga Beach features a river teeming with fish and a nearby marine reserve. The river's shallow waters are great for kids to paddle or cool off in during the summer heat. Plus, you can enjoy jet skiing services and check out a birdwatching spot at the end of the beach in Les Madrigueres wetlands.
The train from Sants Station to Sant Vicenç de Calders takes about an hour, and it's a short walk to the beach from there.
Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar is a great spot if you're looking for a beach to visit with your dog. This dog-friendly beach has even snagged a Blue Flag. The seaside town is a hit with people from Northern Europe who love the shopping and nightlife. If you're into nature, the Delta de la Tordera nature preserve is just a short hike along the beach and offers a birdwatching spot.
The R1 train from Barcelona-Sants gets you there in under an hour and a half, and the beach is only a 10-minute walk from Malgrat de Mar train station.
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Badalona
This urban area just outside of Barcelona features a stretch of coastline with several beaches, like Platja del Coco and Platja dels Pescadors. It's becoming a popular spot for young families to settle down, while still maintaining its authentic seaside feel. If you're not up for a long trip, it's a perfect day trip from Barcelona. Don't miss Pont del Petroli, Badalona's impressive long pier, which offers epic views looking back to shore.
Jump on the R1 train from Barcelona and you'll get to Badalona in less than 30 minutes. It's a convenient and laid-back destination if you're looking to escape the city bustle for a bit of sun and sand close to home.
Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar
These two beach towns near Barcelona are great destinations for a day trip for families or couples. Tossa de Mar is steeped in ancient history, brimming with historic sites such as the castle and remains of the medieval walls. Its beach is a picturesque bay dotted with boats and a small islet in the centre.
Lloret de Mar is a happening beach destination with a great nightlife, making it a nice spot to spend at least one night for party people. A must-see is the picturesque castle perched on a hill, providing stunning views of the coastline. You can take a scenic walk from the beach up to the castle, and it's especially breathtaking at sunset. Gaze down at the rocky coves below, then descend into the crystal-clear waters to go snorkelling.
Although you can't reach these towns by train, you can take the number 2 bus all the way from Barcelona city, which runs to both locations and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.
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Zona de Banys del Fòrum
If you prefer swimming without the faff of sand, this human-made pool, not far from Barcelona centre, is a nice choice. It is located right next to the famous events venue El Fòrum, which hosts some of Spain's biggest festivals, like Primavera Sound and Brunch Elektronik. The coastal pool-like area provides easy access for swimming, sunbathing on nearby platforms, and enjoying the seaside ambience without having to trek to the beach.
You can take the metro directly there in no more than 20 minutes. It’s located just a short tram or bus ride from central Barcelona, making it an easy and practical option for those looking to cool off.
Living in Barcelona
Barcelona is much more than its beaches. The city offers a high quality of life due to its Mediterranean climate, heaps of cultural things to do, and coastal setting. It's no surprise that many choose to live in Barcelona, getting stuck into the local way of life and Catalan culture,
If you're thinking of moving to Barcelona, one thing to consider is the cost of living. There are many different areas in the city, and each one has different facilities.
