8 Hidden Beaches Near Barcelona You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
This is home for us — Sitges calas
Wild calas, nudist escapes, pine forests, and soft golden sand — all under 50km from the city.
Everyone’s heard of Barceloneta beach, in Barcelona. Too many people, in our opinion. But Barcelona’s coast hides dozens of lesser-known beaches you can reach by train, bus, or rental car — with fewer crowds, better views, and actual space to stretch out your towel.
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. We’ve split them by direction — south and north — plus a few worth the extra distance. ¿Vamos?
South of Barcelona: Hidden 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!
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.
👉 Book a hiking tour of the calas from Barcelona
👉 Need a hotel nearby? Check Booking.com
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 with DiscoverCars
👉 Book your flight to Barcelona El Prat with Omio
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!
👉 Get there with Omio
👉 Book nearby stays on Booking.com
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 with Omio
👉 Find a coastal accommodation on Booking.com
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 with code PENGUINTRAMPOLINE20.
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.
👉 Book your R1 train ticket with Omio
👉 Get your beach gear on Amazon, from umbrellas to snorkeling goggles.
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!
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!
Mac, our mascot, enjoying Tossa de Mar
8. 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.
Access: Train to Blanes, then bus. Or drive.
Why go: Medieval meets Mediterranean.
Tip: Visit midweek or off-season for quiet calas.
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!
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:
Penguin Trampoline tip:
And hey — don’t forget to grab travel insurance before diving into wild coves or hiking rocky cliffs. We use Heymondo and you can get 5%–15% off through our link!
Here is our favorite summer playlist for a beach vibe:
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:
🌋 5 Things to Do in La Garrotxa – The Unknown Catalonia
⛰️ 6 Things to Do in Espot – The Best of the Spanish Pyrenees
🐟 Costa Dorada’s Hidden Gems: Beaches, Tuna Dives, and Nature Escapes
🌈 LGBTQ+ Sitges – Celebrate Pride in a Postcard Town
🏛️ Kyra’s Guide to Sitges Off the Beaten Track
🏝️ Off the Beaten Path: Formentera, Sardinia & Costa Brava
Hit save, pack your towel, and come see why we chose to call Catalunya home.
