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?

Everyone’s heard of Barcelona. A lot of people have heard of Costa Brava. Some may have heard of Tarragona. But if you keep driving south — past the Roman ruins and beach resorts of Costa Dorada — something quieter and wilder starts to appear. Pine-covered cliffs, secret calas you’ll have to shimmy into, a coastline that smells like fennel and salt, and tuna. Massive, impressive bluefin tuna.

Welcome to Southern Catalonia’s wild coast. Here's how we fell in love with it — and how you can too.

Who better to share the best of Sitges than the locals? We’ve partnered with @TheGuideSitges, a great go-to resource for all things Sitges, to bring you their top tips. From hidden spots to iconic events, here’s everything you need to know — straight from the experts.

Although increasingly blighted by mass day tourism which sees large tour groups doing hit-and-runs on the main sites, Sitges retains many places off the beaten track for discovering unforgettable corners that you would only find if you knew where to look. That’s what this guide is all about.

Here’s a rundown of some experiences that not everyone will get to know about, gathered specifically for readers of Penguin Trampoline

Imagine a place where rainbow flags dance in the Mediterranean breeze, where cobblestone streets lead to hidden calas and iconic beaches, and where the spirit of love and acceptance is palpable in the warm welcome of the locals.

Benvinguts a Sitges, the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ pride celebrations and a magical place we’re blessed to call home!

Nestled on the stunning Garraf coast, near Barcelona, this postcard-perfect town offers so much more than sol y playa; it’s a vibrant haven of inclusivity and joy. ¿Nos acompañas?