There’s nothing quite like summertime in Barcelona! Especially for those who are to looking 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. But, never fear, that’s the perfect time to escape to one of the many amazing beach towns near Barcelona.
We’ve rounded up a list of five of the best beach towns near Barcelona for you to check out. They are all accessible by public transportation, making them ideal for a day trip. All you need to do is pack up your beach bag, put on your shades, and you’re good to go.
5 Best beach Towns Near Barcelona
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 this place is also famous around the world for being very LGBTQI+-friendly too.
The coast of Cataluña is colorful and full of beautiful beach towns. Photo credit : Chan Lee
Not only does the town boast 17 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, architecture, and picturesque views.
Highlights of Sitges include:
- 17 beautiful beaches (nine with Blue Flag status)
- A vibrant historical center filled with art galleries and museums
- Lively nightlife that attracts visitors year-round
- Family-friendly shallow waters and sandy stretches
- Renowned LGBTQI+ atmosphere and events
During the day, Sitges is all about the beach. When the sun goes down, it comes alive with buzzing nightlife. Visitors also flock here in the fall for the town’s annual film festival. And, many also come back again in the spring for the non-stop party celebration that is Carnaval.
Traveler’s tip: If you’re not into chilling on the beach, why not check out our Montserrat Tour? Nestled into the mountains just an hour from Barcelona, this picturesque location is truly special. Enjoy an easy day trip with return transport to and from Barcelona/Montserrat as well as a guided tour of the Abbey, cava tasting and a farm-to-table lunch in a family-run winery.
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.
What to see and do in Garraf
Strolling through the city center, you’ll find a beautiful church and a lively square. There is also a structure called Celler Güell designed by the famous Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. The beach is lined with quaint wooden beach houses, which were once used by the fishermen of the town. There are also some beach-front restaurants and beach bars.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, beachgoers in Garraf can try a number of water sports, 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.
This beach town has a blend of pine trees, cliffs, hiking trails, and white sand beaches. These make 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. This is because of its cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and an impressive castle overlooking the beach that dates back to the 12th century.
Why Tossa de Mar stands out:
- Medieval old town with a 12th-century castle and walls
- Scenic hiking trails and dramatic cliffs
- White sand beaches ideal for sunbathing and relaxing
- Great destination for diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat rides
- Excellent seafood and authentic Catalan cuisine
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, there are 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, and really easy to access by car or the R1 train. It’s a traditional Catalan town with a long maritime history – its earliest roots trace 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. These house pieces of local ceramics and archaeological artifacts.
Where to go and what to eat
El Masnou has two beaches that are separated in the middle by a sizable marina. Both are 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. This is a great 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, it has become a popular beach destination, but it still remains a fishing town at heart.
Miles of beaches to explore
Blanes has almost two and a half miles of Blue Flag beaches that are covered in smooth sand. You will also 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, like the Marimurtra Botanical Garden or the Sant Joan Castle.
Rugged cliffs, white sand, pine forest, Blanes offers just about everything you’d want in a beautiful beach. Photo credit: Adam Warchol
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.
FAQ´s – Beach Towns near Barcelona
How do I get to these beach towns using public transport?
Most of the towns listed, such as Sitges, Garraf, El Masnou, and Blanes, are easily accessible from Barcelona by train (R1 or R2S lines). Trains run frequently, making day trips simple and convenient. Tossa de Mar is best reached by bus from Plaça Catalunya.
Which beach town is the best for families?
Sitges is very family-friendly thanks to its shallow waters and sandy beaches. Blanes is also a great choice, with wide beaches, a relaxed vibe, and fun attractions like the Marimurtra Botanical Garden.
Are the beaches crowded in summer?
Barcelona’s city beaches can get extremely crowded during the peak summer months. The nearby beach towns tend to be less packed, especially places like Garraf and El Masnou, which are generally quieter and more laid-back than Sitges or Blanes.
Can I find good food and local cuisine in these towns?
Absolutely! Each town offers plenty of restaurants and beach bars where you can sample fresh seafood, tapas, and authentic Catalan dishes. Tossa de Mar and El Masnou, in particular, are known for their culinary scene and local specialties.
Experience More Than the Coast: Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona
After exploring the best beach towns near Barcelona, you might feel inspired to venture beyond the coast for a change of scenery.
One of the most memorable day trips you can take is the Montserrat Tour from Barcelona. On this guided experience, you will travel to the stunning Montserrat mountain range, visit the historic Benedictine Abbey, and enjoy a local winery with a farm-to-table lunch. Travel by minibus with our expert guide, meaning you can relax and soak in the breathtaking views, fascinating history, and authentic Catalan flavors, all in one unforgettable day.
Book your Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona now and discover another side of Catalonia’s natural beauty and culture!