8 Hidden Beaches Near Barcelona You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of (by People who Live Here)
Our guide to quiet coves, cliffs, and beaches most visitors never find — all accessible from Barcelona. We live here and share what AI will never tell you!
This is home for us — Sitges calas
Last update: September 2026
Whether you want a quick escape or a secret beach day, here’s our pick of the best hidden beaches less than 50km from Barcelona and out to access them (real insider tips, as we live there). We’ve split them by direction — south and north — plus a few worth the extra distance.
Before you pack this bikini: If you want to fall asleep to the sound of the waves, read our guide to the best beach hotels near Barcelona.
🛌 Where to stay:
• Hotel Calipolis, Sitges — we spent our wedding night here and got upgraded to a sea-view suite without asking
• May Altafulla Beach Boutique Hotel — 70 metres from the beach and less than a kilometre from Tamarit castle
• Hotel Vila Arenys — 15 rooms and one of the best restaurants on the Maresme coast
• Hotel Diana, Tossa de Mar — My childhood summers were on the Costa Brava, and this century-old Modernisme is a classic
🇪🇸 Top experiences:
• Hiking tour to the secret calas from Barcelona — the best way to find the hidden coves south of Sitges without a car. We do it all the time
• Kayak & snorkel tour of the Sitges calas — you can reach sea caves this way that are simply impossible on foot. One of our favorite things to do here
• Tossa de Mar day trip from Barcelona — a lovely old town with beautiful beaches.
🚗 Some beaches need a car. Book your rental ahead — Waikiki Beach, and other dreamy beaches are hard or impossible to reach by public transport alone.
Best hidden beaches near Barcelona: quick answer
At Penguin Trampoline, we call the Barcelona region home (when we’re not up in the Arctic!), and our favorite hidden beaches are the smaller coves and quieter coastline outside the city: the Maresme coast to the north, the Costa Brava a bit further out. South of the city, that means Platja del Remolar's wetlands, the Sitges calas, Cubelles' nudist beach, wide-open San Salvador, wild little Cala Fonda (Waikiki), and Tamarit under its castle. North, it's Ocata's calm sand in El Masnou, a quieter Arenys de Mar, and Tossa de Mar's dramatic Costa Brava cliffs further up. All take more effort than Barceloneta, a train and a walk, a short hike, or a longer drive, but the payoff is space, clearer water, and a slower rhythm. Keep reading for the details on each.
| Beach | Area | Best for | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sitges' secret calas | South of Barcelona | Naturist-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, wild Mediterranean vibes | Drive, cab, or a 45-60 min walk from Sitges center; also a bus plus 15-min forest walk, or a kayak tour |
| Platja del Remolar | South of Barcelona, El Prat | Birdwatching, peaceful sands, few people | Short drive or bike from El Prat |
| Platja Llarga, Cubelles | South of Barcelona | Naturist-friendly, low-key, long swims | Train to Cubelles plus a 15-min walk, or train to Vilanova plus a 1-hour beach walk |
| Arenys de Mar | North of Barcelona | Easy getaway without crowds | Rodalies train, about 1 hour |
| Platja d'Ocata, El Masnou | North of Barcelona | Perfect beach day escape from the city | Rodalies train to Ocata |
| Platja de Sant Salvador, El Vendrell | A bit further out | Super chill vibe, small-town feel | Renfe train to Sant Vicenç de Calders or Calafell |
| Tamarit & Waikiki Beach | A bit further out | Nature meets nudism, hidden and wild | Drive, or train to Tarragona then a local bus or walk |
| Tossa de Mar | A bit further out, Costa Brava | Medieval meets Mediterranean | Train to Blanes then bus, or drive |
| Roc de Sant Gaietà (bonus) | A bit further out | Beach, forest, and a whitewashed village that feels like a piece of Andalusia dropped into Catalonia | About 1 hour by car or Rodalies |
South of Barcelona: Underrated beach gems
1. Sitges’ secret calas (Cala de l’Home Mort, etc.)
Sitges is known for its party vibes, but if you head south of town and follow the coastal path (or drive toward Vilanova), you’ll find a string of wild “calas” backed by cliffs and scrub. These beaches are clothing-optional, relatively hard to reach — and glorious.
Access: Drive, take a cab to the end of the “paseo” (Hotel Me Sitges Terramar or Sunway Playa Golf & Spa) or walk from Sitges city center (about 45-60 min on foot). You can also take a city bus from Sitges train station and ask the driver to drop you off at the Eurostars Hotel, then walk about 15 minutes through a lovely pine forest. You can also book a kayak tour between Sitges and Vilanova, which is absolutely awesome, as you can access secret caves too! You’ll find hotels in Sitges and Vilanova in our guide to the best beach hotels near Barcelona.
Why go: Naturist-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, wild Mediterranean vibes.
Tip: Bring sturdy shoes, snacks if you want, snorkeling gear and water. No facilities except a chiringuito on Platja del Home Mort, and depending on the year, on another “cala” a bit further south.
🐧 Hiking tour of the calas from Barcelona
🐧 Our selection of the best hotels in Sitges
🐧 LGBTQ+ Sitges guide
🐧 Our favorite beaches in Sitges
Discover places to stay in Sitges:
2. Platja del Remolar
Just past El Prat Airport, this beach is hidden behind a nature reserve (Delta del Llobregat). It’s quiet, serene and often empty — especially if you walk further down the coast. A lot of locals take their dogs there. And if you cross the river and walk along it towards the center of El Prat, there’s a place where you can watch planes take off. If you’re a plane freak like us, it’s really cool!
El Prat is also home to the CRAM sea-life rescue center (where we are volunteers).
Access: Short drive or bike from El Prat.
Why go: Great birdwatching, peaceful sands, few people.
Tip: It’s not developed — no lifeguards or food.
🐧 Rent a car from El Prat
🐧 Book your flight to Barcelona El Prat
3. Platja Llarga – Cubelles
This is the kind of beach locals whisper about: long, quiet, and waaaay less crowded than anything near Barcelona, even in summer. Platja Llarga stretches gently along the Cubelles coast, with a more relaxed, natural vibe than the built-up areas nearby. It’s also clothing-optional in parts, with dunes and space to spread out.
Access: Rodalies train to Cubelles, then a ~15-minute walk, or train to Vilanova and a lovely 1-hour walk along the beach
Why go: Naturist-friendly, low-key, great for long swims or reading under a sun hat
Tip: No major services, so pack snacks and shade!
Winter sunset at Platja Llarga in Cubelles
North of Barcelona: Local beaches with space to breathe
4. Arenys de Mar
Just a few stops north on the Rodalies R1 line, Arenys is a real fishing town with a long beach and almost no tourists. The water’s clean, the vibe is chill, and there’s a boardwalk if you need a stroll.
Access: Rodalies train (~1 hour)
Why go: Easy getaway without crowds.
Tip: Don’t miss the seafood at the port restaurants.
🐧 Book your R1 train ticket
🐧 Find a coastal accommodation
Track sea turtles or dolphins in the Med
Loggerhead turtles have been nesting more frequently along Spain’s Mediterranean coast — including record sightings near the Delta del Ebre. And common dolphins are regulars off the Catalan coast. We are actually volunteers at CRAM rescue center! With Fahlo bracelets, you can track a real animal’s journey while supporting marine conservation — get 20% off!
5. Platja d’Ocata – El Masnou
Just 25 minutes from Barcelona, but usually half as full as the beaches in Badalona. Think white sand, volleyball courts, calm water, and the typical Maresme landscape — a long boardwalk with cafes and craft beer.
Access: Rodalies train to Ocata
Why go: Perfect beach day escape from the city.
Tip: Go early to beat the Barcelona crowds.
A bit further, but worth it
6. Platja de Sant Salvador – El Vendrell
Clean, calm, and family-friendly, this wide beach has Blue Flag waters and a relaxed promenade with old fishermen's houses. It’s waaaay quieter and scenic than Calafell, just a few minutes away. If you keep walking towards Coma-ruga, stop at the “riuet” (river) and enjoy the cool thermal water!
Access: Renfe train to Sant Vicenç de Calders or Calafell
Why go: Super-chill vibe, small-town feel.
Tip: Eat at Casinet restaurant. In summer, you’d better book ahead!
7. Tamarit & Waikiki Beach (Platja Fonda)
Tamarit offers golden sands and castle views — and just a short hike away is Waikiki Beach, one of the best hidden beaches in Catalunya. It’s an unofficial naturist beach, surrounded by pine forests. Ok, the name might be a little much, but it does feel like a little corner of paradise when the sea is calm and turquoise! We actually included 2 cool hotels nearby (Altafulla) in our guide to the best beach hotels near Barcelona.
Access: Drive or train to Tarragona, then take a local bus or walk
Why go: Nature meets nudism, hidden and wild.
Tip: Go early or late for best light and fewest people. On Waikiki Beach, climb the cliffs (not too high please!) to get yellow dust, mix it with water to get a mud and apply on your whole body to get an awesome and free spa treatment — and look like the Simpsons!
Explore places to stay in Tamarit
8. Tossa de Mar
Mac, our mascot, enjoying Tossa de Mar
A bit over 50km, but still train-accessible (via Blanes + bus) and absolutely worth it.
The old town’s castle juts out over the sea, but quieter beaches like Cala Pola are just a short walk away. If you have more time, we strongly recommend exploring more of Costa Brava.
Access: Train to Blanes, then bus. Or drive.
Why go: Medieval meets Mediterranean.
Tip: Visit midweek or off-season for quiet calas.
Discover hotels around Tossa de Mar:
Bonus: Roc de Sant Gaietà
Distance: About 1 hour by car or Rodalies
Why go: Beach + forest + fake Andalusia + ice cream
This one’s not so much about the beach but more about a typical Spanish postcard without leaving Catalonia. Roc de Sant Gaietà is a tiny coastal village near Roda de Berà that feels like an open-air architectural mash-up — think whitewashed Andalusian patios & Moorish architecture (which you won’t find in Catalonia), Roman arches, and narrow alleys full of flowers. It’s kitschy, yes, and artificial, also yes, but also charming as hell.
There’s a peaceful beach right on both sides of the “village”, plus a lovely forest walk nearby (the Camí de Ronda continues here too). And don’t miss what locals call the subchampion of ice creams — the heladería Cal Sisquet near the archway that proudly displays its second-place trophy. It’s earned. Our favorites are Guanaja chocolate and Reus hazelnuts!
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FAQ: Hidden beaches near Barcelona
Where can I find hidden beaches near Barcelona?
Head south to Sitges’ secret calas, Cubelles’ nude beach, or Tamarit’s quiet bay. North of the city, try Ocata, Arenys de Mar, or Tossa de Mar — all easy day trips by train or car.
How far are the quiet beaches from Barcelona?
Most are within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. You can reach Sitges in under 40 minutes by train, while Tossa de Mar takes about 90 minutes by car along a scenic coastal road.
Are there any beaches near Barcelona without crowds?
Yes. Skip Barceloneta and go midweek to hidden gems like Platja del Torn, Remolar, or the calas near Calafat. Fewer umbrellas, more peace.
Can you swim year-round near Barcelona?
Not really. The best time for a swim is May to October — outside those months, it’s chilly unless you’re part penguin (respect).
Do you need a car to reach the hidden beaches?
Trains reach many coastal towns, but a car gives you full freedom. Some wild spots, like Cala Morisca or Waikiki Beach, need a short hike or drive.
Are these beaches family-friendly?
Mostly yes, though a few — like Platja del Torn or some in Sitges or Cubelles — are naturist. Always check local signage before setting up your towel.
Want to go even further?
We’ve written full guides to the wildest beaches in the region — from dreamy calas in Costa Brava to tuna-diving adventures in Southern Catalonia. If you’re ready to venture beyond the 50km mark:
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Barcelona’s hidden beaches are just the beginning. If you’re the kind of traveller who likes secret spots, wild landscapes, and good food without the crowds — we’ve got plenty more where that came from. Start with exploring all of our Spain Travel Guides here.
