Want to discover the best beaches near Barcelona for a summer getaway? We explain how to get there by public transport or with the Catalunya Bus Turístic.
Summer is the perfect time to discover the best beaches near Barcelona. Without needing a car, you can easily reach quiet coves, seaside villages, and long stretches of golden sand thanks to public transport or organized day trips with the Catalunya Bus Turístic.
If you are looking for beaches less than an hour from Barcelona, this guide will help you find the ideal option for a day trip.
1. Platja Gran de Tossa de Mar: A Costa Brava Getaway
If you want to discover the Costa Brava from Barcelona, one of the most comfortable options is the Catalunya Bus Turístic a Tossa de Mar. Besides enjoying Platja Gran, you can stroll through the Vila Vella, the only surviving walled medieval town on the Catalan coast, and taste a traditional sweet. A boat trip to Cala Giverola is also included!
How to get there:
Catalunya Bus Turístic: Costa Brava Route – Tossa de Mar.
- Departure: 8:30 AM from Barcelona Nord Bus Station (Metro L1 Arc de Triomf).
2. Platja de Montgat Nord: The Gateway to El Maresme
Platja de Montgat Nord (or Platja de les Roquetes) is one of the best alternatives if you are looking for fine sand and a family-friendly atmosphere without leaving fare zone 1. It is the gateway to the Maresme region and a very quick option to reach from central Barcelona.
How to get there:
Train: Rodalies R1 (Montgat Nord station).
All the beaches on this list, except Tossa de Mar, are in Zone 1, so you can reach them without buying an extra ticket using your Hola Barcelona Travel Card!
3. Platja del Prat: Nature and Tranquility Close to Barcelona
Platja del Prat de Llobregat offers over five kilometers of sandy beach surrounded by dunes and natural areas in the Llobregat Delta. It is a fantastic option if you are looking for a natural environment that is directly accessible from the metropolitan transport system.
How to get there:
Metro: L9 Sud, El Prat Estació.
Bus: Line PR3 (from El Prat de Llobregat Metro/Rodalies station).
4. Platja de Castelldefels: Ideal for Sports and Strolls
Spanning over five kilometers in length, Platja de Castelldefels is perfect for paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or simply walking along its wide seafront promenade. It also features numerous restaurants and beach bars (xiringuitos).
How to get there:
Train: Rodalies R2 Sud (Platja de Castelldefels station).
Bus: L94, L95.
5. Platja del Cristall (Badalona): Fine Sand and a Family Atmosphere
Located in the Canyadó neighborhood, in northern Badalona, Platja del Cristall is one of the pleasant and family-friendly options along the metropolitan coast.
How to get there:
Train: Rodalies R1 (Badalona station, about a 10-minute walk along the promenade).
Bus: Lines B2, B7, or B29.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best beaches near Barcelona?
Platja del Prat, Montgat Nord, Castelldefels, Platja del Cristall, and Tossa de Mar are some of the best options for enjoying the sea close to Barcelona.
Which beaches can I visit with the Hola Barcelona Travel Card?
Platja de Castelldefels, Badalona beach, Platja del Prat, Platja de Montgat Nord, and all those located within Zone 1 of the integrated fare system (included in the Hola Barcelona Travel Card).
How to get to the Costa Brava from Barcelona without a car?
The most comfortable option is the Catalunya Bus Turístic, which offers a day trip to Tossa de Mar including transport, a guided tour, and free time
Discover the Best Beaches Near Barcelona
Whether you prefer a charming cove, a long golden sand beach, or a getaway to the Costa Brava, you will find options for every taste just a short distance from Barcelona.
Plan your getaway, check which transport option best fits your route, and enjoy the Mediterranean without worrying about driving. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
