Barcelona Beaches
Not many cities can offer the combination of both an urban city lifestyle and relaxing beach resort. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona offers exactly that. The Catalonian capital’s skyscrapers juxtaposed with the 4.5km of beach coastline, signify the cosmopolitan’s busy, yet relaxed, culture.
Barceloneta Beach is the most accessible beach from the city centre, and therefore, the most popular with tourists. During the summer months, the beach can be crowded, however it is one of the widest areas along the beach coastline, attracting a lively crowd and plenty of entertainment. A promenade running along the beach has many American-style restaurants and great bars to visit for refreshments. Walking to Barceloneta Beach from the city centre takes around 20 minutes, or alternatively, visitors can take the yellow line metro. Continuing on down from Barceloneta Beach, the stretch becomes San Sebastian Beach, which is another popular area with locals and tourists.
Nova Icária Beach is located close to the Olympic Marina and is a firm favourite with younger tourists, locals and families, due to its endless supply of lively bars and restaurants along the beach promenade and within the marina itself. Nearby there is a cinema showing films in English, and the Icária shopping centre, for some after-beach activities. You can reach Nova Icária Beach by taking the yellow line Metro and walking approx. 10 minutes from the Metro station towards the twin towers.
Bogatell Beach is the next stretch after Nova Icária, and is a little more sheltered from the city due to its elevated promenade. With no beach bars, the area has a more relaxed atmosphere than the central beaches and the stone promenade makes for a great cycling and roller blading trail. You can reach the beach by taking the metro to the Bogatell Station, where it is then around a 15 minute walk.
Mar Bella Beach is Barcelona’s only nudist beach, partitioned off from Bogatell Beach by a sand dune and water sports centre. The beach attracts visitors of all ages, nude and in bathing suits, and is also a popular gay and lesbian beach. Mar Bella Beach is accessible by taking the yellow line metro to Poblenou, from which the beach is approx. a 20 minute walk.
