Barcelona´s beaches are some of the world´s best. The glittering Mediterranean Sea shines on one side, with views of the sub Pyrenees mountains on the opposite side and a thriving metropolis lies between. Although seafood paella and sangria are hard to beat in the beach neighborhood of Barceloneta, the summer brings uncontrollable crowds and loud sunbathers. For a more relaxing Catalonian beach experience, hop a bus or a train to one of these nearby beach towns, both north and south of the capital of Catalonia.
Castelldefels
Just 30 minutes by train south of the city sits a quieter, more beautiful beach where the folks are friendly and families enjoy weekend outings together. The seafood restaurants along the coast can be a bit pricey, but the extra euros will be worth it to get away from the crowds.
Badalona
Badalona is accessible by metro, and maybe even by foot for those who love to walk. The tamer beach to the north of Barcelona is complemented by the city´s skyline in the distance, but finding a peaceful spot of sand is more likely in Badalona than in the capital of Catalonia.
Sant Pol de Mar
The further north you travel along the Mediterranean Sea, the more stunning and remote the beaches become. Sant Pol de Mar is one of a string of tiny beach towns one hour north of the city with romantic cliffs and affordable cuisine that make for the perfect daytrip.
Platja de Sant Sebastià
Just south of the popular beach of Sitges, this old-town beach sits beside a former fishing village. The shallow water and historic town provide pleasant backdrops for relaxing afternoons under the sun.
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