Explore Barcelona by train with Renfe and relax on one of its best urban beaches. Discover the city's top 5 beaches and their characteristics. Every year, Barcelona's kilometres of urban beaches welcome millions of visitors from all over the world. Some come to sunbathe, swim or go for a walk, while others head to the beaches to attend famous cultural events such as the Nit de Foc.
All the beaches are very clean and are cleaned daily, and they are all accessible by train.
You'll notice that all its beaches have a wide range of services for the comfort and safety of beach lovers: red crosses, showers, bars and restaurants, changing rooms, Wi-Fi, deckchairs and parasols for hire. All the beaches are well-maintained, lively day and night and there is no shortage of activities.
The city's most beautiful beach is undoubtedly the famous Barceloneta in the traditional fishermen's quarter. This is one of the oldest beaches, but the one most adored by locals and young people alike. Easy to reach, just 20 minutes from the city centre, it is the most popular with tourists. It is bustling with activity, day and night, especially in summer.© You'll find plenty of artists of all kinds, street vendors, countless beach bars, leisure areas for all ages, sports areas and a biblioplaya or beach library if you travel there in summer.
View of the sea from Barceloneta
Another magnificent urban beach that is the largest in Barcelona is Sant Sebastià. It's right next to the Barceloneta, in the Ciutat Vella district, and attracts plenty of people too. It boasts a number of yacht clubs and good restaurants. Its mixed nature sets it apart from the others, which also makes it very popular: you can see nudists but also young people and schoolchildren doing activities.
Located in the Poble Nou district, Bogatell is one of Barcelona's cleanest and most peaceful beaches. A little further from the town centre, it is characterised by its sporting atmosphere, far from the noise of the beach bars and restaurants. With a range of facilities including ping-pong tables, gym equipment, football pitches and beach volleyball courts, it's a sportsman's paradise.
Discover Catalonia by train and visit the Nova Icària beach in the centre of the city's coastline. It is considered the most relaxing and calm of Barcelona's beaches. It's the ideal beach for families with children. It includes play areas, volleyball courts and table tennis tables. It is much appreciated by people with reduced mobility, thanks to its many services designed specifically to make access to the sea and beach easier for them, such as parking, the beach, showers, changing rooms and a lift. Volunteers are also on hand to help in the summer.
One of the liveliest beaches in the city centre, where there's something for everyone. Mar Bella: an ideal place to enjoy the summer heat, the sea and a naturist corner. It's quite popular for nudists and the gay and lesbian communities. As well as 500 metres of playgrounds and the rhythmic music of the chiringuitos, you can take windsurfing, sailing or kayaking lessons at the Mar Bella municipal water sports centre.
You may remember that Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992. The event contributed significantly to the development of tourism for the city. The infrastructures have been improved, there are more hotels, the access roads have been improved and the town has completely changed its appearance: it has become very clean and attractive. At the same time, the harbours have been enlarged and the beaches improved. Since that great event, the Catalan capital has never ceased to attract visitors from all over the world, and its dynamism is clearly evident in its cultural and artistic activities, as well as its beautiful beaches, both urban and non-urban.
Trains are still the most popular means of transport. For an unforgettable journey, Renfe trains offer a unique experience. Book your ticket and don't miss out on Barcelona's beautiful beaches, a must-see at least once in your life.
Can't wait to hop on a train to Barcelona? Now you can do just that on AVE France, our international high-speed trains between France and Spain. The most comfortable, fastest and sustainable way to travel is by train! You can also take advantage of our discounts and get the best price.
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