Barceloneta Beach

Few cities do urban beaches with as much panache as Barcelona and with 4.2 km of sandy coastline, there are plenty of options to choose from. The most popular is the Barceloneta Beach, an easy bus ride from the city center and crammed with locals and tourists during the summer months.

Whether you’re looking to escape the city heat, top up your suntan or take a dip in the cool Mediterranean, Barceloneta has plenty of options to keep beach-goers busy. Sip a sangria at one of the many chiringuitos (beach bars) along the waterfront, join the locals in a game of beach tennis or volleyball; or explore the souvenir stores and cafés crammed along the beachside Passeig Maritim boulevard. Active types can enjoy water sports like surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing or hit the lively boardwalk – a popular spot for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Be sure to take in some of the beach’s landmark monuments too – the quirky beach tower of 'Homenatge a la Barceloneta' by artist Rebecca Horn and Frank Gehry's glittering 'Pescado/Peix/Fish' make an inimitable backdrop for photos.

Located between Port Vell and Port Olimpic, Barceloneta is also well placed for the area’s nightlife, with a range of bars, restaurants and casinos just a short stroll from the seafront and a number of beach parties taking over the area during the summer.