Barcelona is renowned for its exciting nightlife, but the city also offers stunning beaches that stretch out from the centre of town.
Many of Barcelona’s beaches were upgraded prior to the 1992 Olympic Games and now boast an exciting, vibrant vibe that draws beachgoers from around the world. Here are some top picks for youth travelers while in Barcelona:
1. Barceloneta Beach
If you’re in search of an Instagram-worthy backdrop, something to do on a day off, or simply want to spend quality time with your loved ones, Barcelona offers plenty of great beaches for youth travelers to choose from.
Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona’s most beloved beach, offers visitors an idyllic day by the water with friends or family. This Blue Flag beach boasts numerous amenities like restaurants, restrooms and lifeguards for added peace of mind.
Kids will have plenty to keep them occupied on the beach, such as volleyball and kayaking. Plus, Espai de Mar (Sea Space) center provides an array of water sports for visitors to experience.
Families and couples looking for some privacy will love this beach, as it’s not overrun with people like other popular beaches in Barcelona. Furthermore, its close proximity to nightclubs and other entertainment options make it ideal for those seeking a bit more excitement during their time in Barcelona.
Another excellent beach option for a fun-filled day on the beach is Somorrostro, an uncrowded beach that allows visitors to swim and sunbathe without worrying about getting sand on their clothes or in their car on their way back home. There are restrooms, changing rooms, showers available here too. Plus there are plenty of water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing or wakeboarding – perfect for an active holiday!
This stunning beach, situated in Zona de Banys del Forum, is ideal for those seeking some outdoor fun without dealing with the grit of more traditional beaches. Open weekends from June through the first two weeks of September, as well as daily in July and August, it’s sure to please everyone’s tastes.
Families and couples looking for some beach time should check out this stretch of sand just north of the city center. It’s a popular tourist spot, featuring many restaurants and cafes with stunning views of the city skyline.
2. Somorrostro Beach
Somorrostro Beach is a favorite among young people, offering plenty of activities to entertain visitors. The main draw is its esplanade with chiringuitos, restaurants, and bars; plus there’s the nightlife with dance clubs like Carpe Diem or Opium that draw people in all hours of day and night.
Somorrostro Beach is not only a popular spot for sunbathing, but it also offers many water sports like parasailing, jet skis and paddle boards. Plus it has plenty of vendors selling soft and alcoholic drinks along the beachfront.
The area is a safe place to spend the day. Lifeguards are on duty and the beach is well-kept. Along the beach front, there are several restaurants and cafes offering both local and international cuisine.
Barcelona’s Beaches are often busy and popular among LGBT travelers. At one end of the beach, there’s a nude beach; at the other, there are lots of children’s playgrounds and an outdoor swimming pool.
In addition to the beach, Somorrostro also boasts the Platja de la Platja (Plaza de la Platja), an outdoor shopping arcade and thalassotherapy centre. Furthermore, various events and exhibitions take place here throughout the year.
Formerly part of Barceloneta Beach, Somorrostro was renamed in honor of the shanty settlement that once inhabited it. From the mid-20th century onwards, thousands of families lived here with makeshift homes lacking even basic necessities.
Though some of Somorrostro Beach’s more luxurious elements have been removed, you can still get a glimpse into life as a shanty by admiring views of the gasometer and Olympic Marina from above. It’s an intriguing way to view the city in a different light.
Somorrostro Beach in Barcelona’s north shoreline is ideal for travelers seeking a more serene beach. Its sand is cleaner than other famous Barcelona beaches and it has a more laidback atmosphere, making it the ideal place to visit with family or friends and soak up some sun without the crowds.
3. Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella Beach is one of the best beaches for youth travelers in Barcelona, located eastward along the city’s seafront and one of the first beaches to emerge from urban redevelopment projects leading up to the 1992 Olympics. With its soft sand and clear waters, Mar Bella offers an idyllic environment to spend a relaxing day at the beach – ideal for swimming or sunbathing!
Mar Bella Beach offers several amenities, such as lifeguard towers, public toilets and children’s play areas. Plus there’s a nudist area which attracts both locals and tourists alike.
This beach offers a vibrant atmosphere and serves as an attractive gathering point for young people, sports enthusiasts and students from nearby faculties. There is something here for everyone; there’s even a sports complex, fitness room and grass field available to use.
Mar Bella Beach is easily reached thanks to metro stations located at Poblenou and Sant Marti, offering lifeguard coverage, safety measures, adapted public toilets and wheelchair-accessible showers for disabled individuals. Furthermore, there are bicycle parking areas as well as various food and drink stands.
Another advantage of this beach is that it’s less crowded than some other Barcelona beaches, making it perfect for a solo or group retreat. There are loungers and umbrellas to rent as well as some restaurants and cafes nearby.
Mar Bella Beach offers a wide variety of vacation rentals, from houses and condos to apartments. Prices start from $66 per night and there are plenty of family-friendly options as well.
Explore Mar Bella Beach accommodations using our interactive map. You can filter your search based on price, property type and location for even further refinement.
The beach is widely recognized as gay-friendly and an ideal hangout. The BeGay chiringuito (bar on the beach) offers clothing-optional sections which make it popular with both tourists and locals alike.
4. Nova Icaria Beach
Though some Barcelona beaches may be overrun with tourists, there are plenty of other family-friendly options such as Barceloneta Beach, Somorrostro Beach and Mar Bella Beach. These are ideal spots to soak up some rays while having some quality time with the kids in the sand.
Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach is a beloved spot for locals and visitors to enjoy some fun in the sun. Just off of the bus route and less than one mile away from city center, this accessible playa offers vendors, artists, restaurants, and water sport opportunities alike.
Mar Bella Beach, situated north of Barcelona’s city centre, offers a Blue Flag beach that doesn’t get as crowded as some other Barcelona beaches. This makes Mar Bella an ideal option if you want to escape the pushy vendors at some of Barcelona’s busiest beaches during peak summer months.
This lovely stretch of golden sand also offers an array of athletic activities like volleyball and ping pong to keep everyone occupied. Additionally, there’s a playground here for the kids to enjoy.
Situated close to Barcelona’s Olympic Port, this idyllic sandy beach is perfect for couples or those seeking a peaceful respite from the city.
The sand is soft, the waters warm and shallow. There are a number of bars and restaurants on the beach that serve delicious food to enjoy while you soak up some rays.
Families will love this spot as it’s easily accessible with a changing room, amphibian wheelchairs, winch, life vests and parasols. Additionally, volunteer services provide assistance to those with mobility issues entering and leaving the water so you can have fun in the sun!
On the promenade near the beach, there are a few cafes and restaurants where you can sit back, relax and take in some sunshine.
For an unforgettable beachfront stay, Hotel SB Icaria Barcelona is a great option. It features restaurants with show cooking, free Wi-Fi throughout, and easy access to some of Barcelona’s top attractions.