The most beautiful beaches in Barcelona and its surroundings

Are you going on an internship in Barcelona and wondering where to sunbathe on the weekend?

Good news: the Catalan coast is full of beaches, from Barceloneta to the south of Tarragona, all the way to the Costa Brava in the north. The challenge is choosing.

Here are the 8 must-see beaches in and around Barcelona, so you can enjoy your weekends like a true local.

The myth to forget: “Barceloneta = THE beach”

This is the number one mistake made by students doing an internship in Barcelona.

Barceloneta is iconic, yes. But it is also crowded, noisy, and sometimes disappointing in the middle of summer. Real Barcelonians? They go elsewhere. And you’ll do the same.

Spoiler: the best beaches are 30 to 60 minutes away from your place by train. And they are much more beautiful.

1. Barceloneta: the iconic one you have to see at least once

It’s the postcard beach. The palm tree, the golden sand, the W Hotel in the background.

Who is it for?

For tourists from all over the world, and for you on your first weekend in Barcelona.

When should you go?

On weekdays, before 11 a.m. On summer weekends, it’s hell.

Bonus: tapas bars and chiringuitos are just behind it. Perfect to end the day.

2. Bogatell: the quiet one

A little further north of Barceloneta, Bogatell is a favorite among Barcelona families.

Who is it for?

For those who want to enjoy the sea without the crowds.

When should you go?

All year round. The water is calm, the sand is wide, and there are far fewer people.

How do you get there?

Take metro L4 to Llacuna or Poblenou, then walk for 10 minutes.

3. Mar Bella: the alternative beach

Even further north, Mar Bella attracts Barcelona’s young crowd.

Who is it for?

For students, artists and sports lovers: volleyball, paddle, kitesurfing…

Good to know: part of the beach is naturist. It’s not mandatory, just clearly indicated.

When should you go?

Mar Bella is ideal for afternoons with friends during your internship in Barcelona.

As TimeOut Barcelona points out, Mar Bella remains one of the favorite beaches among young Barcelonians thanks to its sporty and relaxed atmosphere.

4. Castelldefels: the huge beach 30 minutes away

Castelldefels is the beach Barcelonians choose when they want wide open space without any hassle.

Why go there?

• 5 km of fine, wide sand.
• Calm water, perfect for swimming.
• Plenty of chiringuitos to have a drink.
• A bike path running along the beach.

How do you get there?

Take the Rodalies R2 Sud train from Passeig de Gràcia or Sants. Around 30 minutes, that’s all.

5. Sitges: the southern gem

Sitges is the chicest and most festive seaside town in Catalonia.

Why go there?

• 17 beaches along 26 km of coastline.
• A beautiful old town, with the San Bartomeu church and colorful narrow streets.
• An iconic gay-friendly atmosphere in Spain.
• An incredible nightlife scene in summer.
• Excellent seafood restaurants.

How do you get there?

Take the Rodalies R2 Sud train from Sants. Allow around 40 minutes.

Don’t miss: Platja de la Ribera, the central beach, and Platja de Sant Sebastià, the cutest one.

According to Lonely Planet, Sitges is one of the must-do getaways for anyone staying in Barcelona.

6. Garraf: the hidden coves

Between Castelldefels and Sitges lies a small village: Garraf.

What we love

• White and blue beach huts lined up along the sand, perfect for photos.
• Crystal-clear water.
• Much fewer people than in Sitges.
• An untouched village atmosphere.

How do you get there?

Take the R2 Sud train, stop at Garraf, just before Sitges. Allow around 35 minutes.

It’s our favorite spot south of Barcelona.

7. Caldes d’Estrac, or Caldetes: the peaceful north

Head to the Maresme, the coast north of Barcelona.

Caldes d’Estrac, also called Caldetes, is a charming spa town with a lovely sandy beach.

Why go there?

• A very pleasant seaside promenade.
• Natural thermal waters.
• A more local, less touristy atmosphere.
• Typical ice cream shops and cafés along the promenade.

How do you get there?

Take the Rodalies R1 train, stop at Caldetes. Allow around 40 minutes.

8. Tossa de Mar: the Costa Brava within train reach

Okay, Tossa de Mar is not directly accessible by Renfe. But Blanes or Calella are, and then you can take a bus to Tossa.

Who is it for?

For an adventure weekend, when you want to see the real Costa Brava.

What to see

• The medieval castle of Tossa, also known as Vila Vella.
• The main beach surrounded by pine forests.
• Coves accessible on foot.

How do you get there?

Take the R1 train to Blanes, then a bus to Tossa. Allow around 2 hours in total. You can also take a direct Sarbus bus from Estació del Nord.

According to Spain.info, Tossa de Mar is one of the most iconic destinations on the Costa Brava.

How to get there easily

Don’t have a car? No problem.

Your best allies

• Rodalies R2 Sud: Castelldefels, Garraf, Sitges.
• Rodalies R1: Caldetes, Calella, Blanes, then bus to Tossa.
• TMB: Barcelona metro and buses for the beaches in the city.
• Citymapper or Moovit: to calculate your route in real time.

Budget tip: get a T-Casual or T-Mes travel card. You’ll make it worth it in just a few trips.

Why get support from Stud&Globe for your internship in Barcelona?

Because we know Barcelona like the back of our hand. And we want you to enjoy every weekend.

With Stud&Globe, you can prepare your internship in Barcelona more calmly and discover the best local tips once you’re there.

In practical terms, we help you:

• Find an internship suited to your profile.
• Advise you on accommodation and neighborhoods.
• Share the best local tips: beaches, outings, restaurants.
• Support you before, during and after your departure.

You leave with peace of mind. You enjoy the experience. You come back with 300 beach photos on your phone.

Ready to discover the most beautiful beaches on the Catalan coast?

8 beaches. 8 atmospheres. And an internship in Barcelona to enjoy them all season long.

The sun is waiting for you.

So, what are you waiting for?