Summer is almost here! The days are becoming hotter and the water is also warmer. It is time to talk about where to go for the best beach days in Barcelona.

For the time being, I just have one spot. As the summer progresses, I will add more. As a local, I prefer to go to the beaches outside of Barcelona. They are cleaner, less busy than Barceloneta, and you don’t have to be concerned about your belongings as much.

And one of the best things about beach days are that they are free!!!

Gavà for some of the best beach days in Barcelona

Gavà is one of my favourite beaches around. It is situated in the South of Barcelona, outside the city. I normally take the L94 bus from Plaza d’España and get off at Avenida Europe – Premià. There is a reason for that, wait for it…

Gavà is a lovely sandy beach. It is close to a beautiful pine forest and is organised with a system of dunes and walkways that give it a remote and zen feel. Even in the summer, Gavà is much less crowded than the other beaches around and in Barcelona. The water is clean and the shore is not as steep as on some of Barcelona’s northern playas.

You should be cautious when it is windy with the sand flying around. It can be desagreable but it only happened twice to us.

Where to eat and drink in Gavà

Sooo… The reason why I normally get off at Avenida Europa – Premià, is to be able to have breakfast, lunch or drinks at Quesada Gavà Mar, a Mediterranean restaurant with a view of the sea. They have excellent smoothies, great food and delicious cocktails. It is a fantastic place for a relaxing break. It can be busy so as much as possible, it is better to reserve a table. 

Quesada is not the sole option for food in Gavà but it is one of my personal favourites. There are plenty of Chiringuitos (beach bars) in this area. If you want a more active day, it is possible to go windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, pladdle boarding or surf boarding. 

I have only traveled by car once here but parking is available. I prefer to take the bus to get there though.