6 Best Beaches Near Barcelona for a Coastal Escape
Castell de Tamarit near Tarragona, Costa Dorada, Catalonia in Spain
Photo by LianeM/Shutterstock
Most visitors to Barcelona know its urban beaches, but outside the capital is where you’ll really experience all the Catalan coast has to offer. Brimming with charming seaside towns and spectacular Blue Flag beaches, this stretch of the Mediterranean runs for some 360 miles, from the French border down to the Ebro Delta in the south. Fortunately, much of the coast is easily accessible by train from the city, which means you can be sunning on the golden sand beaches of the Costa Dorada or the Maresme in under an hour. And while the Costa Brava takes a bit more effort—and a car—to reach, it’s worth it for miles of pristine shoreline and all its rugged cliffs and dreamy, hidden coves. Here, we’ve rounded up the best beaches near Barcelona to visit on your next trip to Spain.
Playa de Altafulla
How many beaches have you visited that are home to a full-fledged medieval castle? Lording over this wide, ¾-mile-long strip of sand on the Costa Dorada is Castell de Tamarit, an impressive walled fortress that dates back to the 12th-century. Altafulla Beach also has a charming promenade, Botigues de Mar, where a jumble of 18th-century warehouses have been converted into holiday apartments and delightful cafés and restaurants with beachfront terraces. Reserve a table at Voramar Cal Vitali, serving top-notch paella and fideuá (similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice), coupled with gorgeous Mediterranean views.
How to get there
Trains to Altafulla/Tamarit station leave from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Estacio De França) on Renfe. The journey is about 75 minutes.
Sa Tuna is one of the three main beaches in Begur.
Photo by Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock
Sa Tuna, Sa Riera, and Aiguablava, Begur
A labyrinth of steep, narrow, stone streets lined with grand colonial mansions, and crowned by a crumbling medieval castle with spectacular Mediterranean vistas, Begur is one of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful towns. It’s a long walk from the city center to the sea, so you’ll need to drive, or from Plaça Forgas, near the main tourist office, hop on the shuttle bus, which services Begur’s three main beaches (Sa Tuna, Sa Riera, and Aiguablava).
Aiguablava, to the south, is the best of the bunch, with wonderfully soft white sand and turquoise waters framed by rugged hills topped by pine trees. If the beaches are too crowded, stroll the Camí de Ronda, a path skirting the coast, and climb down to the many idyllic coves nestled along the rocky shore.
How to get there
The drive by car from Barcelona to Begur takes around one hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
The centuries-old colonnades of Port Bo Beach.
Photo by funkyfrogstock/Shutterstock
Port Bo, El Golfet, Calella de Palafrugell
Filled with upscale restaurants, bars, and hotels catering to well-heeled Catalan tourists, the old fishing village turned seaside playground of Calella de Palafrugell is among Costa Brava’s swankiest destinations. (Don’t confuse it with Calella, a big, bustling resort town in Maresme.) Wander through its charming stone lanes flanked by rustic whitewashed houses, then head down to Port Bo beach and stroll beneath the centuries-old colonnades, featuring vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings.
A trio of pretty beaches front the town, but for a wilder experience, drive five minutes to El Golfet, a sublime stretch of golden sand and shallow blue waters surrounded by rocky cliffs—reachable only by a steep flight of stairs from the surrounding streets.
How to get there
The drive to Calella de Palafrugell from Barcelona takes about one hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Playa de Ocata is just 10 miles northeast of Barcelona, but feels worlds away.
Photo by Bigflick/Shutterstock
Playa de Ocata
Although it’s just 10 miles northeast of Barcelona, Ocata is worlds away from the city’s perpetually crowded urban beaches. While much of the Maresme shoreline can be narrow, this wonderfully broad, 1.5-mile-long swath of sand ensures you can always find a spot for your towel—and maintain a healthy distance from fellow sun-worshippers. Pop by one of Ocata’s many chiringuitos (beach bars) for drinks and tapas with your toes in the sand, or take a 15-minute walk to the El Masnou marina, home to dozens of restaurants.
How to get there
Trains to Ocata station leave from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Plaça de Catalunya) on the Renfe Rodalies R1 line. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
Overlooking a coveted stretch of sand near Sant Pol de Mar
Photo by E.T. Ennelin/Shutterstock
Playa de les Barques, Playa El MorerSant Pol de Mar
Every corner of the fishing village of Sant Pol de Mar, on the Maresme coast, is tailor-made for Instagram: winding stone streets dotted with ancient olive trees, whitewashed houses with flower-filled windows, richly detailed modernista buildings. But it’s the beaches here that truly shine—stretches of fine golden sand framed by dramatic rocky outcroppings and impossibly blue Mediterranean waters. Playa de les Barques, so named because of the many fishing boats along its shore, is mere steps from the train station and thus tends to be busy. Instead, head slightly north and stake out your patch of sand on the quieter Playa El Morer.
How to get there
Trains to Sant Pol de Mar station depart from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Plaça de Catalunya) on the Renfe Rodalies R1. The journey is about one hour.
Because of its proximity to Barcelona, Sitges can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
Photo by Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock
Sitges
First, there’s the sheer beauty of Sitges, with its maze of hilly, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed villas and fanciful art nouveau buildings. Then there are its chic boutiques and galleries, stylish restaurants, classic tavernas, and lively gay bars. Toss in several great beaches—plus a nearly two-mile-long promenade ideal for seafront strolling and biking—and you’ll get why this coastal town is so wildly popular. Just a half-hour by train from Barcelona, it can get crazy crowded on summer weekends and holidays, so opt for a weekday or off-season visit for a more tranquil vibe.
How to get there
Trains to Sitges depart from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Plaça de Catalunya) on the Renfe Rodalies R2 line.
The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.
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The Best Beach Resorts Near Barcelona Airport
Looking for a Spanish beach holiday without too much traveling time? Here are some of the best seaside towns near Barcelona El Prat Airport.
| Resort near Barcelona airport | Journey time by car |
| Sitges | 25 minutes |
| Vilanova i la Geltru | 30 minutes |
| El Masnau | 31 minutes |
| Cunit | 33 minutes |
| Calafell | 36 minutes |
| Torredembarra | 50 minutes |
| Calella | 53 minutes |
| Salou | 1 hour |
| Malgrat de Mar | 1 hour |
| Blanes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Llorett de Mar | 1 hour 10 minutes |
25 minute drive from Barcelona airport
Close to ideal as a holiday destination and known as both the “Jewel of the Mediterranean” due to its attractiveness and “Little Ibiza” for its lively nature.
Its old town is full of attractive buildings, shops and restaurants, bars and museums. There are no high-rise apartment blocks here, and although it is busy and vibrant in the high season, it has a friendly and safe atmosphere. Sitges is popular with the gay community and is also very family-friendly, and perfect for all holiday-goers who want to holiday in an authentic Spanish seaside town.
30 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
A relaxed town with plenty to do – this is not a resort for the party crowd, but if you think you’ll enjoy lively shopping streets and plazas, a stunning marina and excellent seafood restaurants, this could be the ideal destination for you. This working town will give you a genuine insight into Catalonian culture, with its old walls, medieval castle, museums and ancient church. You might just want to spend your holiday on the beaches here though; they are clean, wide and safe.
31 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
Sun – yes, sea – yes, sand – yes… what more could you want? This resort is not overcrowded with tourists but ticks all the boxes.
There are 2 beaches, with clean, clear water and no rocks, and the expected amenities such as beach bars, cafes, showers and toilets. Between the beaches you’ll find the large, smart marina, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
33 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
Suitable for a relaxing, low-key beach holiday, with 2 miles of golden sand on the Blue Flag beach. You won’t feel part of the tourist crowd here although there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the town and chiringuitos along the beach front.
36 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
Calafell is the “gateway to the Costa Dorada”, and boasts 5 km of golden sandy beaches. Perfect for families, the town has loads to offer in way of entertainment – children’s clubs, the Calafell Slide (a giant toboggan), a castle, a museum and more. The beaches here slope very gently into the sea, which is warm and calm, and are fully equipped with the facilities you’d expect in an award-winning family resort.
50 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
A small town with a delightful beach, surrounded by the unique ecosystem of the nature reserve Els Muntanyans – protected dunes and saltwater lagoons. Water sports, sailing and scuba diving can be enjoyed here, and the town has interesting historical buildings set amongst the pretty landscape.
53 minutes drive from Barcelona airport
One of the first Catalan towns to start catering for the family tourist market, Calella has the Family Holiday Destination award and is a busy, bustling resort with miles of golden sand. There’s plenty of nightlife to be enjoyed; whether you want pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs – it’s all here. The beaches are well-equipped for holiday-makers of all ages – think play-areas and weekly mini-discos for children, beach volleyball and beach football areas, and a lively promenade with plenty of entertainment.
1 hour drive from Barcelona airport
The tourist capital of the Costa Dorada, and perennially popular with families, this resort is fun, lively and sun-soaked.
The famous (and Spain’s largest) theme park Port Aventura World is located here which could explain why holiday-makers with children flock here in the high season. The two long, sandy beaches, Llevant and Ponent, and the numerous smaller coves and bays.
1 hour drive from Barcelona airport
This resort still has everything on offer – great beaches, plenty of shops and restaurants and an authentic old town – but is calm and quiet. This is a great base for exploring some of the incredible inland landscapes of the Costa Brava or just having a relaxing holiday in the sun by the sea. There’s also a huge children’s park, Parc Francesc Macia, if you want a break from sandcastles and swimming, and the children will love to take the tourist “train”, the Tricu-Tricu, to explore the town.
1 hour 8 minute drive from Barcelona airport
Busy and lively, but not overdeveloped, this characterful town is popular with both Catalan and foreign tourists.
A working port ensures enough of a sense of real Spanish coastal town, but there are plenty of amenities for holiday-goers too. It’s a great destination for families, and has the sought-after Family Tourism Destination certification.
1 hour 10 minute drive from Barcelona airport
Lloret de Mar is an inexpensive holiday resort with a vibrant nightlife. As you’d expect from a popular resort such as this, you’ll find a fabulous beaches with all the facilities, water sports, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A busy resort perfect for those looking for a lively holiday.
Best beaches near Barcelona: top 10 holiday towns – Barcelona10
The seaside towns near Barcelona provide a summer haven for residents of the Catalan capital who want to spend their holidays in a relaxed atmosphere. Despite all the advantages of the capital of Catalonia, it should be recognized that the beaches of Barcelona are noticeably inferior to the beaches of neighboring towns.
If you want to spend a certain part of your vacation days on the beach, we advise you to follow the example of the locals and go to at least one of these seaside towns.
Cambrils
Cambrils : choose hotel
Cambrils is located on the Costa Dorada, not far from the hyper-tourist and package tourism known to all lovers of Salou (however, from Salou you can even go to the French Cote d’Azur). Unlike its neighbor, Cambrils is a town that keeps its traditions. Here you can find all the same narrow Spanish streets, old houses and typical tapas bars. He managed to keep the calm of a small coastal town without tourist crowds.
It should also be noted that Cambrils is famous for its gastronomy. Here are the best restaurants specializing in seafood. So, for example, here is the famous restaurant “Can Bosch”, marked with Michelin stars.
Canet de Mar
Canet de Mar : select hotel
Canet de Mar is forty kilometers from Barcelona, which is about 55 minutes by commuter train from Plaça Catalunya.
If one had to describe Canet de Mar in a few words, it would be art, culture, beaches, modernism, nature. It differs from other seaside towns precisely in its culture and rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Canet de Mar is a cult place for lovers of modernism, because the family of one of the three most important architects of Catalonia, Luis Dominic-Muntaner, lived here and many of his creations are here. Walking the streets of this town is like being in one of Carlos Ruiz Safon’s mystical novels. So, if you are looking for not just a town with good beaches, but also a place with strong energy and rich history, then Canet de Mar is the perfect option to make your vacation unforgettable.
Tamarit
Tamarit : choose your hotel
The village of Tamarit is located between Barcelona and Tarragona (check out the interesting tour of Tarragona) and is a great place to escape from the bustle of the city. Tamarit has an attractive beach with golden sands and clear waters.
But the most attractive thing about this settlement is its authenticity, because it still keeps the spirit of the Middle Ages. Right on the beach of Tamarita stands an old castle, the first mention of which dates back to the 11th century. Along with the castle, a church of Romanesque origin has also been preserved. If you are a history buff but still want to enjoy a beach holiday, Tamarite is perfect for you.
Gaba
Gaba : choose your hotel
Do you want to spend your holidays on the beach, but your soulmate dreams of going to the mountains? Do not make hasty decisions, because you can go to Gaba. This town is located just a few kilometers from Barcelona and will satisfy any, even the most demanding traveler, because there is literally everything here. And wide beaches with dunes, up to 4 kilometers long, and the Ponent mountain range, where the famous Garraf massif is located, and the natural park of the same name. In Garraf Park, you can enjoy views of typical 18th century masias and the chapels of San Miguel and Bruguers.
In recent years, Gaba has become a fashionable resort, and many players from the Barcelona national team have acquired a home here. So, don’t be surprised if you accidentally run into Luis Suarez or Leo Messi himself at a local bar.
Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar : choose hotel . Thanks to its good location, it is an excellent place to travel both towards Barcelona and towards Girona. Malgrat itself is a very small and quiet town, which can be easily walked around in a couple of hours. Despite this, in the summer the city literally boils with life. The tourist infrastructure is well developed here, but not so much that there is no room for peace and tranquility. It is in Malgrate that the famous Amaraigua Hotel is located – an ideal place for a honeymoon and a favorite place for couples in love, located right on the beach, a few meters from the sea.
Calella
Calella: choose your hotel
Just fifty kilometers from Barcelona, on the Costa del Maresme, is a beautiful seaside town called Calella.
The local beaches are perhaps the widest in Catalonia, sometimes it seems that they reach the very horizon. Calella is famous for its calm clear sea and golden sand. Here you can enjoy charming beach restaurants and an atmosphere of general relaxation. And the views from the height of the local lighthouse, which previously served as a watchtower from pirate attacks, will win the heart of any traveler.
Sitges
Sitges: choose your hotel
Sitges is a 25 minute drive from Barcelona and is a favorite beach destination for Barcelona residents. Here you can find beautiful beaches with soft sand (usually, Catalan beaches have large pebbles, which is not always convenient), warm and calm water and, most importantly for those traveling with children, a gentle entrance to the sea. Sitges has a picturesque waterfront, once on which you will be tormented by a difficult choice of what to pay attention to: the enchanting seascapes or the fabulous “castles” built in the heyday of modernism.
A tour through the narrow streets of Sitges will be a real discovery for you. It should also be noted that Sitges is known not only for its beaches, but also for cultural events. It is here that the World Film Festival is held annually.
Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Feliu de Guixols : choose your hotel
Sant Feliu de Guixols is located in the heart of the Costa Brava. This town on the coast of a picturesque bay is known for its Benedictine monastery and beaches. In 2014, Sant Feliu was certified by the Catalan Tourism Assembly as the best family holiday destination. In addition to natural beauties, the city offers its guests a variety of pastime options, such as: diving, surfing, windsurfing, riding on SUPs and kayaks, sailing. Do you dream of learning at least one of these sports? Sant Feliu will be the perfect place for you to relax.
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar: choose your hotel
There is no doubt that Lloret de Mar is one of the most important tourist centers of the coast.
Although it has evolved into a place for fun and beach fun in recent years, Lloret de Mar is much more than just beaches and nightlife. Once in this town, you will get tired of taking photos and publishing them on the Internet, because it is rich in interesting places. The ancient castle on the beach, the mysterious gardens of St. Clotilde, the chapel of St. Cyrce, the cat museum – this and much more is on the list of what you need to see in Lloret. But if you are looking for a place for a relaxing holiday, then you can safely exclude this city from your plans. Lloret is the city that never sleeps.
Roses
Roses: choose your hotel
This pretty coastal town is located in the north of the Costa Brava, near Cabo de Creus. The appearance of the town tells us the history of its past, about the times when the city belonged to the Roman Empire, as well as about the forts of the 17th century and, above all, about the fishermen. Nowadays it is an amazing place for lovers of the sea, nature, good food and tranquility.
Roses is not a place for package tourism. It is likely that you will not meet a single compatriot here. Among the vacationers, the French are predominant, who are comfortable with the close location of the town to the French border.
We have told you about the most important towns in the Spanish Mediterranean. Choose one of them or find your own, cozy and colorful seaside town.
Enjoy your holiday on the Spanish coast!
The best beaches near Barcelona: top 10 holiday towns – Barcelona10
The seaside towns near Barcelona serve as a summer haven for residents of the Catalan capital who want to spend their holidays in a relaxed atmosphere. Despite all the advantages of the capital of Catalonia, it should be recognized that the beaches of Barcelona are noticeably inferior to the beaches of neighboring towns. If you want to spend a certain part of your vacation days on the beach, we advise you to follow the example of the locals and go to at least one of these seaside towns.
Cambrils
Cambrils : choose hotel
Cambrils is located on the Costa Dorada, not far from the hyper-tourist and package tourism known to all lovers of Salou (however, from Salou you can even go to the French Cote d’Azur). Unlike its neighbor, Cambrils is a town that keeps its traditions. Here you can find all the same narrow Spanish streets, old houses and typical tapas bars. He managed to keep the calm of a small coastal town without tourist crowds.
It should also be noted that Cambrils is famous for its gastronomy. Here are the best restaurants specializing in seafood. So, for example, here is the famous restaurant “Can Bosch”, marked with Michelin stars.
Canet de Mar
Canet de Mar : select hotel
Canet de Mar is forty kilometers from Barcelona, which is about 55 minutes by commuter train from Plaça Catalunya. If one had to describe Canet de Mar in a few words, it would be art, culture, beaches, modernism, nature.
It differs from other seaside towns precisely in its culture and rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Canet de Mar is a cult place for lovers of modernism, because the family of one of the three most important architects of Catalonia, Luis Dominic-Muntaner, lived here and many of his creations are here. Walking the streets of this town is like being in one of Carlos Ruiz Safon’s mystical novels. So, if you are looking for not just a town with good beaches, but also a place with strong energy and rich history, then Canet de Mar is the perfect option to make your vacation unforgettable.
Tamarit
Tamarit : choose your hotel
The village of Tamarit is located between Barcelona and Tarragona (check out the interesting tour of Tarragona) and is a great place to escape from the bustle of the city. Tamarit has an attractive beach with golden sands and clear waters. But the most attractive thing about this settlement is its authenticity, because it still keeps the spirit of the Middle Ages.
Right on the beach of Tamarita stands an old castle, the first mention of which dates back to the 11th century. Along with the castle, a church of Romanesque origin has also been preserved. If you are a history buff but still want to enjoy a beach holiday, Tamarite is perfect for you.
Gaba
Gaba : choose your hotel
Do you want to spend your holidays on the beach, but your soulmate dreams of going to the mountains? Do not make hasty decisions, because you can go to Gaba. This town is located just a few kilometers from Barcelona and will satisfy any, even the most demanding traveler, because there is literally everything here. And wide beaches with dunes, up to 4 kilometers long, and the Ponent mountain range, where the famous Garraf massif is located, and the natural park of the same name. In Garraf Park, you can enjoy views of typical 18th century masias and the chapels of San Miguel and Bruguers. In recent years, Gaba has become a fashionable resort, and many players from the Barcelona national team have acquired a home here.
So, don’t be surprised if you accidentally run into Luis Suarez or Leo Messi himself at a local bar.
Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar : choose hotel . Thanks to its good location, it is an excellent place to travel both towards Barcelona and towards Girona. Malgrat itself is a very small and quiet town, which can be easily walked around in a couple of hours. Despite this, in the summer the city literally boils with life. The tourist infrastructure is well developed here, but not so much that there is no room for peace and tranquility. It is in Malgrate that the famous Amaraigua Hotel is located – an ideal place for a honeymoon and a favorite place for couples in love, located right on the beach, a few meters from the sea.
Calella
Calella: choose your hotel
Just fifty kilometers from Barcelona, on the Costa del Maresme, is a beautiful seaside town called Calella. The local beaches are perhaps the widest in Catalonia, sometimes it seems that they reach the very horizon.
Calella is famous for its calm clear sea and golden sand. Here you can enjoy charming beach restaurants and an atmosphere of general relaxation. And the views from the height of the local lighthouse, which previously served as a watchtower from pirate attacks, will win the heart of any traveler.
Sitges
Sitges: choose your hotel
Sitges is a 25 minute drive from Barcelona and is a favorite beach destination for Barcelona residents. Here you can find beautiful beaches with soft sand (usually, Catalan beaches have large pebbles, which is not always convenient), warm and calm water and, most importantly for those traveling with children, a gentle entrance to the sea. Sitges has a picturesque waterfront, once on which you will be tormented by a difficult choice of what to pay attention to: the enchanting seascapes or the fabulous “castles” built in the heyday of modernism. A tour through the narrow streets of Sitges will be a real discovery for you. It should also be noted that Sitges is known not only for its beaches, but also for cultural events.
It is here that the World Film Festival is held annually.
Sant Feliu de Guixols
Sant Feliu de Guixols : choose your hotel
Sant Feliu de Guixols is located in the heart of the Costa Brava. This town on the coast of a picturesque bay is known for its Benedictine monastery and beaches. In 2014, Sant Feliu was certified by the Catalan Tourism Assembly as the best family holiday destination. In addition to natural beauties, the city offers its guests a variety of pastime options, such as: diving, surfing, windsurfing, riding on SUPs and kayaks, sailing. Do you dream of learning at least one of these sports? Sant Feliu will be the perfect place for you to relax.
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar: choose your hotel
There is no doubt that Lloret de Mar is one of the most important tourist centers of the coast. Although it has evolved into a place for fun and beach fun in recent years, Lloret de Mar is much more than just beaches and nightlife.
Once in this town, you will get tired of taking photos and publishing them on the Internet, because it is rich in interesting places. The ancient castle on the beach, the mysterious gardens of St. Clotilde, the chapel of St. Cyrce, the cat museum – this and much more is on the list of what you need to see in Lloret. But if you are looking for a place for a relaxing holiday, then you can safely exclude this city from your plans. Lloret is the city that never sleeps.
Roses
Roses: choose your hotel
This pretty coastal town is located in the north of the Costa Brava, near Cabo de Creus. The appearance of the town tells us the history of its past, about the times when the city belonged to the Roman Empire, as well as about the forts of the 17th century and, above all, about the fishermen. Nowadays it is an amazing place for lovers of the sea, nature, good food and tranquility. Roses is not a place for package tourism. It is likely that you will not meet a single compatriot here.