Discover the most curious facts about Barcelona Beach! In Barcelona, not everything is how it seems, nor has it always been how you see it now. It is a city full of enigmas, and its beach is home to some of its most interesting. When you know about the mysteries of Barcelona’s beach, you will surely see it in a different light.
At Lugaris, we believe that Barcelona is a city to enjoy to the fullest. That’s why we offer our accommodation close to the beach, so you can step outside and cool off with a dip in the sea with no effort at all. Read more to discover the most curious facts about Barcelona’s beaches that will make your jaw drop.
Things to do at the beach in Barcelona
If you are wondering about what to do in Barcelona in summer, you should know that the beach in Barcelona is more than just a place to sunbathe and swim in the sea. With a mix of Mediterranean charm, fascinating history, and a party spirit, these beaches offer a wide range of activities that will leave you wanting to explore far beyond the golden sand.
Yoga in front of the sea
What better way to start the day than connecting mind and body on the beach? In Barcelona, there are often yoga classes at the beach at sunrise, where you can relax and activate your body, all while feeling the sea breeze caress your skin. This is one of the best things to do on the beach in Barcelona.
Kayaking at sunset
Nothing beats watching the sunset over the sea. Rent a kayak and paddle along the coast while watching the sun dip below the city’s skyline. This unique experience will allow you to appreciate the city and its beaches in all their splendour, while enjoying the magic of the sunset. Paddle out from any beach in Barcelona – we recommend Bogatell Beach.
Beach volleyball games
If you are looking for a fun and active way to enjoy your time at the beach on holiday, join a game of beach volleyball. In Barcelona, there are many nets and games of volleyball being played at the beach. Head down with your friends and a ball, or join a group and make some new friends in Barcelona!
Visit the art of the beach
The beach is a great place to check out Barcelona’s art, all while enjoying the sun and the waves. Barcelona is home to an impressive collection of sculptures and artwork along its coastline, turning the beach into an open-air gallery. From famous landmarks like the Columbus Monument to museums like the Maritime Museum, each point along the coast offers a unique artistic experience. Other examples of art on the beach are statues such as the Homage to Barceloneta, and the ephemeral sand sculptures designed daily by street artists.
Dive in to discover an underwater world
Make sure you don’t spend all your time lying on the sand! Dive into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea and discover a whole underwater world full of life and mystery. Barcelona has several diving centres that will help you to explore incredible marine diversity, such as the Barcelona Diving Centre, the Dive Centre Bonaire Barcelona, and the Divingmania Barcelona. If you are a lover of adventure and water sports, you can’t miss this fascinating experience.
Secret spots on the beaches of Barcelona
We’re sure you’ve already done your research on the best beaches in Barcelona, but did you know that these beaches hide secrets and mysteries only known by a few? If you’re willing to step away from the main tourist areas and discover new and unique places, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to enter an unknown world and discover the hidden treasures that await you on the sands of Barcelona.
Sant Miquel Beach
To discover secret places in Barcelona, you’ll need to escape the crowded beaches that are featured in all of the tourist guides. For example, just a few steps away from Barceloneta Beach, you’ll find a calm oasis at Sant Miquel Beach. This small stretch of sand is a favourite spot for city dwellers in search of tranquillity. Relax on the sun loungers and savour a refreshing drink at the nearby beach bars while enjoying a moment of peace in the Mediterranean.
Nudist beach
As you might expect, Barcelona’s nudist beaches will always be less crowded than others. Here, you’ll be free to practise naturism, although if you feel more comfortable dressed, you can also go in your swimsuit. The nudist section of the beach is located in a specific area of Mar Bella Beach and is separated from the promenade by trees for privacy.
Ginesta Cove
Cala Ginesta is not exactly in the city but is rather located in the province of Barcelona. To reach this secret spot you will need to go to Sitges by car or train. This is one of the most little-known beaches and for this reason, it maintains all its charm. It is a small place, ideal for couples looking for a little romance on holiday.
How did they make the beach of Barcelona?
One curious fact about Barcelona that you perhaps didn’t know is that the beach isn’t natural, it has been created artificially. The creation of Barcelona’s beach was part of a project that completely transformed the city’s coastline. Before its construction, Barcelona had no beach and the area was occupied by industrial facilities and ports.
The process of creating the beach began in 1990 in anticipation of the Olympic Games that would be held in the city two years later. First, industrial facilities on the coast were dismantled and relocated elsewhere in the city. Then, sand from the Ebre River was taken and used to fill the area that would function as the beach.
Next, jetties and breakwaters were built to protect the beach from erosion and maintain the stability of the sand. Finally, extensive infrastructure was developed to support the beach, such as the construction of the Promenade, landscaped areas, beach bars, showers, toilets, and the bars on Barceloneta Beach.
Today, the maintenance and care of these public services are essential for the beach to preserve its quality and safety.
Where did the sea originally reach in Barcelona?
Before the transformation of Barcelona in the 1990s, the sea reached what is now known as the Passeig de Colom. At that time, the area where the beach is now located was completely occupied by industrial and port facilities, such as warehouses, factories, and docks.
This is one of the most curious facts about Barcelona’s beaches as due to this transformation, the beach is now a fundamental part of the city’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, as well as an excellent public space for the use and enjoyment of the community.
La Barceloneta, a beach and a neighbourhood built from rubble
The neighbourhood of La Barceloneta is known for being an area with an interesting history, in addition to having a popular beach. In 1718, the neighbourhood was created by citizens who were forced to rebuild their homes here after their neighbourhood (the Rivera) was demolished to build a military citadel. This demolition was ordered by the Duke of Berwick after the War of Succession.
In 1749, the engineer Juan Martín Cermeño began a new project to respond to various needs, such as putting an end to the disorganised construction of La Barceloneta, addressing the shortage of housing in the walled centre of Barcelona, and providing a solution for the inadequacy of the mediaeval port. In addition, the aim was to have military control over the population from a strategic location.
The best-kept secrets about Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach, one of the oldest and busiest beaches in Barcelona, is home to some of the best-kept secrets of the city. We’ll tell you if you promise to keep it quiet!
- There is a hidden anti-aircraft bunker. Under the sand of Barceloneta Beach, there is a bunker that was built during the Spanish Civil War. This air raid shelter was used to protect residents from bombing during the years of conflict.
- The Wounded Star. The sculpture on Barceloneta Beach called The Wounded Star is the best-known and most-photographed sculpture on the beaches of Barcelona. Many know it by its nickname, the ‘Twisted Cubes’, and is constructed from four iron and glass cubes that reach 10 metres high.
- It is the largest beach in Barcelona. As you might be able to tell, Barceloneta is the largest beach in Barcelona with a total length of 1,100 metres.
So, what did you think about these curious facts about the beaches of Barcelona? Surely some of them are a surprise and have made you want to come and visit Barcelona. At Lugaris, our door is open to help you find the best accommodation in Barcelona, close to the beach, and at the very best price. Don’t wait any longer! Take a look at our website now.
NUESTROS APARTAMENTOS EN BARCELONA
Since 2010, Lugaris Apartaments has been offering you the best holiday rental flats in Barcelona, perfect for a family holiday, with friends or as a couple, or for medium-term stays.
You can choose between apartments near the beach in Barcelona, at Lugaris Beach, with sea views, 2 swimming pools (one for adults and one for children) and capacity for up to 6 people, and the Lugaris Rambla flats, located on the Rambla de Poblenou and just 300 m from Bogatell beach, with a balcony or terrace of up to 22 m2 and ideal for couples or families and groups of up to 5 people. All our luxury flats in Barcelona are air-conditioned and equipped with all the appliances, furniture and bed linen you will need during your stay. They also have satellite TV and free high-speed Wi-Fi connection, as well as a safe and a 24-hour private security service.
What’s more, when you make your booking, you can reserve many other additional services: international press in your flat, parking space, transfer service to and from Barcelona airport, bicycle hire, supermarket shopping, museum, sports and show tickets, babysitting service and much more.
For more information, contact Lugaris Apartments without obligation.
