Barcelona is famous for many attractions including the stunning Gaudi masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia. However, if you plan to explore the city and the picturesque region of Catalonia you will be pleased to know that there are numerous off-the-beaten-path beaches that you have probably never heard of.
The more famed beaches scattered along the Barcelona coastline can become busy at peak times so it's good to know that within a short distance from the city, you will find some real gems that are mostly quieter and more relaxing and offer a more laid-back beach experience.
Let's take a look then at some of the best-kept maritime secrets on the Costa Brava and Barcelona to help you plan your next trip to Spain.
Platja Fonda
Platja Fonda is an ideal destination if you are in the mood for a day trip. This beach is found north of Barcelona, in Begur, near the Girona.
It is around a one and a half hours drive away from central Barcelona, heading north along the picturesque Catalonian coastline.
You will need to head down a long set of steps to reach the beach, and due to its remote location, it is one of the most peaceful coves in the area.
Platja Fonda is known for its dark-coloured sands due to a combination of different minerals, which is a nice way to complement its clear waters and its picturesque backdrop of towering cliffs.
Platja Ocata
It is located approximately 15 miles to the north of Barcelona in the town of Badalona. The beach at Ocata is quite expansive, and you are not likely to come across nearly as many visitors when compared to the city itself.
The good news is that arriving here is straightforward. A train ride on the local RENFE service will typically take no longer than 30 minutes, enabling you to spend an entire day under the glorious Mediterranean sun. Bus rides from Barcelona and Badalona are also available.
Platja de l’Illot
This next hidden gem is nestled just south of Barcelona and only a stone's throw away from the ancient Roman city of Tarragona.
Known for its stunning coastline and amazingly clear waters, Platja de l’Illot is ideally suited for a family picnic or a quick dip in the sea before heading back to the city centre.
While walking here via a hiking trail known as the G 92, you can also reach the beach and the nearby coves via a boat ride.
Platja Mar Menuda
Platja Menuda is a charming beach nestled in the coastal town of Tossa de Mar, located north of Barcelona.
A pleasant stroll along the scenic coastal path from the main beach of Tossa de Mar can reach this picturesque cove.
Platja Menuda's tranquil atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural surroundings make it special. The beach is an ideal spot if you're seeking a peaceful retreat away from the bustling crowds. It offers a perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.
Les Filipines Beach
Platja de les Filipines, located in Viladecans, is just a short drive from Barcelona's International Airport at El Prat.
A charming coastal gem offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This top-notch beach is easily accessible by car or public transport, with nearby parking available.
What makes Platja de les Filipines special is its pristine golden sands, clear blue waters, and picturesque surroundings. With fewer crowds than some popular beaches, it provides a peaceful retreat for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning Mediterranean views.
Platja de Castelldefels
Located on the Costa del Garraf, the beach at Castelldefels boasts a vast, expansive beach with lots of space to enjoy a peaceful day out by the sea.
Despite its growing popularity, marked by numerous hotels and restaurants along the beach promenade, Castelldefels remains more relaxing than the bustling city beaches of Barcelona.
The coastline here is shallow, and the water is typically clean, depending on the direction of the wind. The beach begins beyond Barcelona's airport and stretches approximately 20 km along the coast.
It's conveniently accessible, just a 3-minute walk from the Platja de Castelldefels train station. Opposite the station, there's a small supermarket for your essentials. Heading north towards Barcelona, you’ll encounter the usual tourist attractions—hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Platja de Gava
Platja de Gava is a beautiful beach renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
There’s no direct train from Barcelona to Gava’s beaches, as trains only stop in Gava town, about a 50-minute walk away. Regarding public transport, take the L95 bus from Ronda de la Universitat (near Plaça Catalunya at the intersection with Carrer de Balmes) toward Castelldefels. The journey takes around 40 minutes; get off at any stop on Avenida d’Europa and walk to the beach. Alternatively, a taxi costs around €30.
Platja de Gava boasts golden sands and is clean water. What makes it special is its tranquil ambience, making it an ideal spot for simply chilling out, sunbathing, and swimming.
The beach is also known for its charming beachfront promenade and nearby amenities. There is also a lifeguard service that runs from June to September.
Cala Aiguablava – Begur
The Aiguablava Cove encapsulates perfectly the charm of the Costa Brava, particularly the coast of Begur. Its clear waters, stunning natural surroundings, and excellent facilities make it a top beach destination.
Stretching for around 75 meters, Aiguablava Beach features fine golden sand and a gentle slope into the sea, making it easily accessible.
The beach offers showers, a monitoring service, ramps for disabled access, parking, a snack bar, and several restaurants.
On the rocky ledge to the right, surrounded by pine trees, stands one of the famed National Parador Hotels, the Parador Nacional de Aiguablava. To the left, the coast reveals a series of small coves and cliffs, including Port d'Esclanyà, Punta Pi, En Malaret Beach, Port de Ses Orats, and Cape Rubi, beyond which you will find another gem on our list, Fonda Beach.
Cala Moriscas
Located a 20-minute drive south of Barcelona, Cala Morisca is a small cove in the middle of the Garraf Nature Park.
The best way to get to the beach from central Barcelona is by driving via the C31 highway. It usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.
With fine, golden sand set at the base of pine-clad cliffs, it offers a pleasant and safe environment to enjoy alone, as a couple or as a family.
It has been a clothing-optional beach for over 25 years, allowing visitors to sunbathe and swim (with a swimsuit or without).
There is a large beach bar chiringuito called Cala Morisca Mirador that is a firm favourite with visitors to the beach. It serves good quality local dishes, or you can simply cool off around its swimming pool with ice cream right by the beach.
Platja de Pebre
Del Pebre Beach is a secluded, intimate spot celebrated for its natural beauty and clear waters.
The beach features a rocky landscape interspersed with sandy patches, making it a unique destination for relaxation and fun.
Known for its backdrop of cliffs, Del Pebre is perfect for adventurous activities like cliff jumping and snorkelling.
Accessing the beach involves parking by the roadside and navigating a steep path down, with a challenging climb over a rocky wall at the end. Despite these difficulties, the beach remains uncrowded, offering a tranquil retreat away from busier locations, ideal if you're seeking an out-of-the-way peaceful place to chill out.
Exploring Barcelona's Hidden Beaches and Coves via Pleasure Boats
Barcelona boasts a wealth of hidden coves and secluded beaches that are sometimes best explored by sea.
Discovering these gems via pleasure boats offers an amazing holiday experience, blending adventure with relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice seeking a unique way to explore the coastline, yacht charters provide an excellent option.
Some reputable local yacht and boat charter service companies offer boat rentals, including Nautal, Oceans Evasion, and Scansail.
One of the primary benefits of chartering a boat in Barcelona is its flexibility. You can rent boats and yachts of various shapes and sizes catering to your specific needs and preferences, with or without a captain and crew. Whether you prefer the luxury of a fully-staffed yacht or the independence of steering your small boat, there's an option for you.
Contrary to common belief, renting a boat doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Small-speed ships are available for as little as 180 Euros daily, making it an affordable adventure. The variety of crafts is impressive, including motor boats, RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), houseboats, sailboats, yachts, catamarans, and larger luxury vessels.
Exploring by boat allows you to access the less crowded, more serene parts of Barcelona's coastline. Hidden coves like Cala Morisca and secluded beaches such as Garraf's tiny shorelines are only accessible by sea. These spots offer pristine waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the sun away from the bustling main beaches.
Yacht charters also provide the opportunity to tailor your itinerary. Spend the day hopping from one hidden gem to another, enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach, or anchor in a quiet cove for a peaceful afternoon. The views of Barcelona from the sea are spectacular, offering a fresh perspective on this dynamic city.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, larger yachts and catamarans come equipped with sun decks, lounges, and sometimes even onboard chefs, ensuring a memorable and indulgent outing.
Hidden Coves on the Barcelona Coastline
Cala Fonda (Waikiki Beach) – Tarragona
A secluded beach known for its natural beauty and tranquillity, accessible via a forest trail.
Cala Jovera - Tarragona
A small cove near the Tamarit Castle offers stunning views and crystal-clear waters.
Cala Morisca - Sitges
It is a hidden gem accessible by boat, offering serene surroundings and clear waters perfect for snorkelling.
Cala de l'Home Mort - Sitges
It is a tranquil, clothing-optional cove with clear waters and a relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by cliffs.
Cala Ginesta - Garraf
A picturesque cove near Port Ginesta is ideal for a quiet day by the sea.
Cala Vallcarca - Garraf
A small, peaceful cove perfect for a relaxing swim and sunbathing away from the main tourist spots.
Platja de les Filipines - Viladecans
A long, quiet beach offering a natural setting, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Cala Morer - Montgat
It is a hidden cove with rocky surroundings and clear waters, great for snorkelling and relaxing.
Cala Llevadó - Tossa de Mar
A stunning cove with turquoise waters, surrounded by lush vegetation, accessible by boat or footpath.
Cala Futadera - Tossa de Mar
Known as "The Cove of 300 Steps," it offers a secluded spot with clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Cala Giverola - Tossa de Mar
A picturesque cove with excellent facilities, including a beach bar and water sports rentals.
Cala Pola - Tossa de Mar
It is a small, scenic cove surrounded by pine trees, perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.
Cala Bona - Blanes
A hidden cove offering tranquillity and natural beauty, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Cala Sant Francesc - Blanes
Also known as Cala Bona, it features clear waters, a sandy beach, and beautiful surrounding cliffs.
Cala Sa Forcanera - Blanes
A secluded cove only accessible by boat, offering a peaceful escape and stunning underwater scenery.
Cala dels Frares - Lloret de Mar
It is a hidden gem with rocky surroundings and clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and exploring marine life.
Cala Boadella - Lloret de Mar
It is a quiet, nudist-friendly cove with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
Cala Treumal - Lloret de Mar
A small, beautiful cove nestled between cliffs, offering a peaceful retreat.
Cala Sa Tuna - Begur
It is a charming, picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters and traditional whitewashed houses.
Cala Aiguablava - Begur
Known for its turquoise waters and fine sand, this cove is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Cala El Golfet - Palamos
It is a hidden gem with a pebbly beach, clear waters, and stunning surrounding cliffs.
Cala S'Alguer - Palamos
It is a picturesque cove with traditional fishermen's huts, offering a serene and beautiful setting.
Cala Morisca - Sitges
Located south of Barcelona near Sitges, this small, secluded cove offers clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful day away from the bustling city. Access is easiest by car or boat.
Cala Vallcarca - Garraf
Situated near the town of Garraf, this small beach is known for its natural beauty and serene environment. It is less crowded than many other beaches in the area. You can reach it by car or train, a short walk from the Garraf train station.
Cala Ginesta - Port Ginesta
Located near the marina of Port Ginesta, this cove provides a quiet retreat with beautiful views. The beach is accessible by car or boat, making it a convenient option for those seeking a peaceful beach day close to the city.
Cala de l'Home Mort - Sitges
This tranquil, nudist-friendly cove is located near Sitges and is known for its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere. It is accessible by car or by scenic coastal walk from Sitges.
Getting Around - Best By Car
The best way to get to the more secluded beaches around Barcelona is by car. With a rental car, you’ll also be free to explore the coast at your leisure since the spaces between the towns are usually where you’ll find the most picturesque calas (small beach coves) for which the coast is famous.
Barcelona`s El Prat and Girona´s Costa Brava are the closest international airports, putting you within an easy drive of wherever you visit on the coast.
Buses from Barcelona are readily available to many beaches, although the more secluded ones are best to be reached by car. Therefore, if you plan to get adventures and discover many of the hidden beaches that Barcelona has to offer, having your vehicle is a must.
If you plan on renting a car, we always recommend checking prices on Travel Supermarket. This car hire comparison site includes offerings from all the major international rental companies and lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing.
When searching for the best car hire deals, we also use Skyscanner and Auto Europe, who often come up with the cheapest rental rates.
