Beaches

Find your perfect stretch of sand
Noteworthy for: Despite the city setting, Barcelona's coastline is clean, safe and beautiful.

Word to the wise: If you want to get away from the crowds, take a 30-minute train ride to Sitges, a lively town with a lovely beach.
It seems too good to be true that, as well as great history, culture, food and nightlife, Barcelona has amazing beaches, too. But do believe it, and don't forget to bring your trunks. Beach season runs from March to November, but the crowds really pack in between June and September.

Barceloneta is the beach closest to the centre and is easily accessible via the subway or a 20 minute walk from La Ramblas. Unsurprisingly, it gets rammed.

La Nova Icaria, located next to the Olympic port, is the next beach along to the northeast. A quieter spot, it's loaded with restaurants and popular with families.

Next up is Bogatelle, which is separated from the beaches around it by stone breakwaters and has showers, bars and restaurants, and Mar Bella, which hosts a sports centre and is known for great windsurfing. There's also a segregated nudist beach here.

At the end of the strip is La Nova Mar Bella which is popular with younger groups and especially women, and so is a good choice for female travellers.