The 8 best beaches in Barcelona
There are a thousand reasons to love Barcelona (and you’ll find 30 here, in our list of the best things to do in the Catalan capital), but there’s one thing that really sets it apart from most other major European cities: the beaches.
Whether you’re looking for sporty beaches, nudist beaches, large beaches, small beaches, dog-friendly beaches, lively beaches, or quiet beaches which are perfect for reading, this city has it all, and this list will help you discover them. Just remember that smoking is prohibited on all Barcelona beaches, except at the beach bars and on the promenades. Prefer a pool to the sea? No problem: check out our list of the city’s best outdoor pools.
Which is the nicest beach town near Barcelona?
If you fancy getting away, but aren’t ready to leave the hustle and bustle too far behind, Les Casetes del Garraf is the beach for you. More of a beach hamlet than a beach town, it has a hotel and a couple of restaurants and the fine sand beach is lined with wooden huts, formerly used by fishermen to store their equipment.
For somewhere a bit bigger, we’d recommend Sant Pol. Sadly, Carme Ruscalleda's Michelin-starred restaurant is now closed, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit Sant Pol de Mar. Before rushing to the beach, have a wander through the terraced, whitewashed houses, looking out for the modernist façades while you’re at it, and head up to the Sant Pau chapel, where you’ll find panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Both Les Casetes del Garra