Since the massive clean-up operation of the beach and
nearby Olympic marina and village undertaken for the
1992 Olympics, this area has become a magnet for Barcelonans
and visitors alike. A lot of effort goes into maintaining
the cleanliness of both sand and sea, which is tested
daily, and all beaches have disabled access, lifeguards
(in season), sun beds and showers.
Nova Icaria
Closest to the Olympic marina, and therefore always
crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great
for food goers. There are three spotless beach bars,
two immensely popular restaurants on the promenade behind
(Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars
and restaurants off the Port Olímpic just a short
stroll away.
Bogatell
This beach is twice the length of adjoining Nova Icaria
and fringed by a stretch of stone walkway perfect for
jogging, roller blading and cycling. The raised promenade
cuts down on traffic noise and makes it possible to
almost believe you're a million miles from the city.
No beach bars, but three large informal restaurants
on the promenade.
Mar Bella
(Metro Ciutadella Vila Olímpica, plus 20-minute
walk) Divided from Bogatell by a breakwater housing
a school and hire center for windsurfing, hobie cats
and kayaks, Barcelona's only naturist beach is tucked
away behind a long hillock of rustling bamboo. Nearby
is a peaceful park - good for a picnic or siesta under
the trees.
Barceloneta
Very wide and long and fringed by woodendecking along
which lies a series of American-style eateries(pizzas
and Tex-Mex mostly) plus the busy Catalan restaurant
Agua. Somewhere along its length, the beach becomes
San Sebastian (Metro: Barceloneta), a traditional and
popular stretch with locals and consequently crowded,
noisy and very jolly.
The best beaches around Barcelona
The Catalonian capital boasts some appetizing looking
beaches, notably around the Olympic Village, but they
are often overcrowded, not particularly clean and prone
to bag-snatchers. So if you're in search of cleaner
waters and more space, hop a train for a short trip
out of town.
The first decision is north or south? While local lore
has it that the beaches to the north attract a better
class of person, the main difference is that the beaches
to the south are wider and longer whose shallow water
makes them safer for children, while the ones to the
north are usually prettier and deeper with bigger waves.
Temperature differences can be quite marked and a lukewarm
sea holds little appeal when what you really fancy is
a refreshing dip.
In the south, the first beach of any note is Casteldefells
- five kilometers of wide unbroken sand within 15 minutes'
train ride from town. It is great for the kids and easy
to get to, as the walk from the nearby station of Platja
de Casteldefells to the beach is just 50 meters. It
has good facilities, bars and restaurants, all within
easy reach. The downside is that its very accessibility
means it is also noisy and very busy.
Much better are the myriad beaches a bit further down
the tracks around Sitges. El Garraf has good facilities,
is not usually overcrowded and is an easy walk from
the station (Baixador del Garraf). The pretty resort
of Sitges, which is only half an hour away from the
city, offers over 10 beaches complete with ice-cream
parlors, rent able sun-loungers and jet-skis.
A popular gay resort, the town has a relaxed atmosphere
and a couple of nudist beaches. The main sandy areas
in front of the town, Fragata and Ribera, are high-pose
zones with trendy bar kiosks where the Barcelona crowds
compare swimsuits and thongs. If that isn't your scene
there is a quieter beach just behind the pretty pink
church set in pleasant cove, which is less hectic and
better protected from the wind. The only disadvantage
of Sitges is that the walk from the station is longer
than most other beaches, though the parking facilities
are good, so long as you arrive early.
Just along the coast is the lesser-known Vilanova, a
mainly family beach favored by locals. The facilities
for children are excellent, especially the great park
right next to the beach.
To the north, most of the beaches suffer from the presence
of the badly planned coastal highway. It's best to keep
going past the beaches of Badalona and Mongat until
the electricity plants of Fecsa at San Adria are out
of sight. Get off at Ocata, just after Masnou. The train
drops you next to an enormous stretch of golden sand
dotted with trees and climbing-frames, which runs into
beautifully clean water. No matter when you visit, you're
guaranteed plenty of space. Another plus is that the
local council, in a bid to attract people away from
the better-known resorts, organizes lots of activities
for children.
Further up the line is Caldes d'Estrach, or Caldetes
which has a wonderful beach with few facilities other
than the chiringuito. The village is pretty and it's
probably the least distance you have to travel to escape
the urban sprawl of Barcelona. Beware of the sudden
change in the depth of the water.
Any further up the line and the journey becomes rather
longer than a comfortable day trip, but if you can manage
just over an hour either way then San Pol is well worth
a visit. The water is crystal clear and the village
itself is surrounded by beautiful green hills. For the
more adventurous, a beautiful little cove or cala can
be found just after the train tunnel where nudist bathing
is permitted.
Further a field, and only accessible by car, are lots
of wonderful beaches within 90 minutes reach. Tossa
de Mar is picturesque with its old castle on the hill
overlooking the bay, but the beach is made awkward by
the coming and going of the pleasure boats. Nearby,
between San Feliu de Guixols with its working fishing
port and the Platja d'Aro with its mega discos, is one
of the six best beaches in Spain, Sa Conca, a beautiful
cove with pine trees tumbling down rocky slopes to the
sandy shore.
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