Barcelona beaches

Barcelona Beaches

Summary
Barcelona is not just a vibrant historic city, it has inner city coastline of 4.2 km long with clean golden sandy beaches where visitors as well as locals can relax, swim and enjoy the sun. Check here Barcelona beaches descriptions; see location, facilities and specifics.

Barcelona's inner city coastline is 4.2 km long with clean golden sandy beaches only 10 minutes from the city centre. Thanks to the Olympic Games in 1992 and massive clean-up operation of the beach and nearby Olympic marina and village undertaken and local incentives to clean the coastal area, visitors as well as locals can now relax, swim and enjoy the sun. There are 6 beaches in Barcelona, two are located south of the Port Olimpic (St. Sebastià and Barceloneta) and four north (Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella). Accessible beaches which offer an assisted bathing service for disabled people are Nova Icària, Sant Sebastià and Nova Mar Bella.

La Barceloneta is the nearest beach to the city. It scores ten out of ten for location - near Metro stop "Barceloneta" (Yellow Line, L4). The beach is very wide and long; however it gets quite busy during the peak season (June to September). It is well equipped with bars and many great sea food restaurants serving up fresh catches of the day. There is also car parking at Barceloneta Beach. Besides swimming and sunbathing, windsurfing and kite surfing are popular.

Closest to the Olympic marina is Nova Icaria a wide sandy beach near Metro stop "Ciutadella Vila Olimpica" (Yellow Line, L4). Nova Icaria is 400 m long and is situated in the centre of the city's coastline. That's why it is always crowded; this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. Nova Icària is the beach where visitors stay the longest, possibly because it is frequented mostly by families with children and also groups of friends and considered one of the quietest in the city. Many users go there on foot. Moreover, access for disabled bathers is one of the best in the city.

San Sebastià is the beach the closest to Barcelona city on the Eastern end of the coastline. Sant Sebastià is also one of the longest stretches of beach, measuring approximately 1,100 m. This is a rather isolated stretch of land, at the moment. Thus it has become the unofficial naturist beach a favorite amongst men, who account for over 50% of its users and compared to the other beaches in Barcelona and the favorite by those who want a bit of privacy.

Bogatell beach is approximately 600 m long and the closest metro stations are Poblenou an Llacuna on the line n. 4. It is one of the beaches that was revitalized when the Barcelona seafront was restored during the 1990s. Today it has all services for a nice relaxation - a lifeguard service, showers, ramps to take you on to the beach, bars, restaurants, parking, etc.

Mar Bella beach is the official naturist beach in Barcelona. Mar Bella beach is approximately 500 m long and the closest metro station is Poblenou, line n. 4. Mar Bella is one of Barcelona's most peaceful beaches with is a peaceful park nearby- good for a picnic or siesta under the trees. Mar Bella beach has the usual parasol and beach chair rental and drinks and snacks bars.

Nova Mar Bella is located near an area of the city in the furthest extreme north of the Marina and only recently is developed. It is close to Metro L4 - Selva de Mar and El Maresme. This is the women's favorite beach, with women guests exceeding 60% of total users.
Remember, all beaches are open all year round, but facilities are only in place between 6 March and 15 November.