Top 5 Beaches Near Barcelona

Last Updated on April 2 , 2023 by acrossthewaterwithchelsita

Looking for clean and beautiful beaches near Barcelona you can reach without a car? Then read on to discover 5 great beaches you can reach by public transport in under one hour, including detailed instructions on how to get there and what facilities you can expect to find. May also include info about nudist sections, (but shh, don’t tell my mum!)

First up though, a word of warning about where not to go.

Don’t go to Barceloneta!

Your idea of a dream beach probably looks a bit like this: crystal clear water, soft and clean sand, palm trees… in short, a tranquil place where you can let the cares of the working week melt away with each sip of an ice-cold Mojito. You know, somewhere like Menorca or even Mallorca in low season.

If that’s the case, DO NOT GO TO BARCELONETA! The city centre’s closest beach is likely to disappoint. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic living in a city with a beach. But the near-constant cries of “Mojito, Mojito”, “Cerveza, beer, agua”, relentless queues for the public toilets and jostling for towel space smaller than a Brazilian bikini isn’t exactly conducive to relaxation.

You could maybe put up with all the above if it was otherwise an excellent beach, but the truth is that for most of the year, it’s just plain filthy.

I’ve ventured down there countless times wanting a swim and had to turn back after seeing a disgusting layer of foamy scum on the water, toilet paper and tampons bobbing around next to bafflingly oblivious holiday makers and of course the ubiquitous plastic debris. This is most often seen after periods of prolonged rain when the sewers overflow and untreated wastewater finds its way into the sea, but honestly, the waste can be seen all year round on almost any beach if you’re unlucky.

Here’s where to go instead…

1. Ocata

Facilities and why I love it

This is one of my favourite beaches near Barcelona. Stretching 2.5 km long and 133m wide, Ocata has one of the widest beaches in the area. So although it’s very popular, there’s enough room for everyone without being packed together like sweaty sardines.

Although it’s just a 30-minute train ride away from Barcelona, Ocata feels a world apart from the city. Plus there’s space for everyone, a good range of facilities like showers and chiringuitos* and play areas for the kids, making it a favourite among local families. To my knowledge there’s no rental service for sun loungers at this beach so unless you want to sizzle in the sun, it’s best to take along your own beach umbrella.

How to get there

Get there directly from Plaça Catalunya on the R1 train, direction Mataro with a ticket for Zone 2. When you get out at Ocata station you can’t miss the beach, it’s straight ahead. For more info, check out this handy train map showing you the different zones and how to get to the beaches near Barcelona.

*In Spain, ‘chiringuitos’ is a word you”ll hear a lot. It means “beach bar”. Chiringuitos are found all along the coast and offer anything from drinks and snacks to full meals.

2. Castelldefels

Facilities and why I love it

South of Barcelona, Castelldefels is a very popular option with young and old. Just like Ocata, it has a long and wide beach, so there’s no shortage of space. This is an extremely well-equipped beach complete with countless chiringuitos, restaurants, bars, shops to buy beach gear, sun lounger rental services, volleyball nets, play areas for kids, and water sports galore, especially kite surfing.

How to get there

Castelldefels is just 18km south of Barcelona and is one of the last stops you can get to with a Zone 1 ticket. Get there directly from Estació de França, Passeig de Gracia or Sants with the R2S train, direction Sant Vicenç de Calders. Ride seven stops to get to the beach (stop is Platja de Castelldefels!). The ride takes about 30 mins in total.

Note: Make sure to get out at the stop Platja de Castelldefels and NOT CASTELLDEFELS. If you get out at the stop “Castelldefels” you’ll be walking for some time to get to the beach, which may not be the best idea if you’re heavy-laden with beach umbrellas and cooler bags. (Experience obviously learnt the hard way here).

3. Caldes d’Estrac

Facilities and why I love it

Just 40km north of Barcelona you have another banging beach at Caldes d’Estrac, also known as Caldetes. Whilst Caldetes is just a short walk from the train station, you can’t see, or perhaps more importantly, hear the trains, which makes going here a more relaxing and private affair than at some other beaches in the area. This beach is a hit for its golden sand, clear water and laid-back vibe and offers chiringuitos, showers, and an outdoor gym with a sea view. For those of you who like to go au naturel at the beach, (or want to try it), there’s also a nudist section of the beach at the northern tip of the beach called Platja de la Musclera complete with chiringuito and a sun lounger rental service.

How to get there

Get there directly from Plaça Catalunya on the R1 train, but this time the direction should be Maçanet-Massanes as the train to Mataro stops a few stops short of your destination. This time you’ll need a ticket for Zone 4 and the trip takes around 50 mins.

4. Canet de Mar

Facilities and why I love it

Canet de Mar offers over 2km of gorgeous golden sand with clean and clear water and all the services you would need; chiringuitos, toilets, parasol rental services etcetera without feeling too crowded or built up. The perfect place to enjoy an ice-cold, refreshing clara I would say!

How to get there

Get there on the same train which goes to Caldes d’Estrac (R1 direction Maçanet-Massanes) but get off two stops later at Canet de Mar. This is still in Zone 4 and the trip takes an hour from Plaça Catalunya.

5. Torredembarra-Els Muntanyans

Facilities and why I love it

Travelling further down South this time you get to Torredembarra and this really is the star of the show! Of all the beaches near Barcelona, this is my favourite because of its natural setting, especially in the northern section of the beach called Els Muntanyans, which requires a little walk to get to (around 20 minutes), but it’s well worth it. This is a loooong beach and is rather special in that it has beautiful sand dunes and salt marshes, making it one of the few places like this left in the area.

If you like walking and nature this is a great choice because you can visit the protected natural park here. This tranquil beach has fine sand, crystal clear, shallow waters and a natural setting devoid of beach bars, and shops. It seems like it’s mainly locals who visit this beach and it has a quiet, family feel. This is one for those who seek total relaxation in nature.

If you walk north up this beach for about half an hour you’ll also find a sizeable nudist section. Take your own beach umbrella (as you won’t find a rental service on the beach), a picnic, and you’ll be set for the day.

The town of Torredembarra also has an extensive promenade with lots of lovely restaurants and bars you can head to after your day at the beach.

How to get there

Take the R Express from Estació de França, Passeig de Gracia or Sants, direction Reus or Tortosa. The journey takes 1 hour on the train.

What do you think?

Have you visited any of these beaches? What did you think? Are there any more beaches near Barcelona you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.