Best beach towns near Barcelona

I love Barcelona because to me, it’s the city that has it all: incredible food, architecture, culture, beaches and mountains. What more do you need? How awesome is it that you can swim in the sea, check out the Sagrada Familia and head into the mountains, all in the same day?
But during the busiest months, Barcelona and its beaches can get very crowded. Sometimes, a little too crowded for my liking. I still remember the first time I went to Barceloneta beach in summer; it was almost impossible to find a spot on the beach to put down my towel.
The good thing is that you don’t have to travel far to get a better beach experience. Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the coast around Barcelona. In this guide, I’ve put together a list of the best beach towns I think are worth visiting from Barcelona, whether you’re looking for the closest beach, a lively seaside town or somewhere a little more peaceful.

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Beach towns near Barcelona by distance

To give you an idea of the distance from Barcelona, I’ve grouped my favourite beach towns by approximate driving time. If you don’t have a car, the journey will usually take longer, although some of these are easily visited by train as well. You’ll find more information on how to get to each destination below.

Best beach towns under 1 hour’s drive from Barcelona

1. Badalona – Closest beach town

You can find Badalona just north of Barcelona and it’s the closest beach town. If you are looking for a few hours at the beach while you’re visiting Barcelona, Badalona is the place to go. You could even cycle there if you want or take the train or metro. Since it’s so close, you don’t have to spend a full day here.
Badalona still has a very local feel, and surprisingly few tourists visit despite being so close to Barcelona. I like Badalona a lot because of the long beach promenade, the many great restaurants and its proximity to Barcelona.

What to do in Badalona?

Badalona has some pretty great beaches, which are all within walking distance from the train station. The beach closest to the train station is often the most crowded one, but the other ones offer a more relaxing experience.
In the summer months it’s amazing to go paddle surfing or kayaking here on the Mediterranean Sea. But of course, relaxing on the beach and swimming are great too. If you’re here on a colder day, it’s lovely to go for a stroll along the promenade. From the marina you can walk all the way to neighbouring town Montgat or even further if you’d like.
If you like shopping, head to the centre of town. Calle del Mar and Carrer del Canonge Baranera are nice streets for a bit of shopping. The promenade is lined with many restaurants, which is great if you want to have a lunch break in town.

How to get there from Barcelona

Badalona can easily be reached from Barcelona in 15 to 20 minutes. If you don’t have a car, you could either take a train or metro (purple line, get off at Badalona Pompeu Fabra or Pep Ventura). Cycling is another good option if you like to be more active.

Where to stay in Badalona

Since Badalona is so close to Barcelona, you can easily visit this beach town on a day trip and spend the night in Barcelona. Badalona doesn’t mainly cater to tourists and therefore there are not that many good options to stay in this town. If you do want to stay in Badalona, one of the best options is Hotel Marina Badalona, which is located at the marina and offers sea views from a lot of its rooms. The rooftop bar with swimming pool is awesome and cannot be missed.

2. Castelldefels – Wide beaches and long strolls

Another beach town that is very close to Barcelona is Castelldefels. It’s just south of the city and very easy to reach by car or public transport.
I love going to Castelldefels for a day trip, as its beaches are great for spending a day by the sea. And this is also the main attraction here. The wide beach stretches for several kilometres so there is plenty of space to spread out your towel, even during the summer months. My family and I often go there for some beach time or a stroll along the long promenade, followed by a picnic on the beach or lunch at one of the great restaurants.

What to do in Castelldefels?

There is not much of a historic town centre to explore, but if your main goal is a long sandy beach, swimming and a relaxed day by the sea, Castelldefels is a great beach town near Barcelona.
If you’re travelling with kids, it’s good to know that Castelldefels’ beaches are great for families with younger children because of the shallow water.
I can also recommend a stroll along the long promenade, which is car-free for a long stretch. There are lots of restaurants along the way where you can stop for lunch or a drink.

How to get there from Barcelona

Castelldefels is very close to Barcelona, especially when coming from the airport. From the city centre it’s about 20-30 minutes by car. If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking can be difficult on busy summer days. You can find paid parking along Passeig Marítim, which is very close to the promenade. But be sure to get here early during the summer, as it fills up quickly.
Travelling by train to Estació Platja de Castelldefels (since Castelldefels train station is quite far from the beach) is another good option, and just takes about 30 minutes from Barcelona as well.

Where to stay in Castelldefels

Hotel Bel Air is a great place to stay while visiting Castelldefels. The rooms are very clean and comfortable and the hotel is located right on the beach.

3. Sitges – Lively and pretty

Sitges is one of the prettiest beach towns that you can reach within an hour from Barcelona. It’s got history, beautiful beaches, lots of restaurants and bars and is very lively. But it also somehow feels cosy. Its narrow streets, old buildings and historic landmarks make it worth visiting for more than just the beaches.

What to do in Sitges?

A stroll around the old town is amazing, and you can’t miss one of the highlights: the church of Sant Bartolomeu i Santa Tecla, which is right by the sea. You’ll find a lot of restaurants and bars along the way. If you like shopping, there are also loads of nice boutiques around town. But of course, if you are looking for the best beach towns near Barcelona, you’ll probably want to head to the beach too. Sitges has several beautiful beaches where you can spend hours soaking up the sun and enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters.

How to get there from Barcelona

Getting to Sitges from Barcelona can be done by either car or train, and both take you more or less 40 minutes. Parking can be a challenge in the high season and on weekends. You can find a big parking area at Carrer Víctor Balaguer near Passeig de Vilafranca and there is almost always space here.

Where to stay in Sitges

Divino Hotel Boutique is a fantastic place if you want to spend a night in Sitges. Its very central location is ideal and the rooms are clean and comfortable. Also, snacks are provided for free, which I loved when staying here.

4. Sant Pol de Mar – Small and peaceful

Sant Pol de Mar is just a small town, but it has some of the most beautiful beaches within easy reach of Barcelona.
It’s located on the Costa del Maresme. The town is quiet and traditional, and you can walk right onto its beaches from the centre.

What to do in Sant Pol de Mar?

One of my favourite things to do here is go for a long walk along the beaches of Sant Pol. You can walk all the way to Calella, a lively beach town on the Maresme coast, although some parts involve some climbing.
If you prefer to just go to the beach, the beaches of Sant Pol de Mar are gorgeous, especially those between the town and neighbouring Calella.
Sant Pol de Mar itself is worth a visit too, even if you only have a little time, but experiencing the local feel in this typical small Catalan town is amazing.

How to get there from Barcelona

Driving to Sant Pol de Mar takes you about 40 minutes. Although it’s such a small town Sant Pol de Mar has a train station which makes it very convenient if you don’t have a car. The time to get here by train is a bit more than an hour. The train station is located right by the sea, making it easy for you if you want to head straight to the beach.
Arriving by car from Barcelona, you can often find a parking space next to Parc del Patufet.

Where to stay in Sant Pol de Mar

Sant Pol de Mar doesn’t have a lot of options to stay. I recommend visiting Sant Pol de Mar from Barcelona on a day trip or basing yourself in Calella which is right next to the small town. Here you’ll find loads of options, like the very comfortable Sant Jordi Boutique Hotel.

5. Calafell – Family-friendly beach town

Calafell is another one of my favourite destinations if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday near Barcelona. My family and I have been to Calafell many times and I think it’s a perfect family destination on the Costa Dorada. The town is known for its 5 km of fine sandy beaches and its shallow, gently sloping waters. Calafell has a long and beautiful promenade lined with restaurants and shops. Although you’ll find plenty of international visitors here, it still has a distinctly local feel.

What to do in Calafell?

We always love going to the beach when we’re in Calafell and afterwards, we often head to one of the amazing restaurants right there along the seafront.
If you want to see a bit more of the town and don’t mind a short hike, you can find the old town centre a little further inland. Here you can wander through the old streets and climb up to the Castell de la Santa Creu de Calafell, which is worth a visit if you like castles.

How to get there from Barcelona

You can visit Calafell easily within an hour from Barcelona. There’s a train station which is within walking distance from the beach and the train takes about the same amount of time as driving (about 50-55 minutes). If you come by car, you can often find a parking spot on the northern end of Passeig Marítim de Sant Joan de Déu.

Where to stay in Calafell

If you are looking for a place to stay in Calafell, check out Akquaaa Boutique Hotel. The rooms have a modern design and comfortable beds. Some of them offer sea views as the hotel is right on the beach.

6. Blanes – Lively beach town

Blanes is the first town on the Costa Brava when coming from Barcelona. Before moving to Catalonia, I had already heard about Blanes, because it used to be a popular town for young Dutch people who like to party. But after visiting Blanes myself and having been there a couple of times, I’ve noticed that it has way more to offer. You’ll find an old town centre, a long promenade, a castle and beautiful beaches. This lively beach town near Barcelona is great for families too.

What to do in Blanes?

The first couple of times I visited Blanes, I missed out on the most beautiful beach, so I don’t want you to miss out either. Be sure to visit Cala Sant Francesc when you’re in Blanes. On both sides of the beach, there are paths along the coast that you can follow. It’s called Camí de Ronda and offers amazing views of the Mediterranean.
Marimurtra Botanical Garden is also worth visiting, especially for its spectacular coastal views. It’s best to go early in the morning, because sometimes it can get really crowded here, mainly around the photogenic Linnaeus temple. Parking can get difficult too.
The main beaches of Blanes, Platja de S’Abanell and Platja de Blanes, are great too. They are lined by a long promenade with bars and restaurants that is great for a stroll.

How to get there from Barcelona

Driving by car is the fastest and easiest way to get to Blanes from Barcelona, it’ll take you about 50 minutes or so. But this beach town can also be reached by train and bus. If you take a train, you will have to either take a bus for the last bit or go walking since the train station isn’t in the city centre.
Parking can be a challenge in high season, but you can often find a spot in one of the paid parking garages.

Where to stay in Blanes

Casa Indiana Hotel Boutique offers lovely rooms in the centre of Blanes right by the beach. It’s a great place to stay and the staff is very helpful.
We also stayed at Camping Bella Terra before and especially for families I can recommend it. It’s right outside of the centre which makes it a calm location, right on the beach and within walking distance of all restaurants and shops.

Best beach towns 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive from Barcelona

7. Altafulla – Authentic beach town

Altafulla can be considered as one of the Costa Dorada’s hidden gems. Its relaxed atmosphere is perfect if you are looking for a quiet beach holiday. Altafulla is just a small beach town, but it does have a very charming old town centre which is worth exploring. One of the things I loved most here was the old stone archway that connects the town with the beach. The beach in Altafulla is spacious and the water is generally quite calm.
You’ll find traditional old houses lined up along the beach front. There are a few shops and restaurants here, but don’t expect a lively town like Cambrils or Blanes.

What to do in Altafulla?

While Altafulla isn’t packed with attractions, that’s exactly why I like it so much. You can spend the day swimming and relaxing on the beach or explore the charming old town with its narrow streets and historic archway, enjoy a drink on one of the terraces and have lunch at Maritime Beach Club.
I also highly recommend walking along the beach to nearby Tamarit and visiting the castle there, which is one of the most beautiful spots along the Costa Dorada.

How to get there from Barcelona

The train from Sants station in Barcelona can take you to Altafulla in about an hour. This might actually be quicker than driving along the C-32 by car. If you come by car, you can park near the train station for free.

Where to stay in Altafulla

May Altafulla Beach Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay in Altafulla. Its location near the beach, the rooftop swimming pool and the tastefully decorated rooms make it my personal favourite to stay when I’m visiting this beach town.

8. Tossa de Mar – Medieval beach town

Tossa de Mar is a beautiful old beach town and worth a visit when you’re in Barcelona. Its medieval walls and castle rise above the main beach, and if you ask me, it’s definitely one of the best options if you want to combine beach time with history. Tossa has plenty of restaurants and accommodation options as many people spend their holidays here. Although Tossa de Mar is quite popular with tourists, it still has a lot of character, especially around the old town and castle.

What to do in Tossa de Mar?

You can head to the beach at Platja Gran or Platja Mar Menuda, which are both great for swimming and relaxing. From Platja Gran you have great views of the castle on the hill. If you are up for a climb, definitely head towards the castle for a visit. The views from up there are amazing. Vila Vella, the old walled town, is beautiful as well and can’t be missed when visiting Tossa de Mar. If you like hiking, you can follow the coastal paths to the north or south of the town. You’ll come across several small coves that are often less crowded (especially in the morning) and great for swimming.

How to get there from Barcelona

By car you’ll reach Tossa de Mar in about 90 minutes. To get to Tossa de Mar by public transport you can take a bus from Estació del Nord de Barcelona. It will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to the bus station in Tossa de Mar. From there you can continue on foot to the town.
You can also take a guided tour from Barcelona if you want to visit Tossa de Mar on a day trip.

Where to stay in Tossa de Mar

Hotel Diana is a very charming place to stay when you’re in Tossa de Mar. The location right next to the beach is amazing and so is the staff. They offer clean and beautifully decorated rooms, and if you can, make sure to choose one with sea views, because you’ll be able to see the Mediterranean and the old castle from your room.

9. Tarragona – Beach and Roman ruins

Tarragona is a little different from the other beach towns on this list, because it’s actually a historic coastal city with beautiful beaches. So, Tarragona is great if beach time is just one of the things you want to be doing. It’s worth spending some time exploring the old town, walking through its narrow streets and discovering its Roman ruins. Along the way you’ll come across lots of cosy squares where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

What to do in Tarragona?

Tarragona has lots to do and you can easily spend one or two days here. Its historic city centre is not to be missed. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Tarragona, the ancient amphitheatre, and the Balcó del Mediterrani, a viewpoint at the end of Rambla Nova offering spectacular views of the sea. Plaça de la Font is a great place to stop for a drink.
If you’re in the mood for the beach, it’s just a short walk from the old town.
When travelling by car, I can also recommend a visit to Aqüeducte de les Ferreres, an ancient Roman aqueduct located 6 km from the centre of Tarragona.

How to get there from Barcelona

Tarragona can easily be reached by car and train from Barcelona in just over an hour. The train leaves at Sants station in Barcelona and drops you off at the train station in Tarragona which is right in the centre. This might even be more convenient than driving by car, since it’s often quicker and you won’t have to worry about parking. Parking in the old town centre is less convenient compared to the newer parts of the city where you can easily find a paid parking garage.

Where to stay in Tarragona

If you want to stay in Tarragona, I can recommend the lovely H10 Imperial Tarraco. The hotel has a swimming pool, and the rooms are very comfortable. Some of them offer views of the Mediterranean.

10. Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Charming Costa Brava

When I first visited Sant Feliu de Guíxols, I was so impressed by the charm and beauty of the town and its surroundings. It still has an authentic Costa Brava feel and exploring the nearby coastline is amazing. You’ll find spectacular viewpoints and coves here and you can discover them by hiking along the Camí de Ronda coastal paths.

What to do in Sant Feliu de Guíxols?

If you want to go to the beach here, the easiest option is to head to Platja de Sant Feliu in the centre of town. This beach is beautiful and perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll find another good option to the north, which is Platja de Sant Pol. To combine time at the beach with a good hike, you can get there on foot via a beautiful coastal trail.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols has some amazing restaurants and local bars and it’s also possible to go shopping here, as there are some nice shops around. To discover more on what to do in this town, check out my guide on Sant Feliu de Guíxols.

How to get there from Barcelona

Sant Feliu can be reached by car from Barcelona in about an hour and 15 minutes. The town doesn’t have a train station, but if you rely on public transport, you could take a bus from Estació del Nord de Barcelona. The bus takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. From the bus station it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach.

Where to stay in Sant Feliu de Guíxols

I can totally recommend staying at Nuevo Apartamento Moderno Elisa. The location is perfect and it has all you need for a comfortable stay in this town.

11. Cambrils – Long beaches and a lively promenade

Cambrils is a lively but charming beach town with plenty of restaurants, shops and accommodation options.
You’ll find kilometres of beaches here and they are golden with calm waters. Along the beach you’ll find a long and beautiful promenade lined with palm trees which gives the town a typical holiday feel. Traditionally Cambrils is a fishing village and the harbour that’s still in use gives the town much of its authentic character.

What to do in Cambrils?

The beaches of Cambrils are great and offer a lot of space to relax. The most central beaches are Platja del Regueral and Platja de la Llosa, which are easy to reach.
The long palm-lined promenade is great for a long stroll or bike ride, since it runs parallel to the sea for kilometres. Along the way you’ll come across the harbour, where you can check out the red lighthouse.
The historic centre of Cambrils is also worth a visit, but it’s a bit further inland. This area is quieter and has a more local feel.
If you like theme parks you can also combine a visit to Cambrils with a day at nearby PortAventura World.

How to get there from Barcelona

Cambrils can be reached by train from Sants station in Barcelona and it takes you about the same amount of time as driving by car (1.5 hours). Parking near the old town is easy and free, closer to the beach it can be more difficult and it’s often paid.

Where to stay in Cambrils

Estival ElDorado Resort is located right on the beach and has several great pools. The rooms are comfortable and the staff very helpful and friendly. Another thing that I love about this place is that they offer windsurfing and paddle surfing courses.

12. Calella de Palafrugell – White and charming Costa Brava

If you were to make a postcard of the Costa Brava, you could easily use a picture of Calella de Palafrugell because I don’t think there’s any other town in this area that is this beautiful. The whitewashed houses, small coves with turquoise-coloured water and fishing boats on the beach make for a perfect view. Add some restaurants with sea views and you have the perfect setting for a day on the Costa Brava. Read more about it in my full guide on Calella de Palafrugell.

What to do in Calella de Palafrugell?

There are several great beaches in Calella de Palafrugell, most of them are small coves, but they are lovely to enjoy some beach time. If you want to take a break this town is also great for enjoying a long lunch with sea views.
Another thing I can really recommend is hiking along part of the Camí de Ronda. You could for instance head toward Llafranc, which gives you incredible views of the Costa Brava.

How to get there from Barcelona

The easiest and quickest way to get Calella de Palafrugell is by car, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Near hotel Sant Roc there is free parking, but in summer it can fill up quickly. Public transport isn’t a good option if you want to go here, because it takes a lot of time and transfers. If you don’t have a car, it might be easier to take a guided tour to Calella de Palafrugell from Barcelona.

Where to stay in Calella de Palafrugell

One of the best places to stay in Calella de Palafrugell is Hotel Sant Roc. The rooms are very comfortable and the views from here are stunning.

13. Llafranc – Seaside charm

Llafranc is another idyllic beach town on the Costa Brava and it’s truly stunning. The colour of the water is incredible here and although it’s not a hidden gem, it still is very authentic. The town is very small but offers several restaurants and bars with sea views.

What to do in Llafranc?

The beach of Llafranc is perfect for spending your day swimming and sunbathing. The lighthouse is worth a visit if only for the views from up there. You can either hike or drive up there. From above, you can see both the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees. The lighthouse also houses a restaurant if you want to stop for a break.
If you are up for a short hike, walk to neighbouring beach town Calella de Palafrugell.

How to get there from Barcelona

Getting to Llafranc from Barcelona is similar to getting to neighbouring Calella de Palafrugell, which means it’s hard to reach by public transport. Driving by car is by far the easiest and fastest option (about 1.5 hours). In the hills leading up to the lighthouse, you can find free parking, but in summer these spaces fill up quickly.

Where to stay in Llafranc

I love staying at Hostal Sa Teula, as the staff here are amazing and so is the breakfast. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the hotel is located very close to the beach of Llafranc.

Practical information

To help you prepare for your trip to Barcelona and its surroundings, I’ve put together some practical information.

Best time to visit

If you’re looking for a beach town near Barcelona, you’ll probably want to spend some time on the beach, and for that I can recommend visiting in June and September. The weather during these months is warm enough for swimming and relaxing on the beach, the beach towns are still lively without being too busy and accommodation prices are generally lower than during the peak season.
The summer months of July and August offer the highest temperatures and the liveliest atmosphere, but I often feel they are too hot to do anything else besides swimming. Also, these are the busiest and most expensive months of the year and in small towns like Calella de Palafrugell it can feel a bit too crowded.
Winter can also be a lovely time to explore the coast around Barcelona. There are often plenty of sunny days, making it a good time for sightseeing and beach walks, but the sea is often too cold for a swim. Also, some of the smaller beach towns can feel a bit deserted outside of the weekends and holidays.

Getting there and around

For most of these beach towns, Barcelona Airport is the most convenient airport to fly to. When choosing a destination to the north of Barcelona, Girona Airport is another good option, although fewer airlines fly to this airport. The same goes for Reus Airport, which can be convenient when visiting the towns to the south of Barcelona.
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially for destinations on the Costa Brava. However, several of the beach towns in this guide are easy to reach by train, so you don’t necessarily need a car.
If you do want to rent a car, you can find rental car companies at all the airports mentioned above and at Barcelona Sants train station. One thing to be aware of is that you’ll have to pay tolls on some routes. The AP-7 highway is toll-free nowadays, but some stretches of the C-32 are still subject to tolls. Another thing to keep in mind is parking. At some of these destinations, parking can be a hassle, especially during the summer months. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider choosing accommodation with parking.
For information on public transport, I recommend checking the information for each destination above.

Beach Facilities

Many of the larger beaches have lifeguard services during the summer season. Look for the beach flag system (green, yellow, red) to check the swimming conditions.
On most beaches you’ll find showers during the summer months as well. Toilets can sometimes be a bit harder to find, but around most of the larger beaches you can find them, often at beach bars.

FAQ

What are the best beach towns near Barcelona?

The best beach town near Barcelona depends on what you’re looking for. I would recommend something totally different to someone looking for the closest beach town to Barcelona than to someone who wants beach time and sightseeing. This article will help you find out which beach town suits your wishes best.

What is the closest beach town to Barcelona?

Badalona is the closest beach town to Barcelona on this list. It’s located immediately north of the city and can be reached in around 15 to 20 minutes by car, train or metro. Castelldefels is another very easy option south of Barcelona.

Can you visit these beach towns from Barcelona without a car?

There are several beach towns in this article that can be reached by public transport very easily. I would recommend visiting towns like Castelldefels, Sitges, Sant Pol de Mar, Tarragona or Calafell if you rely on public transport.

Which beach towns near Barcelona are best for families?

For families there are several good options near Barcelona that offer wide sandy beaches, shallow water and plenty of facilities. Good options to consider are Castelldefels, Calafell and Blanes.

What is the best time to visit the beach towns near Barcelona?

I can recommend visiting the beach towns near Barcelona in June and September. The weather during these months is usually ideal for swimming and sunbathing and most of these coastal towns are lively but not too crowded.

Which beach towns near Barcelona are less crowded?

You’ll find plenty of quieter beaches near Barcelona, but during the summer months, I wouldn’t expect to find completely deserted beaches. How busy they are depends a lot on when you visit. If you’re looking for a quieter beach town, places like Altafulla and Sant Pol de Mar are worth considering, although they can still get busy during the peak summer months.

Which beach towns near Barcelona are easiest to visit as a day trip?

For the easiest to reach beach towns I would recommend heading to Badalona, Castelldefels or Sitges. They are close to the city if you have a car and all three of them are easy to reach by public transport, which is why they are perfect for a day trip.

Why visit the beach towns near Barcelona instead of staying in the city?

Barcelona’s city beaches are convenient, but visiting one of the beach towns gives you the chance to see more of the coast and experience a different side of Catalonia. You’ll find longer sandy beaches, smaller coastal towns, seaside promenades, coastal walks and, in some places, historic old towns. It’s also a nice way to escape the busy city for a day.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many great beach towns within easy reach of Barcelona. So, whether you are looking for a quick beach trip from the city or an overnight stay to experience the local feel, there are plenty of options to choose from.
I hope this guide has helped you find a beach town that fits your trip. Now all that’s left to do is pick your favourite and head to the coast!