Barcelona Beach Guide
Personal Perspective:
One of the most enticing things about visiting Barcelona is the access to the incredible beaches. Barcelona is a beautiful city all on its on, but add in the Costa Brava and you’ve pretty much found the treasure chest. The beach in Barcelona itself is worth a visit if nothing more than to sip on some sangria and people watch. However, if you’re looking for something that looks like the cover of a travel magazine then here are some excellent beaches to try. This list is tiny compared to all the beaches that the Costa Brava has to offer but, it’s a good place to start.
BARCELONETA
The most local on the list. If you don’t have time to make it out of the city, then Barceloneta will suffice. Know that it will not be super relaxing, as it is usually filled with people, mostly tourists, and also many people selling things up and down the beach. If I could offer you any advice at all- it would be to not leave your stuff unattended for any reason - Barcelona is known for its petty theft. My favorite time to come here is during the late afternoon with a bottle of wine and some cheese.
How to get there: Metro Stop: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4). You can also walk, about 20-25 minutes down Las Ramblas.
TOSSA DE MAR
Covered in cobblestone and winding streets that overlook the beautiful sea. A bit further up the coast but worth every minute.You can access this town by bus in about 2 hours. I would get an early morning bus and the last bus back, so you can soak up everything this little town has to offer.
Distance from Barcelona: 2 hours or less
How to get there: Two Options:
By bus from Barcelona airport or Barcelona Estacio del Nord directly to Tossa de Mar. View timetable and buy tickets from here.
Take the R1 Train to Blanes and then transfer to a bus from Blanes to Tossa de Mar.
CADAQUÉS
For me, this is the crème de la crème of coastal beach towns. Home to Salvador Dali ,which you can visit by joining a wait list that starts about 3 months out or so. This picturesque town is charming, magical, and feels out of a story book. You can do this in a day, although I would 100% recommend that you spend one night here- if it’s possible. It is so romantic and breathtaking, you’ll never want to leave.
Distance from Barcelona: 2 hours by car.
How to get there: Best by car or take the train from Barcelona to Figures (this is where the Dali museum is located). And from Figures, take a bus or taxi to Cadaqués. There is a bus that goes from Barcelona to Cadaqués, but the times are not very flexible.
SITGES
This is my favorite day trip out of Barcelona. It takes under an hour to get here by train. It is super convenient to access. I always feel transported to a magazine photo shoot when I am here. There is plenty of beach to lay on, restaurants to eat from and little shops if you need a break from the sun. I cannot recommend it enough, and at any time of the year.
Distance from Barcelona: 47 Minutes by train.
How to get there: You’ll take the Renfe (C2) Train from either of the three stations : Passeig de Gràcia, Estació Sants, or Estació de Franca (although the first 2 stations are easiest). You’ll look for the trains going in the direction of Vilanova i la Geltru or St. Vincenç de Calders. It will not say Sitges.
TAMARIU
This beach is easiest to reach by car. Although you can reach it via train/bus/taxi combination, I wouldn’t recommend it just for the day. Renting a car and driving up the coast and stopping at all these little beach towns is a major bucket list item! It is only an hour and half by car from Barcelona so it is easy to do in a day.
Distance from Barcelona: 1.5 hours by car
How to get there: Best By Car or you can take The Renfe train to Flassa and take a 30 min taxi to Tamariu. About 2.5 hours give or take.
OTHER BEACHES:
Although I haven’t personally been to these, I know they are very popular with the locals and tourists.
Blanes
Calella de Palafrugell
Lloret de Mar
Castelldefels