Barcelona, the Catalan capital, is a notorious travel destination. Globally known thanks to the legendary football team, the epic music festivals and parties, the iconic art and architecture, the food, the beaches, it has it all. Yes, it is no doubt an amazing city, and I would know, I lived there for 6 years.
I explored it up and down, in and out. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring, over and over again. However, when people ask my advice for what to do in Barcelona, I say to leave.
Over the years I realised that there was so much to explore actually outside of Barcelona. Catalonia has so much to offer. Even just a 30-minute train ride out of the city can take you on a fun adventure to a totally different place with a whole new atmosphere and scenery.
As it’s summer, and summer life is all about the beach, I’ve compiled my 10 top beautiful beaches and fun beach towns in Catalonia. You might have never heard of some of these, but I promise they are very well worth a visit! List organised by closeness to Barcelona:
1. Castelldefels
Only 25-drive or train ride South West from Barcelona
Castelldefels beach is extremely long and wide, making it a local favourite all year round.
You can find bars and restaurants along the beach and in the town and fun nightlife in the main strip after the sun goes down.
Once, for a weekend getaway, I stayed at the boutique Hotel Donna (featured below), which was amazing! Right on the beach and with a lovely large pool, decor, and a generous breakfast - I highly recommend it!
2. Garraf
30 minutes drive or train South West from Barcelona
What used to be a sleepy fishing village is now a popular beach day trip for Barcelona locals due to its clean and clear water and its closeness to Barcelona.
The beach is atmospheric, with colourful beach huts and soft sand. If you visit, don't forget to explore the charming town of Garraf behind the beach, with restaurants and cafes.
And if you’re looking for a good hike there's Garraf Natural Park. Warning, the mountains are steep, but there are plenty of hiking trails and an interesting Buddhist temple at the top!
Garraf beach. Photo by Manuel Torres Garcia on Unsplash
It's good to know, at the far end of Garraf beach you will find Soho House's Little Beach House. It's a hotel and a private member's club. Have a sneak peak into the member's only club here.
Lunch at Little Beach House
3. Sitges
40 mins drive or train ride South West from Barcelona
Just another also 15 minutes further down the coast from Garraf is the charming and larger town of Sitges.
The Old Town of Sitges is great to walk around, with a labyrinth of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and picturesque squares. It's so cute and full of spots to eat and drink at.
Don't miss the beauty of Sant Bartomeu Church on the beach, it's an ideal place to take pictures with an unbeatable view of the Mediterranean sea. And when visiting, keep walking to next door's San Sebastian beach. A quieter beach with a promenade with restaurants.
San Sebastian beach, Sitges. Photo Credit here.
The nightlife is Sitges is fun all year round, especially during their carnival season in February. a colourful and lively celebration with parades, costumes, and parties that takes place before Lent.
It's also good to know, Sitges is very gay-friendly. It is even said that it's one of the gay capitals of Europe.
4. Vilanova i la geltrú
45 mins drive or 1-hour train ride South West from Barcelona
Historically a fishing port, you will struggle to find tourists here. It's definitely a hidden gem, and a great place to soak up the local vibes.
Walk through the streets and squares of the old town, and the port, and then explore the many extensive beaches to choose from.
There's a long Rambla (walkway) with plenty of local bars and restaurants. About half way up is the delightful Plaça de la Vila, a neoclassical, arched square built in the 19th century.
The beautiful Placa de la Vila in Vilanova
5. Tossa de Mar
1 hour 30 mins drive North East from Barcelona
The picturesque town’s history can be traced back over 2,000 years! You must walk through the cobbled streets of its historic Old Town up to the viewing points looking over the turquoise sea - absolutely stunning!
6. Blanes
A 1 hour drive or an hour 30 min train ride North from Barcelona.
A cute old-school style town with a long sandy seafront.
The main attraction? The botanical gardens Marimurtra.
The beautiful botanical garden sits on top of steep cliffs, with the most amazing views out to the Mediterranean sea - dream-like and a must-visit! One day if I am to get married it might have to be there!
7. Calella de Palafrugell
1 hour 30 mins drive North East from Barcelona.
Calella de Palafrugell is a small village in the region of Bajo Ampurdián on the Costa Brava. It's charming, friendly, with mostly locals and not pretentious.
9. Empuriabrava
2 hours drive North East from Barcelona
Wow - this spot is one of the most unusual towns along the Costa Brava. Sporting nearly 24 kilometres (15 miles) of canals!
It feels like you’re in a Mediterranean Miami, very surreal. We rented a little boat and drove around waving at the neighbours haha - highly recommended!
10. Cadaqués
2.5 hours scenic drive North East from Barcelona
Gotta keep the best til last right?
Cadaqués is of the most beautiful towns in all of Costa Brava. It is a fantastic spot for a day trip or a weekend adventure. The architecture reminds me more of a Greek landscape with white houses and cobbled streets.
It's good to note though that Cadaques does not have a train station. It is possible to arrive by bus, but by car is the most comfortable travel option.
If you are a foodie like me, book a table at the restaurant Compartir, it's run by three alumni of the legendary El Bulli, and offers a gourmet menu to be enjoyed in a beautiful courtyard. I had a long hazy lunch there a few years ago and was utterly surprised by the wines and the gourmet dishes with play on traditional Catalan dishes. It was such a fantastic afternoon!
While visiting Cadaqués, a must is to check out Dali’s house on the nearby beach Portlligat. The drive there will also give you insight into how Dali was inspired by the interesting rock formations and shapes around the area. It's a surreal area!
Did I miss a spot that should be on the list? Let me know below in the comments.