6 ancient and unique beach towns near Barcelona for a memorable getaway

Barcelona, aside from being a city with great tourist appeal, is located in a privileged environment on the Mediterranean coast. Whether you head north or south, you’ll find beautiful coastal towns full of beauty and history along the catalan coast.

It’s true that when we are planning a trip, we often have limited time to explore the city and little else. But if you are planning a trip to Barcelona, I recommend trying to reserve a day to visit some of the surrounding towns.

Near Barcelona, there are charming beach towns that are truly worth visiting to immerse yourself further in the beauty of the Catalan coast. Don’t hesitate to include them on your bucket list for a perfect trip to Barcelona with a mix of water sports, sun, and scenic views.

In this post, I’ve curated a list of the best beach towns near Barcelona. All of them are less than two hours away from Barcelona and are easily accessible both by car and public transportation, making them perfect for a getaway.

There are many coastal towns near Barcelona for a memorable coastal experience. So, for the selection, I’ve focused not only on the beauty of their stunning beaches but also on the charm of the towns themselves and their connections to Barcelona.

I’ve chosen towns that, in addition to having beautiful beaches and coves, have a beauty and a historical legacy that are worth exploring. In these towns in Catalonia, you can spend a wonderful day at the beach and also enjoy a pleasant stroll through picturesque old towns and even visit medieval castles. 

The best beach towns near Barcelona

1. Castelldefels: Golden beaches and a medieval castle

© Photo by Enric on Wikimedia Commons // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Castelldefels

 If you’re looking for a easily accessible and golden sandy beach near Barcelona, this seaside town is your best bet. Located just 20 kilometers south of Barcelona, Castelldefels Beach is one of Catalonia’s largest beaches, stretching over 5 kilometers divided into three sections: El Baixador, Les Lluminetes, and La Pineda. Moreover, it’s one of the few beaches that still preserve its dunes, as the construction of the promenade respected its natural extension.

This popular beach offers excellent services and is recognized with a Blue Flag, which is a guarantee of quality ensuring a minimum standard for enjoying a perfect day at the beach. At Castelldefels Beach, in addition to the usual services such as sunbed and umbrella rentals, showers and lifeguards, you can find numerous sports and leisure facilities, children’s play areas, public toilets, accessible beach access, and assistance service for people with reduced mobility, tourist information, sailing school, and other water sports, as well as a library and free Wi-Fi. I’m sure I’m forgetting something because it truly has everything you need!

If Castelldefels Beach is one of the most lively beaches in Catalonia, it’s because it’s extremely popular among the locals from Barcelona, who come here during sunny days to disconnect from the city. There must be a reason for that! However, I must add that it can get quite crowded during peak season (although slightly less so than Barcelona’s urban beaches), as both locals and tourists converge here. Keep this in mind if you’re driving or if you prefer quieter, more relaxed beaches.

And now that we’ve talked about its beach, we can’t forget that Castelldefels literally means Castle of Fels in Catalan. You’ve probably already guessed why. Indeed, if you go to Castelldefels, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit its castle. It belongs to the municipality and is open to the public. This medieval fortress is located atop a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the surroundings, from the sea to the Garraf Natural Park, and even the city of Barcelona.

© Photo by Sergei Gussev on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Castelldefels Castle

How to get to Castelldefels from Barcelona

Barcelona to Castelldefels by car

You’ll get to Castelldefels from Barcelona in approximately half an hour, depending on traffic, via the C-31 or C-32 roads.

Barcelona to Castelldefels by public transport

You can reach Castelldefels in 25 minutes from Barcelona-Sants station, taking a commuter train on the R2 Sud line.

There are also buses that take you to Castelldefels. It’s best to check the Barcelona Metropolitan Area website for the best public transportation option to reach your destination. 

2. Sitges: a lively and charming town close to Barcelona

© Photo by José Giménez on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Sitges

This charming coastal town is one of Catalonia’s most bohemian destinations and is very famous for its gay-friendly atmosphere. If you’re visiting Barcelona, it’s definitely worth dedicating a day trip to Sitges. Not only for its spectacular beaches but also for its picturesque old town and lively atmosphere. Even better if you can take advantage of the evening to experience its lively nightlife in one of its pubs or clubs! 

It’s worth wandering through Sitges’ old town and admiring the architecture of its buildings. Many of them are influenced by the modernist style, which is something inevitably associated with Barcelona (thanks to Gaudí) but is also present in the towns around the city.

On the tourism website, you’ll find specific routes showcasing unique houses in Sitges that I recommend following so you don’t miss any of them. Be sure to visit the Palau de Maricel, which is probably the most iconic building in Sitges.

In addition to its lively and charming old town, this town is also known for its intense cultural life. The Sitges Film Festival stands out, the first dedicated to the fantasy genre and one of the most renowned in Europe. Also worth mentioning is the Sitges Carnival, during which the festive character of the town is intensified even more.

Now let’s talk about beaches. Sitges has no less than 19 beaches! Of all kinds, from urban beaches to more secluded coves further away from the center. Therefore, Sitges is also a fantastic destination for a great beach time!

Sitges’ urban beaches (such as Fragata Beach, Ribera Beach, and Sant Sebastià Beach) are very popular among visitors, as they are just a stone’s throw away from all the downtown services, and you can enjoy both a bathing and sunbathing session and the charm of Sitges’ old town and its promenade. And when it’s time to eat, you just have to go to one of the many beach bars or restaurants in the area. You’ll have plenty to choose from. 

To enjoy a beach day while also taking a walk to discover the charm of this picturesque coastal town, these urban beaches are ideal. And if you can also stay until the evening to enjoy the sunset and the beautiful postcard image of the sandy beaches with the church of Bartolomé taking center stage, then you’d end the beach day with a golden flourish. 

But besides its lively urban beaches, Sitges also has exceptional beaches beyond the center. If we head south from Sitges, we’ll find more secluded, nudist, and gay-friendly beaches, such as Muerto Beach and Desenrocada Beach. Heading north, we’ll also find a variety of coves and beaches, such as Botigues Beach, the longest in Sitges, the picturesque Garraf Beach, or Ginesta Cove, a small beach with dunes.

© Photo by -ted on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Sitges old town

How to get to Sitges from Barcelona

Sitges from Barcelona by car

Via the C-32 road, you’ll get to Sitges in approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that during peak season it can be very crowded, and parking is limited.

Sitges from Barcelona by public transport

The best option to travel from Barcelona to Sitges by public transport is taking a train from the city. You’ll reach Sitges in half an hour from Barcelona-Sants station by commuter train (Rodalies de Catalunya) on the R2 Sud line.

3. Vilanova i la Geltrú: Tradition and beautiful beaches

© Photo by Maria Rosa Ferre on Wikimedia Commons // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Vilanova i la Geltrú

Continuing along the Catalan coastline, 45 kilometers from Barcelona, we find Vilanova i la Geltrú, the capital of Garraf and a beautiful medieval coastal town. Legend has it that a couple in love, harassed by the abuses of the feudal lord who claimed his right of “pernada” (the right of the lord to spend the first night with the bride), fled from Geltrú and settled in this place near the sea, giving rise to a new village known as Vilanova (literally, “New Town”).

In Vilanova i la Geltrú, you’ll find 5 kilometers of sand beaches. Ribes Roges Beach is the most popular due to its location next to the urban nucleus and the marina, and it boasts a Blue Flag. Also awarded a Blue Flag is the San Cristófol Lighthouse Beach, located north of the marina, which was recently subject to intense work to recover its dune system. 

In addition to its beaches, Vilanova is an excellent destination for strolling. However, you should keep in mind that it’s a considerably larger town than the previous ones, so walking distances are greater. For example, it will take you about twenty or twenty-five minutes to walk from Ribes Roges Beach to Plaça de la Vila, which is the main square of Vilanova i la Geltrú and one of its most emblematic places. 

The old town, of medieval origin and known as Vilanova Vella, is even further from the beach towards the interior. However, Vilanova has an excellent urban transport service if you prefer to use this means. Or you can even take a route on its tourist train, which will allow you to visit the city’s highlights in just one hour. 

In any case, it’s worth discovering this beautiful city and immersing yourself in its history! 

My recommendation is that if you want to explore the city, dedicate the morning to walking through the old town, stop for lunch at a restaurant in the town center, and then enjoy a calm and relaxed afternoon at the beach  (rather than doing it the other way around). If you’re taking the train, it’s the ideal plan, as the old town is closer to the station than the beaches, so you can start your route right from the station and, after exploring the town, rest while soaking up some sun. 

You can start your route right from the station since the Railway Museum of Catalonia is right there, and it’s highly recommended. Then you can go to Plaça de la Vila and stop for a drink, enjoying the atmosphere and beauty of this place. Finally, you can continue your route through Vilanova Vella to explore the oldest part of the town. To go to the beach, take Rambla Principal, which will take you to the port, and you can take advantage of this to walk along Vilanova’s main commercial street and maybe do some shopping. 

© Photo by Ajuntament de Vilanova on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Plaça de la Vila

How to get to Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona

Barcelona to Vilanova i la Geltrú by car

You can reach Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona via the C-32 road in approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Barcelona to Vilanova i la Geltrú by public transport 

You’ll get to Vilanova i la Geltrú in 45 minutes or 1 hour from Barcelona by train on the R2 Sud line.

4. Tossa de Mar: An ancient seaside town with a picturesque beach

© Photo by Mike Mirano on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Tossa de Mar

110 kilometers north of Barcelona, on the Costa Brava, we find this unique coastal town. Tossa de Mar is the only walled town on the Catalan coast, and its appearance is particularly photogenic. The walled enclosure, known as Vila Vella, rises above a small cape south of the bay, creating a spectacularly beautiful postcard view, which you can enjoy from the beach in all its splendor. You won’t find a more picturesque beach view anywhere else in Catalonia! 

Tossa de Mar is an ideal destination for a beach day trip from Barcelona. The municipality boasts several beautiful coves, with the typical beauty of the Costa Brava: rocky, with fine golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

The main beach, called Playa Grande, is located in the urban center. It is situated at the foot of Vila Vella, making it the most accessible and well-located. Additionally, it offers a unique view of the walled town, as I mentioned before. So much so that National Geographic considered it one of the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world. 

The perfect plan would be to head to Tossa de Mar early and enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach, contemplating the beauty of the surroundings while taking a dip in the turquoise waters of the Costa Brava. This way, you can enjoy it peacefully, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the afternoon, and then take a stroll through the town and discover its most picturesque corners.

Vila Vella is a must-visit, of course. You’ll want to go explore it as soon as you see its silhouette from the beach. The wall was built in the 13th century as protection against pirate attacks and is preserved almost in its entirety. There used to be a castle at the highest point of the cape, but it was replaced by the current lighthouse.

Inside the wall, the old medieval village is preserved, with its winding cobblestone streets and picturesque houses. Set aside some time to walk through Vila Vella, because you’ll want to stop and photograph every corner.

At the foot of the wall, outside its walls, is Sa Roqueta, a charming fishing neighborhood with white houses and narrow streets where it’s worth getting lost for a while. And if after all that you still have some time and curiosity left, you can visit the Roman Villa of Els Ametllers, an archaeological excavation where you can see remains of an ancient Roman villa from Tarraco, including remains of baths and mosaics. Keep in mind that although admission is free, the site closes at 7 pm.

How to get to Tossa de Mar from Barcelona

Tossa de Mar from Barcelona by car

Take the C-32 road and you’ll arrive in approximately an hour and a half. 

Tossa de Mar from Barcelona by public transport

From the Estació Nord bus station, take the L2 line from Moventis, which will take you to Tossa in about an hour and a half. Check the schedules in advance to plan your trip, as the frequencies are limited.

5. Canet de Mar: modernism and a unique castle on the Maresme Coast

© Photo by Teresa Grau Ros on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Canet de Mar

Canet de Mar is located less than 50 kilometers from Barcelona and is perfectly connected to the city. Known for its beautiful and extensive two-kilometer-long beach, it’s perfect for those looking for an ideal beach experience. 

The extensive beach of golden sand and the calm sea make it an ideal destination to enjoy the sun and take a dip without too many crowds. Additionally, the beach has a blue flag and lifeguard services, public toilets, and showers. 

Regarding the town, perhaps the historic center does not retain as picturesque or monumental an aspect as in the previous cases, and modern constructions predominate, but Canet de Mar has some constructions that are worth visiting. 

Its urban center is dotted with modernist buildings, and within this theme, it’s especially recommended to visit the Lluís Domènech i Montaner House Museum, a place dedicated to disseminating the work of this prominent architect of Catalan modernism. The space consists of two buildings: Can Rocosa, a farmhouse from the 16th century, and Casa Domenech, a modernist building designed by the architect that preserves the original furniture. A must-visit to be fascinated by Catalan modernism.

© Photo by Jorge Franganillo on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Canet de Mar, Lluís Domènech i Montaner House Museum

But besides its modernist buildings, there is a must-visit in Canet de Mar. For me its crown jewel: the Castle of Santa Florentina. This fortification has its origins in a Roman villa on which, subsequently, in the 11th century, a fortified house was built to which towers were added. Finally, in the 19th century, the owners commissioned Lluís Domènech i Montaner to restore and expand the castle. It is at this moment that modernist elements are incorporated, perfectly integrated with the rest of its architecture, giving it a unique and special charm. Fans of Game of Thrones will surely recognize it because this castle was the home of the Tarlys during the sixth season of the series.

How to get to Canet de Mar from Barcelona

Barcelona to Canet de Mar by car

Via the C-32 road, you’ll arrive in approximately 35 minutes.

Barcelona to Canet de Mar by public transport

Taking an R1 commuter train, you’ll arrive in Canet de Mar in about 1 hour. 

6. Tamarit: a small piece of paradise for beach lovers

© Photo by Jorge Franganillo on Flickr // Best beach towns near Barcelona: Tamarit

This small medieval town, currently integrated into the municipality of Tarragona, rises on a rocky promontory by the sea at the mouth of the Gaià River, in a setting of breathtaking beauty.

Tamarit is located on the coastline known as the Costa Dorada, which received its name precisely because of the golden color of its beautiful beaches. Altafulla-Tamarit Beach stretches for almost two kilometers from Tamarit to the limits of the neighboring town of Torredembarra and is an ideal place for a long beach walk, enjoying the sun and the sea. 

The beach, with its fine golden sand, has a Blue Flag and is primarily a family beach due to the presence of campsites in the surroundings. However, to get there, you should bear in mind that parking is quite challenging if you go by car, so you’ll most likely have to walk for a while to access the beach. The same applies if you arrive by train from Barcelona and want to visit the medieval area, as the station is about a half-hour walk from the nearest point to the medieval precinct. Keep this in mind if you have children, elderly people, or individuals with reduced mobility. 

In addition to Altafulla Beach, on the other side of Tamarit, heading south along the coast, we find a little gem: Cala Jovera. This tiny beach boasts spectacular views of Tamarit Castle and is extraordinarily beautiful. Its calm turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling or simply taking a swim while enjoying its privileged location. However, in this case, be prepared to walk, as access is only possible on foot. Also, keep in mind that it’s a tiny beach and particularly famous (it appears in many Costa Dorada tourist brochures), so in high season… well, its charm evaporates among the crowded masses.

Whether you choose to spend the day at Altafulla Beach or Cala Jovera, don’t hesitate to visit the medieval precinct of Tamarit. From the old medieval town, the wall and the castle are preserved relatively well, in which weddings and events are even organized. It’s an idyllic place to enjoy the beauty of this corner of the Costa Dorada in all its splendor.

How to get to Tamarit from Barcelona

Tamarit from Barcelona by car

Take the AP-7 motorway (toll road) towards Tarragona and you’ll get to Tamarit in around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Barcelona to Canet de Mar by public transport

You have direct trains to Tamarit from Barcelona-Sants station. It will take you one hour to reach Altafulla-Tamarit station and then a short walk to the beach or the castle.

The best beach towns near Barcelona: Wrapping Up Your Coastal Adventure 🌞

Exploring the ancient and unique beach towns near Barcelona has been an incredible journey through time and beauty. From the golden sands of Castelldefels and the bohemian vibe of Sitges to the medieval charm of Tossa de Mar, each town offers its own slice of paradise that’s perfect for a memorable getaway. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or someone who just enjoys a good stroll through picturesque streets, these coastal gems have something to offer everyone.

I hope this guide has inspired you to venture beyond Barcelona’s bustling city life and discover the hidden treasures along the Catalan coast. Each visit promises not only relaxation and fun under the sun but also a deeper connection to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Catalonia. Happy travels y hasta luego! 😎

FAQ: The best beach towns near Barcelona