The Barcelona Coast stretches 100 kilometers, 4.5 of which are within city limits. Gates Hotel Diagonal Barcelona is just 2 km from the beach; whether you’re looking to play volleyball in the sand, sunbathe in the nude, or enjoy some drinks in the shade, the high concentration of beaches still makes way for great variety.

Here’s a list of nearby beaches for those who want a day away or maybe just a quick dip in the water.

Nova Icaria

Nova Icaria is a popular beach by the marina. It’s lined with clubs, bars, and restaurants. Volleyball is a popular pastime. Complete with a boardwalk, visitors can rent beach umbrellas, lounge chairs and more creature comforts.

Get there: Nova Icaria is just 2 km from Gates Hotel. If traveling by foot or using one of our Martone rental bikes, take a left on Avinguda Diagonal and your first left at Carrer de Badajoz. Once you reach the park before the beach, take a right at Nova Icaria Park; the beach will be straight ahead. Route on Google Maps.

Mar Bella

Mar Bella is a popular nudist beach and, with nearby restaurant Chiringuito BeGay, an integral part of the international gay scene. The beach is somewhat blocked off with sand dunes, providing some privacy. During summertime annual Circuit Festival turns the area into a 10-day beach party.

Get there: Mar Bella is a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bike ride from Gates Hotel Diagonal. Take a right on Avinguda Diagonal and follow it 5 blocks until you reach Carrer de Bilbao. Follow this to the beach. Take a left to find the more secluded area of Mar Bella. On Google Maps.

Barceloneta

This beach attracts the highest volume of tourists in Barcelona, but it also has the most action. Barceloneta is a great spot to people watch or stroll through — there’s often people selling things along the beach, performing and more. Stop by nearby Bar Jai-Ca for local, tasty seafood and sangria.

Get there: Located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, the walk to the beach is over 40 minutes, but via bus it’s only 20. From Gates Hotel, take a right on Carrer de la Ciutat de Granada; take a right on Carrer de Tànger to reach the Tànger - Badajoz station. Take the NB Can Caralleu bus until you reach Platja de la Barceloneta and you’ve arrived.

Sant Pol de Mar

Looking to get away from the crowds? Sant Pol de Mar is a great option. The secluded beach is about an hour north of Barcelona, nestled in the small town of Sant Pol de Mar. The seaside pueblo has hills covered in white houses, narrow streets and great local seafood restaurants.

Get there: Via train, the trip is about an hour to Sant Pol de Mar. Check out trips and pricing info on the Renfe train website. Public buses are also available but involve transfers and take about 30 minutes longer. See your options on Google Maps.

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Planning a trip to Barcelona? Check out rates at The Gates Hotel Diagonal.