Katarzyna
Polish young professional, a fan of good food and sports
Hit the Beach and Get Out of the City
Best beaches around Barcelona
About this guide
In high season beaches in Barcelona can be quite crowded: you won't always find a space for your towel. This is a great reason to escape the city and explore scenic locations around the Catalan capital. This is a list of my favorite beaches close to Barcelona.
Canet de Mar
🌴 Peaceful getawayKatarzyna
Distance: 40 kilometers northeast of Barcelona.
How to get there: Take a train from Plaça Catalunya toward Blanes or Maçanet-Massanes.
🏖️ Wide sandy beach always without crowds. Blue Flag water (certified clean). Restrooms, showers, beach bars, sports area.
What else to see: Canat de Mar is the hometown of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Gaudí’s rival and the architect of the Palau de la Música Catalana and Sant Pau Hospital. He left a prominent mark in the town. Visit his house museum and walk around the town to see some of his emblematic constructions. There is also a charming 11th century castle, Castell de Santa Florentina, which was featured in Game of Thrones as House Tarly’s stronghold.
Castelldefelds
🌞 Idyllic retreatKatarzyna
Distance: 18 km south of Barcelona.
How to get there: Take a train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia rail stations toward Vilanova or Sant Vicenç de Calders.
🏖️ Scenic sandy beach. Great place to see the sunset: nothing covers the view. Blue flag water. Restrooms, showers, beach bars, wooden sunshades, sports area.
What else to see: Enjoy panoramic views from the historic walls of the Castelldefels Castle constructed in the 16th century to protect Barcelona from the moors.
Garraf
💁🏻♀️ Instagrammable spotKatarzyna
Distance: 28 km south of Barcelona.
How to get there: Take a train from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia rail stations toward Sant Vicenç de Calders.
🏖️ Small secluded beach at the foot of a national park. Blue flag water. Famous for the cute white rental houses along the beach. It is a picturesque place, good for the photoshoots. But a bit crowded in high season. Restrooms, showers, beach bars.
What else to see: Meet the sunset at one of Garraf's elevated viewpoints. You can also stop by Castelldefelds: it is on the way.
Sant Pol de Mar
🐚 Romantic escapeKatarzyna
Distance: 50 km northwest of Barcelona.
How to get there: Take a train from Plaça Catalunya toward Blanes or Maçanet-Massanes.
🏖️ Wide and flat beach with colorful summer houses and a picturesque railway at the edge. Have a wild vibe. Beach bar.
What else to do: Wander along the cobblestone streets of the historic part. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the Mediterranean town.
Badalona
🌊 Urban relaxationKatarzyna
Distance: 11 km northwest, basically a suburb of Barcelona.
How to get there: Take a train from Plaça Catalunya toward Blanes or Maçanet-Massanes.
🏖️ Beach destination for locals. Close to Barcelona but less crowded. It has all urban amenities.
What else to see: Stroll along the scenic promenade with lovely cafes and all kinds of attractions.