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Number 18 of 20 in Barcelona

Barcelona by the sea

For most of its history Barcelona lived with its back to the sea, behind railway lines and warehouses. The Olympic Games of 1992 gave it beaches and a promenade, and now the best way to end a day is on the water, watching the city turn gold.

What it is
On the water
Time to allow
1.5 to 3 hours
Cost
A boat ticket, the beach is free
Best time
At sunset, from spring to autumn

Barcelona this week

    Why the seafront is worth it

    The Barceloneta was built in the eighteenth century on reclaimed land, for the families whose homes were pulled down to make way for the citadel. It is still a quarter of fishermen's streets and seafood bars.

    For the Olympic Games of 1992 the industrial shore was cleared and turned into beaches and a long promenade, from the Barceloneta to the Olympic Port and beyond.

    The Port Vell, the old harbour at the foot of La Rambla, was opened to the city at the same time, with its marina and its wooden walkway over the water.

    What to see

    1. The Barceloneta beach

      The city's best-known beach, at the end of the old fishermen's quarter.

    2. The Port Vell

      The old harbour, with its marina, the Rambla de Mar walkway and the Columbus Monument at its head.

    3. A sail at sunset

      A catamaran or a sailing boat along the shore, with the city and Montjuïc behind.

    How to do it well

    • Keep your belongings with you on the beach: thefts are common.
    • Sunset trips are the most popular: book a day or two ahead in summer.
    • Eat seafood or a paella in the Barceloneta's streets rather than on the promenade.

    Where it is

    Address

    From the Port Vell to the Barceloneta and the Olympic Port

    Nearest station

    Barceloneta (line 4) or Drassanes (line 3)

    Museums and sights nearby

    Distances are in a straight line.

    Tickets and tours: The sea, the port and the Barceloneta

    The sea, the port and the Barceloneta: common questions

    Does Barcelona have good beaches?
    It has several city beaches, made for the Olympic Games of 1992, from the Barceloneta to the Olympic Port and beyond.
    What is the Barceloneta?
    A seaside quarter of narrow streets built in the eighteenth century, with the city's best-known beach and many seafood restaurants.
    When is the best time for a boat trip?
    At sunset, from spring to autumn.
    How much time do you need for the seafront?
    Allow 1.5 to 3 hours. That is this site's estimate for an unhurried visit.

    What visitors say about the seafront

    Rating from Google

    4.4

    16,760 ratings on Google

    Google's figures as read on 25 October 2026.

    Read every review on Google

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