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 our insider tips and hidden spots!
This is home for us — Sitges calas
Last update: April, 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 (real insider tips, as we live there). We’ve split them by direction — south and north — plus a few worth the extra distance.
Barcelona’s beaches get crowded fast. But just a short drive away, there are still places where it’s just you, the sea, and a bit of effort to get there.
The real gems sit north and south of the city — quiet coves, train-access beaches, nudist calas, and wide sandy stretches where you can actually hear the waves.
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. ¿Vamos?
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.
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What are the best hidden beaches near Barcelona?
We live here, and for us, the best hidden beaches near Barcelona are smaller coves and quieter stretches of coastline outside the city’s main urban beaches, mainly found along the Maresme coast to the north and the Costa Brava just beyond the easy day-trip radius. These are our favorite beaches because they feel like a real escape from the city—less crowded, more raw, and often requiring a bit more effort to reach, whether by train and a walk, a short hike, or driving further up the coast. In return, you get more space, clearer water in many spots, and a completely different rhythm compared to Barceloneta or the main city beaches.
Sitges calas (~35 km south)
Scenic coves with train access and far more charm than Barceloneta. Moderate crowds, but plenty of smaller swim spots.Platja del Remolar (~15 km south)
Quiet, nature-focused stretch near protected wetlands. Low crowds. Best by bus or car.Cubelles nudist beach (~50 km south)
Spacious, relaxed, and naturist-friendly. Easy train access and room to breathe.Ocata (El Masnou, ~20 km north)
Long sandy beach with calm water and clean sand. Quick train ride. Moderate crowds.Arenys de Mar (~40 km north)
Local feel, fewer tourists, and great seafood nearby. Train access. Low to moderate crowds.San Salvador (~70 km south)
Wide, open, and noticeably quieter than city beaches. Longer train ride but worth it for space.Tamarit (~85 km south)
Castle views and calmer water. Train plus a short walk. Moderate summer crowds.Cala Fonda (Waikiki, ~80 km south)
Wild cove with a steep access path. Clothing-optional and low crowds. Best by car.Tossa de Mar (~100 km north)
Dramatic Costa Brava cliffs and old town backdrop. Bus or car. Busier in peak summer.
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.
👉 Book a hiking tour of the calas from Barcelona
👉 Need a hotel nearby? Check Booking.com
Discover things to do and 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.
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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!
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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!
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! 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
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. 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 tours and 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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🌊 FAQs about 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:
🏖️ Beach Hotels near Barcelona – by People who Live Here
🐟 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
⛰️ 6 Things to Do in Espot – The Best of the Spanish Pyrenees
🌋 5 Things to Do in La Garrotxa – The Unknown Catalonia
Hit save, pack your towel, and come see why we chose to call Catalunya home.
