During the summer, the beaches in Barcelona are usually very crowded. So, if you are looking for a fun day on the beach with family, we have three alternatives. We recommend the beaches of Castelldefels, Badalona, and Montgat, which can be easily accessed with public transport.
There is nothing better than a family beach day. However, it’s essential to choose the right beach for children for a successful day of fun in the sun.
La Costa de Barcelona pays special attention to families with children.
There are many family-friendly beaches that have earned the seal “Destino de Turismo Familiar” or Family Tourism Destination. This seal, awarded by the ACT (Agència Catalana de Turisme de la Generalitat) distinguishes destinations that are especially suitable for even the littlest ones in the family.
Beaches on the Costa de Barcelona are beautiful, sandy, and easy to access. Each year, most of these beaches earn the Blue Flag certification, which is awarded to beaches with high environmental and quality standards.
The Beaches of Castelldefels
Castelldefels is one of the destinations awarded with the DTF (Family Tourism Destination) label. Here, you will find three miles of beautiful, fine sand beaches.
Castelldefels’ three beaches, “la playa de la Pineda”, “la playa de Lluminetes” and “la playa del Apeadero” are all perfect for family fun.
The Beaches of Castelldefels amenities make their beaches perfect for families with children of all ages. For example, wooden walkways that lead to the sand take the hassle out of traveling with a stroller. Not to mention, convenient showers and bathrooms on the beach make it easier to leave at the end of the day.
And there are multiple “chiringuitos”, or beach restaurants, so it won’t be hard to find a bite to eat or somewhere for a drink. We recommend “El Globo”.
You can even find a Kids Club for children aged 4 to 9 years old in the neighborhood of La Pineda.
Hours: Open July and August, Monday through Sunday from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00.
Price: 8€ per hour
Location: Pg Marítim / Carrer 13
A family bike ride is one of the best ways to enjoy the extensive seafront in Castelldefels.
There are multiple bike rental companies but we recommend Bicifels, which is right next to the train station. They have bikes for adults with seats for the little ones and bikes for the kids.
And, there are even segway tours, perfect for the teenagers in your family!
The small train, Trenet Turístic, is another exciting activity for children.
Hours: From July 8th through September 8th, from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 23:30
Price: Children from 5 to 14 years: 1.10 € – Adults: 1.60€
Location: The ride begins and ends at C/Santiago Rusiñol. Check the Castelldefels Tourism Office to find out where the train makes its stops.
Canal Olímpic
The Olympic Canal is also a fun option for the kids.
With a variety of activities, kids of all ages will stay entertained. From the inflatable water park to Wake Park with a circular waterski cable, there is no doubt that every family member will have a blast.
Hours and Prices: available on Canal Olímpic’s website
Location: Olímpic Canal Avda., 2 -08860 Castelldefels
The Beaches of Badalona
The Beaches of Badalona are a perfect spot for a fun day at the beach with the kids.
The city of Badalona, near Barcelona, can easily be reached by public transport. Here you will find a long promenade full of palm trees and a beautiful seafront with buildings from the modernist era. There are nine different beaches to chose from, many of which are suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
The oil bridge, called el puente del petróleo is a must-see. Adults and children are sure to enjoy the picturesque views from the bridge over the sea.
Extending 250 meters past the beach, the bridge offers an incredible panoramic view of the coast of Barcelona. It is located right in front of the Anís del Mono factory, a modernist gem.
Badalona is also home to a mythical bronze monkey statue. The statue, created by the local artist Susana Ruiz, pays homage to the famous Badalona brand that produces liquor on its premises.
The Beaches of Montgat
Lastly, near the city of Barcelona is the town of Montgat.
There are four beaches in Montgat, “Els Taps” beach, “Les Moreres” beach, “San Juan” beach, and “Monsolís” beach. These coarse-sand beaches are the perfect spot for surfers, who can find the “surfer’s Kaleta” next to the sea wall. In fact, in the winter athletes are drawn to this area because of its strong tide.
However, the beaches in Montgat offer more than just surfing, including beach bars and resturants, where you and the family can stop for food or a drink.
Monsolís Beach is especially fun for children because it hosts a weekly fish market. At 12:30, Monday through Friday, fishers hold an auction. This fish auction is unique to Catalonia. It is an exciting activity to see with children, and it’s open to the public which means you can even bring dinner home with you!
We hope this information will help you plan your next beach trip. Hopefully, it will help you enjoy a fun day on the beach with your children near Barcelona!
