There’s nothing quite like summertime in Barcelona, especially for those who are looking to enjoy all that the Mediterranean lifestyle has to offer. However, the city’s beaches tend to be packed to the gills with sun worshippers during the hottest months, so that’s the perfect time to escape one of the many amazing beach towns near Barcelona.
We’ve rounded up five of the best beach towns near Barcelona that are all accessible by public transportation, making them ideal for a day trip. All you need to do is pack up your sunglasses and beach bag and you’re good to go.
Sitges: Stylish seaside escape
When thinking about beach towns near Barcelona, Sitges is one that you just can’t miss. Located just 30 minutes southwest of the city, it’s easily accessible on the R2S train line. The shallow waters and sandy beaches make Sitges family-friendly, but the city is also famous around the world for being very LGBTQI+-friendly, too.
Things to do and see in Sitges
Not only does the town boast 17 beaches, nine of which are designated as Blue Flag beaches, Sitges is also a hub for arts, culture, and gastronomy. In fact, the historical center is packed full of art galleries, restaurants, and museums that dive into the town’s history. Make your way through the narrow, cobblestone streets and you’ll also find a variety of shops, beautiful architecture, and plenty of picturesque views.
During the day, Sitges is all about the beach. When the sun goes down, it comes alive with buzzing nightlife. While Sitges is a popular destination in the summer, visitors also flock here in the fall for the town’s annual film festival, and again in the spring for the non-stop party celebration that is Carnaval.
Garraf: Former fishing village
Just under 20 miles southwest of Barcelona on the R2S train line is Garraf, a former fishing village that rests at the foot of the rugged Parc Natural del Garraf. Fine, golden sand extends up to the cliff that separates it from the neighboring town of Castelldefels. The village itself is fairly quiet, making it an ideal destination for those who are looking for an authentic and peaceful place to spend the day in the sun.
A quiet oasis outside of Barcelona
Strolling through the city center, you’ll find a beautiful church, a lively square, and a structure called Celler Güell designed by the famous Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. The beach is lined with quaint wooden beach houses that were once used by the fishermen of the town, as well as some restaurants and beach bars.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, beachgoers in Garraf can try a number of water sports and activities, such as sailing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Otherwise, you can enjoy the waves and sun without the crowds, as Garraf remains relatively quiet compared to neighboring towns.
Tossa de Mar: Historic coastal gem
Tossa de Mar is a town over 60 miles north of Barcelona that can trace its roots back many centuries. To get there, just hop on a bus that leaves from Plaça Catalunya and you’ll be there in about an hour and a half.
What makes Tossa de Mar so unique
This beach town has a blend of pine trees, cliffs, hiking trails, and white sand beaches that makes it a haven for nature lovers looking to spend some time next to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. What really draws people to Tossa de Mar is the village itself, which features cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and an impressive castle overlooking the beach that dates back to the 12th century.
Walking around the town, you’ll come across beautiful architecture, places to shop, and ample options when it comes to sampling local seafood and Catalan cuisine. Tossa de Mar does an excellent job of blending history, art, nature, and gastronomy, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
When it comes to water activities, Tossa de Mar has several diving schools where you can try scuba diving or snorkeling. It’s also a popular spot for all kinds of boating, including taking a ride on a glass-bottom boat.
El Masnou: Cultural and culinary hot spot
El Masnou is just over 10 miles north of Barcelona, making it really easy to access by car or the R1 train. It’s a traditional Catalan town that has a long maritime history and can trace its earliest roots back to Roman times. Visitors can explore these aspects of the town’s culture and history in the small museums that you’ll find here, which house pieces of ceramics and archaeological artifacts.
What to do and eat in El Masnou
El Masnou has two beaches that are separated in the middle by a sizable marina and are both close to the train tracks and a beachfront promenade. Strolling along the sidewalks and around the marina you’ll come across a number of restaurants and beach bars where you can try tasty seafood dishes or grab a drink.
Venturing into town, you can get a feel of what daily life is like in a Catalan village. If you want to really explore the area, check out the hiking trails that lead up to the Mirador de la Cornisa, a lookout point that will give you impressive views of the beach and town below.
Blanes: Gateway to the Costa Brava
Blanes, nicknamed The Gateway to the Costa Brava, is the beginning of this stretch of wild and beautiful coastline that stretches up the Mediterranean coast. It’s located 45 minutes north of Barcelona and is on the R1 train line from the city. Blanes is unique in that, even though it has become a popular beach destination, it still remains a fishing town at heart.
Can’t-miss attractions
Blanes has almost two and a half miles of Blue Flag beaches that are covered in smooth sand, but you’ll see rugged cliffs covered in pines when you look up at certain points along the coast. In other spots, you can walk along the waterfront promenade and enjoy shopping, dining, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. However, many people make a trip to Blanes to see the interesting landmarks that it boasts, like the Marimurtra Botanical Garden or the Sant Joan Castle.
Best time to visit Blanes
If you plan your trip just right, you can catch the annual fireworks competition that takes place at the end of July. The town bursts to life with color and excitement. Another great day to go is for the Sant Joan festival on June 23rd when there are also fireworks on the beaches of Blanes.
Planning your coastal adventure
As you can see, there is a vast selection of beautiful beaches near Barcelona to explore. With so many at your disposal, the hardest thing you have to do is decide which one to visit first.
When you’ve had your fill of beach hopping, make sure to check out the best of Barcelona on one of our amazing tours. Whether you want to skip-the-lines to visit La Sagrada Familia or looking to learn about the modern side of Barcelona’s food and wine scene, our local tour guides will show you the best of this vibrant city.