The 18th-century Barceloneta neighborhood is tucked neatly between Barcelona’s trendy Born district and the Mediterranean Sea, making its beach the ideal place to relax between bouts of sightseeing.
The Barceloneta beaches are officially divided into four smaller ones (Sant Sebastià, Sant Miquel, Barceloneta, and Somorrostro), though all are easily accessible and central.
Barceloneta stretches out along the seaside with a few funky art projects dotting the way. The far southern end is marked by the sail-shaped W Hotel, and the northern end by Frank Gehry’s iconic golden Peix (Fish) sculpture. Look out for Rebecca Horn’s “Homenatge a la Barceloneta” (Homage to Barceloneta), a stack of boxy shapes, along the way too.
Photo via ¿ itm ?Whether you prefer spending your beach days swimming, playing volleyball, windsurfing, tanning, or enjoying a lazy lunch with a seaside view, Barceloneta has something for just about everyone. You’ll find tons of places to eat along the way, ranging from fast food to elegant seafood restaurants.
Close to the Peix, there are a large number of lounge-restaurants that become clubs later in the night. If drinks are more your thing, stop by the fancy W Hotel for a cocktail, or have a drink right on the beach at a chiringuito (a summer beach bar). Whatever you choose, you’ll get a gorgeous front-seat view of the Mediterranean.
The beach’s super central location is a bonus – you just have to jump on the yellow line (Line 4) to Barceloneta or Vila Olimpica (just three to four stops after Plaça Catalunya), and after a quick walk, you’re right on the sea.