Barceloneta Beach

The Basics

Sun-kissed Barceloneta is the nearest beach to Barcelona city center. Many visitors explore the waterfront as part of bike, Segway, or self-guided three-wheel GoCar tours. Sailing tours, speedboat excursions, and catamaran cruises from Barcelona also float past Barceloneta Beach and nearby Port Vell. Other water-based tours include activities such as jet-skiing and parasailing, while helicopter tours fly over the sands.

Architecture tours also make stops in the Barceloneta neighborhood, at landmarks such as the iconic sail-shaped waterfront W Hotel, the sustainable market of La Barceloneta, and the eye-catching Torre Mare Nostrum skyscraper.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Barceloneta is a must-visit for sunseekers and beach lovers.

• Bring sunscreen as the sun’s rays can be very strong, especially in summer.

• Barceloneta’s beachside promenade, Paseo Maritimo de la Barceloneta, is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Take the yellow metro line to the Barceloneta stop. Alternatively, it’s possible to walk: From the southern end of Las Ramblas, the beach is just 20 minutes away on foot.

When to Get There

Barceloneta Beach is at its most atmospheric during summer, when sun-worshippers come here in droves to take advantage of the warm weather. Time your visit to coincide with the end of the day and sip a sangria by the waterfront while watching the spectacular sunset.

Public Artworks at Barceloneta

As well as presenting ample people-watching opportunities, Barceloneta is also a good place to view art, including several notable pieces commissioned during the run-up to the 1992 Olympics. Look for Frank Gehry’s 183-foot-long (56-meter-long) El Peix sculpture, which resembles a giant copper-colored fish, and Rebecca Horn’s crookedL'Estel Ferit (The Wounded Shooting Star, aka Homage to Barceloneta), inspired by the shacks that once lined the Barceloneta seafront.

Ways to explore

Barceloneta Beach is among the most beloved places in Barcelona—no wonder it’s featured on many tours of the city, from guided bicycle trips to shore excursions. You can also spot Barceloneta Beach from the water by booking an outing by boat; sunset cruises are especially popular, as they mean views of the city backlit by golden sun. If you’re coming on your own, pack beach things to relax on the sand, or head to one of the chiringuitos for a drink and a bite.

Accessibility

Barceloneta Beach is wheelchair accessible, and has a wheelchair-accessible changing room.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Towel, sunscreen, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Swimwear, cover-up, sandals

Not allowed

Smoking

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, changing rooms

Address

In the Barceloneta neighborhood, south of Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella), the beach is located on Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta. It’s easy to reach using public transportation.

Driving

Congestion and limited parking mean that driving isn’t a convenient choice for most visitors, but there is a parking lot nearby at 78 Passeig de Joan de Borbó.

Public transportation

You can reach Barceloneta Beach by metro or bus. The closest metro stop is Barceloneta, on the yellow line/L4—it’s a 10-minute walk from the beach. Bus lines 45, 59, and D20 stop on the Paseo Marítimo de Barceloneta.

Best times to visit

If you’re hoping for a prime spot on the beach, plan to come early—ideally, before 10am.

Best days to visit

Weekends are the busiest days at Barceloneta Beach. For a quieter visit, plan to come between Monday and Thursday.

Best months to visit

The summer months bring sunny weather to Barcelona, with crowds to match. Consider going in May or September for beautiful days and fewer tourists at the beach.

Special events

Festivals and special events: The Barceloneta neighborhood’s biggest bash—the Festa Major de la Barceloneta—is in late September or early October of each year, with fireworks, street food, and other traditional festivities.