Barcelona · Beaches
LA COSTA
Yes, the city has a beach — but the best sand starts when you're willing to ride a train for twenty minutes.
Barceloneta
The classic. Packed by noon in summer — go before 10 or in the golden last hour.
Bogatell & Mar Bella
Locals' choice: wider sand, fewer selfie sticks, beach volleyball till dusk.
Ocata (El Masnou)
Twenty minutes on the R1 train, triple the space. The commuter-rail beach hack.
Garraf
A tiny cove with green-and-white beach huts — the prettiest quick escape south.
Sitges
Half day trip, half beach day: whitewashed old town, seventeen beaches, great seafood.