If you ask a local for the best beaches in Barcelona you will surely skip Barceloneta and you will be encouraged to take the train. That does not mean that Barcelonians do not enjoy the sea in their city, but we do tend to seek out quieter surroundings on beautiful beaches near Barcelona.
There are many beaches near Barcelona that are easily accessible by train from the city centre. If you're visiting for a few days and want to avoid the urban crowds, head by train to one of the many beaches and coves near Barcelona. Quiet places with no tourists, where you can spend a great day at the beach without the crowds.
Also, many of the locations are so close that you can get there and back in one morning. That's why at Fisa Rentals Apartments we suggest you make different day trips to the beautiful beaches near Barcelona and live an unforgettable summer.
In the surroundings of Barcelona, the beaches can be divided into those to the south, towards Tarragona (Costa Daurada), and those to the north, in the area of Montgat, or further away, in the incomparable Costa Brava. But, how to choose where to go?
Gavà, Castelldefels, Garraf and Sitges, in order of proximity to Barcelona (25 to 45 minutes by train), are some of the most charming seaside towns closest to the city. Their beaches are very close to Barcelona and can be easily reached by train.
In recent years, the beach of El Prat, close to the airport and near the Parc del Riu Llobregat, has also become very popular. A natural environment recently recovered and highly recommended for a day out with children. However, the public transport connection is not very good so, in this case, it would be advisable to travel by private vehicle.
Pros: the beaches in the south are usually sunnier than those in the north.
Of the whole list, Sitges is one of the prettiest towns. In addition to its great gastronomic and leisure offer, it has a modernist-style historic centre and streets full of shops and old fishermen's houses.
Cons: the waters are not so crystal clear.
How to get there: with line R2 of Renfe Rodalies (although not all trains stop at "El Garraf").
You can leave from Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, Estació de França and El Clot Aragó.
Until Castelldefels, the T-Casual serves an area that you will use to move around the city, from Castelldefels Playaonwards, the fare goes up.
Trains run very frequently.
As you follow the Catalan coast northwards, the waters become clearer until you reach the Costa Brava, famous for its spectacular coves surrounded by pine trees and mountains.
The train only goes as far as Blanes. To go further: Lloret de Mar (far from the most touristic spots there are also spectacular beaches), Tossa de Mar, Sant Antoni de Calonge, Palamós, etc, you will have to take the bus.
If you don't want to go that far, the area of Montgat (35 minutes) is also highly recommended, as well as Ocata (40 minutes), Premià de Mar (1h) or Sant Pol (1h 14 minutes).
Pros: the train stops leave you on the beach and you get off where you get off, it's usually surprising how clean the sea is.
Cons: You'll have to spend more time on the train.
How to get there: take Renfe Rodalies line R1 to Blanes.
You can catch it at Sants, Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf or El Clot-Aragó.
The T-Casual from one area only goes as far as Montgat Nord.
Trains run quite frequently.
To get beyond Blanes by public transport, the Sarfa buses run very well and you can get off at Estació del Nord (near the metro line 1 with a stop at Arc de Triomf).
In addition to spending the day in a beautiful and peaceful setting, one of the added advantages of visiting the best beaches near Barcelona is the opportunity to try the most authentic seafood cuisine and at a much more acceptable price than in the city.
Of course, if you already know where you want to go, it's best to book in advance, as the most famous places tend to be crowded during the hottest days.
We recommend ordering the most authentic paellas and fried fish of the day with a cold bottle of white wine. If you can get away during the week, some restaurants offer a set menu for very little money.
And for the days you stay in the city, we have a list of the best beach restaurants in Barcelona that will be very useful for you. Check them out and book a good meal with sea views!
Both in Barcelona and in the surrounding beaches, the presence of jellyfish is not uncomon. Therefore, before leaving home it is a good idea to check the state of the beaches online. For recurrent use, the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has developed a mobile application that provides real-time information on the flag of the day, the best one being green.
And the final tip: if you want to have all the sand to yourself, early in the morning and late in the afternoon the beaches are usually quite deserted, avoiding the hottest hours of the day.
We hope you've found this guide to the best beaches near Barcelona useful!
If you are planning a trip to Barcelona and you still don't have accommodation, we recommend Fisa Rentals holiday rental apartments. From our apartments in the centre of Barcelona you can take the train and visit the most beautiful beaches and coves near Barcelona.
Check availability and book your stay with Fisa Rentals and enjoy the sun and the sea just a stone's throw from the city centre!