From bustling Barceloneta to nudist Mar Bella and tranquil Caldetes, this is our guide to Barcelona's best beaches. Read on to find out our top ten beaches in Barcelona, Spain.
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1. Barceloneta Beach
From drums being played around the weird Cubes monument to sand-artists and singing dancing donut salesmen, it may be Barcelona's dirtiest, most crowded, and most touristy stretch of sand, but it's also the most entertaining. And it's got some great seafood eateries along the shore.
Read more on what to do in the Barceloneta area of Barcelona.
2. Bogatell Beach
Bogatell Beach is a bit of a walk from Bogatell Metro Station - about fifteen minutes - but once you get there it's cleanier and calmer than the Barceloneta stretches. Prepare for many a tattoo, lots of silicon and seriously large sunglasses.
3. Nova Icária Beach
Attracting a mostly very young crowd, Nova Icária is beside the Olympic marina and observatory. It's also near the Icária shopping centre with its English-language cinema, a good option when returning from the beach and stuck for something to do.
4. Mar Bella Beach
Mar Bella has a a nudist stretch, part of which is discreetly partitioned off by a big dune beside the windsfurfing centre. It's also a favourite hang-out for gays and lesbians.
On Sundays throughout summer there's late-night raves.
Read more about Nudist Beaches in Spain
5. Ocata Beach
North of Barcelona, Ocata is quiet, pristine and very flat, with oodles of space on the beautiful golden white sand. It's a half-hour trip on the train out of the city.
6. Caldetes Beach
If you're looking for no-frills beach action, this is the one. Although it's only a short ride north of the city centre, Caldetes is comparatively deserted.
7. St Pol de Mar Beach
St Pol de Mar is an hour's train journey out of the city, but it's got a gorgeous beach lapped by clear water and backed by pretty hills. Best of all is the enchanting cove - which has become a nudist zone - next to the rain tunnel.
8. Castelldefells Beach
It's only fifteen minutes south of the city centre and enjoys five kilometers of tempting sand. The downside is it's as busy as the city centre beaches.
9. Garraf Beach
Five minutes by train from Castelldefells is Garraf, whose beach is considerably quieter. It's easily accessed from the station and has good facilities.
10. Sitges Beach
Half an hour away from Barcelona city centre, gay-friendly Sitges' city centre sands are pristine but can get noisy and quite windy, while the area to the north of the seafront church is better sheltered and a bit quieter.
Read about how to get from Barcelona to Sitges.