Barcelona’s Best Beaches (That Aren’t Full of Tourists)
You came to Barcelona for the sun, the vibe, the chaos… and yeah, the beach.
But then you hit Barceloneta and suddenly it’s towels on towels, tourists on tourists, and zero space to breathe.
Good. That means you’re ready for the real list.
Here are 5 beaches close to Barcelona that are actually worth your time. Less crowds, better vibes, and just far enough to keep things interesting.
Just one rule:
Don’t tell everyone. Let’s keep this between us.
🏖️ Ocata Beach: Click for directions
This is what people think Barcelona beaches look like.
Wide sand, clean water, space to breathe. No chaos, no stress. Just sun, music, and that perfect post-hangover recovery energy.
You’ll see locals, small groups, people actually relaxing instead of fighting for a spot.
How to get there:
🚆 Take the R1 train from Plaça Catalunya → Stop: El Masnou
⏱️ 25–30 minutes + 5 min walk
🌅 Sitges Beach: Click for directions
Sitges is not just a beach. It’s a whole mood.
Colorful streets, open-minded crowd, beach bars, and sunsets that turn into parties without you even noticing.
Come for the swim, stay for the drinks, and suddenly it’s 2AM.
How to get there:
🚆 Train from Plaça Catalunya / Sants → Stop: Sitges
⏱️ 35–40 minutes + 5 min walk
🌬️ Castelldefels Beach: Click for directions
Endless beach. Like… actually endless.
Perfect if you want space, sports, or just to escape the madness. You’ll see people playing volleyball, kitesurfing, or just lying there doing absolutely nothing (which is also a skill).
How to get there:
🚆 Train from Sants / Passeig de Gràcia → Stop: Castelldefels Platja
⏱️ 25–30 minutes + short walk
🌿 Cala Fonda (Waikiki Beach): Click for directions
This one feels illegal to share.
No bars. No buildings. Just wild nature, cliffs, and crystal water.
You’ll have to walk a bit to get there, but that’s exactly why it’s still special.
How to get there:
🚆 Train to Tarragona → Taxi or bus towards Platja Llarga
🚶 Then a 15–20 min walk through nature
⏱️ Around 1h15 total
🌊 Calella de Palafrugell Beaches: Click for directions
Now we’re talking next level.
Small coves, turquoise water, boats floating, and that “this doesn’t feel like Barcelona anymore” moment.
It’s not the easiest to reach, but that’s the point.
How to get there:
🚆 Train to Girona or Flaçà
🚌 Then bus to Calella de Palafrugell
⏱️ Around 1h30–2h total
👀 A quick note… about nudist beaches
Barcelona is open-minded… like, really open-minded.
Beaches like Mar Bella Beach, and even parts of Barceloneta Beach, are known for being nudist-friendly.
Don’t worry, no one expects you to join. But don’t be surprised if you suddenly realize someone next to you forgot their swimsuit.
It’s all part of the Barcelona experience.
🌞 Final tip (from us)
The best beach days are never planned perfectly.
Grab a few people from the hostel, jump on a train, bring some beers, and see what happens.
Or… make it even easier 👇
👉 During summer, we organize our “Beach Day”, where we go together to Barceloneta Beach with our guests.
Games, drinks, music, and a chance to meet everyone without overthinking it.
Sometimes the closest beach isn’t the best one…
but it’s definitely the most fun when you go with the right people 😉
