Barcelona, a colorful Mediterranean city, stands out with its unique blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Barcelona is the perfect destination for seaside living, offering long sandy beaches, a lively ambiance, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you wish for a vibrant city life or a holiday atmosphere, each neighborhood around Barcelona offers something for you. If you are looking for a roadmap to start your dream life by the sea, this ultimate guide has everything you need—from the best beaches and neighborhoods to top activities in Barcelona, Spain.

You can read our related article for a complete Barcelona city guide.

Best Beaches in Barcelona

Sant Sebastià BeachBarcelona has a 7.5-kilometer-long coastline that includes stunning beaches. Whether you like to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports, Barcelona beaches meet all of your expectations. Moreover, there is no entrance fee for the beaches in Barcelona.

Here are the top 5 beaches in Barcelona city:

  1. Sant Sebastià Beach

San Sebasià is the longest beach in Barcelona, covering a 1.100-meter area. This green-flag beach offers the ultimate holiday comfort with its fine sand and amenities such as restaurants, shops, free WI-FI, and sports facilities. Rental parasols and deckchairs are available at the beach. Public toilets and showers are available. If you want a calm beach day with your family, San Sebasià is the best beach for you.

  1. La Barceloneta Beach

Located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, La Barceloneta is the most famous beach in the city. La Barceloneta stands out with its iconic golden sand and an array of amenities, including local restaurants, cafes, volleyball and tennis courts, and nightclubs. La Barceloneta is the go-to place for a vibrant beach experience.

  1. Somorrostro Beach

Somorrostro is a 500-meter-long Green-flag beach located near the famous Golden Fish statue of Barcelona. The beach stands out with its golden sands and calm seawater. Visitors can enjoy the volleyball court, children’s playground, drink and ice-cream kiosks, restaurants, and a beach library. The Somorrostro Beach offers parasol, deckchair, and bicycle hire services.

  1. Nova Icària Beach

Nova Icària BeachNova Icària, covering a 415-meter space, is one of the quietest beaches in Barcelona. Regardless, the beach offers various amenities for its visitors. These include a children’s playground, ping-pong table, volleyball courts, and public fountains. Free WI-FI, lockers, showers, and toilets are available. The beach also offers deckchair and parasol hire services as well as ice cream and drink kiosks.

  1. Mar Bella Beach

Mar Bella is the most vibrant beach in Barcelona, attracting mostly young crowds and water sports enthusiasts. The beach has a designated nudist area. Visitors can benefit from the volleyball court, table tennis, basketball hoop, children’s playground, lockers, library, and food and drink kiosks. Rental sundecks and parasols are available.

  1. Playa de Bogatell

Bogatell Beach, located between the Nova Icària and Mar Bella beaches, covers a 702-meter space. The beach boasts football, volleyball, table tennis, and basketball areas. Parasol and sundeck rentals are available, as well as kiosks.

What Neighborhood to Stay in Barcelona?

Just like most places in Spain, Barcelona is a popular destination for expats. Whether you are visiting Barcelona for a short stay or planning to live here, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in is important to fully enjoying this dynamic coastal city. With the historical streets, lively nightlife, and cultural facilities, each neighborhood in Barcelona depicts the city’s unique charm.

Best Beaches in BarcelonaHere are the best Barcelona neighborhoods:

  1. Barceloneta

Known for its colorful atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, Barceloneta is the perfect place for coastal living in Barcelona. The neighborhood is famous for its Marina Port Vell, which adds to Barceloneta’s coastal charm. Note that some of the best places to eat in Barcelona, such as Restaurante Julieta´s and Restaurante Barceloneta, are located in Barceloneta.

  1. Gràcia

Gràcia, known for its colorful and cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a beloved neighborhood among locals and tourists. This neighborhood stands out with its bohemian vibe, featuring lovely cafes, shops, and food markets. If you are looking for a tranquil ambiance, Gràcia is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona for you.

  1. Sants-Montjuic

Set on the highlands of Montjuïc, Sants-Montjuic boasts stunning views of the sea and city. The town hosts the Festa Major, a famous festival for food, music, and dancing.

  1. El Poblenou

El PoblenouOften considered one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona, El Poblenou blends its traditional atmosphere with novel amenities. This area is mostly famous among artists and tech enthusiasts. El Poblenou is also home to cultural and modern landmarks such as Torre Agbar and The Forum Building.

  1. Sitges

Sitges stands out among Barcelona's coastal towns​ with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. It offers beautiful turquoise seawater, golden sandy beaches, historical buildings, and marvelous nature. The town is famous for its 100-year-old Carnival named “Carnestoltes”.

What to Do in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a colorful city that can meet all lifestyle expectations. Whether you want to enjoy lively nightlife, explore historical landmarks, or adore artworks, Barcelona has something for everyone.

If you want to explore the historical charm of the city, you can visit museums such as Picasso Museum Barcelona, National Art Museum of Catalonia, and Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona. Other must-see historical places in Barcelona are Barcelona Cathedral, Palau Güell mansion, and Palau de la Música Catalana.

What to Do in BarcelonaIf you want to dive into the vibrant city life, you can visit outdoor attractions in Barcelona. These include Parc de la Ciutadella, Camp Nou Stadium, Parc del Laberint d'Horta, Port Olimpic, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, and Casa Batlló.

If you want to go local and discover the authentic charm of Barcelona, the local food markets are the perfect places to do that. The most famous bazaars in Barcelona include Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mercat del Ninot, and Mercat de Sant Antoni.

The local cuisine of Barcelona often features seafood, olive oil, and vegetables. The most famous dishes to eat in Barcelona are Fideuà, Pa amb Tomàquet, Esqueixada, and Mató.

The Real Estate Market in Barcelona

If you are planning on buying property in Spain, Barcelona is a wonderful place you need to consider. Barcelona’s real estate market includes a wide range of property options and meets all lifestyle expectations. Barcelona can easily meet your dreams whether you are looking for a fully detached villa or a luxurious apartment. The city is particularly popular for buying properties that overlook stunning views of the coastline.

If you are looking to find your dream home in this beautiful city, take a look at our listings to find coastal properties for sale in Barcelona. Also, feel free to contact our experts for all your questions.