Best Gay Beaches in Barcelona: Mar Bella, Barceloneta & More

Best Gay Beaches in Barcelona: Barcelona is home to some of the best gay beaches in Europe. The most well known gay beach in Barcelona is Mar Bella Beach, but there are also other popular spots worth visiting.

In this guide to the best gay beaches in Barcelona, I’ll share the three main gay beaches and show you exactly where to find them.

Barcelona is widely known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe, attracting tens of thousands of gay tourists every year. It may therefore come as no surprise that Barcelona more than one gay beach.

Barcelonas gay beaches have also been deemed blue flag beaches, awarded for their high levels of cleanliness, environmental standards, safety and facilities.

One of the biggest selling points is how easily accessible the gay beaches are, right on the city’s doorstep. You can easily reach the gay beaches in Barcelona using the cheap public transport regardless of the neighbourhood you are staying in.

In fact, one of the things that I loved most when I visited was that I didn’t have to choose between a city sightseeing break or a gay beach holiday – Barcelona combines the best of both!

Best Gay Beaches in Barcelona

Out of the 3 gay beaches in Barcelona, 2 have become officially known as ‘gay beaches’.

The third is still a very popular choice for both gay locals and tourists, so for the sake of this article I will include it in this list as an ‘unofficial gay beach.’

Barcelona Gay Beach #1 – Mar Bella (Barcelonas Gay Nudist Beach)

Mar Bella is known as the main gay beach in Barcelona and is most definitely the go-to choice of both the local LGBTQ+ community and visitors.

Mar Bella is a little bit further from the city centre than the other beaches, which is possibly why it has become one of Barcelona’s only nudist beaches. Being a nude beach is one of the reasons why it has also become the popular gay nude beach too!

The beach is broadly split in two: facing the sea, if you look to the left most people are in swimwear. Look to the right and you will see rocks up against a small hill/mound, the is the gay nude area of Mar Bella beach.

Mar Bella beach is also home to the well-known gay beach-bar Chiringuito BeGay. This is a very popular meeting point and hangout for locals and is a great place to have lunch whilst at the beach aswell as working your way through their cocktail menu!

And as is quite common on gay beaches, this beach is also known for having an area above the main beach, behind the rocks up on the hill/mound where people go to socialise away from the general public…

TOP TIP: During the Barcelona Circuit Festival which takes place in August, Mar Bella is packed from sea to shore. If you want to make sure you get yourself a spot, get there early!

How to get to Mar Bella Gay Beach Barcelona

Although the furthest from the city centre, Mar Bella is still very easy to get to. The easiest way is to take the Metro L4 (Yellow Line) to Poble Nou station. From here it’s a straight walk down Carrer del Litoral (Carrer de Bilbao higher up the street), past the skate park and then to the left you will see Chirinquito BeGay.

Alternatively, you can get a bus which is a little slower but reduces the walk time at the end of the journey.

Barcelona Gay Beach #2 – Barceloneta – Sant Miquel, Sant Sebastien, Somorrostro

Sant Miquel Beach is the closest official gay beach to Barcelona city centre.

Barceloneta is a small neighbourhood close to the sea-front. Here you will find three beaches neighbouring each other, Somorrostro, Sant Miquel (more commonly known as Barceloneta Beach) and Sant Sebastien.

Out of the three beaches here, Sant Miquel beach is the second official gay beach in Barcelona. Situated closer to the city centre, it can get very busy here especially at weekends, and so whilst Sant Miquel is the primary gay beach, visitors will spread out across all beaches. 

Sant Miquel to Sant Sebastien forms over 1km of sand, lined with various choices of beach cafes and restaurants. And if at the end of a hard days sunbathing you want to treat yourself, head to the nearby, popular W Hotel Beach Bar for a cocktail.

TOP TIP: Being so close to the centre, Barcelonetas beaches are a hotspot for unwelcome visitors such as beach vendors, and pickpockets. Stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.

How to get to Barcelonetas Beaches

All three beaches here are very easy to reach. Take the Metro L4 to Barceloneta, and exit on Passeig de Joan de Borbo towards the seafront.

Barcelona Gay Beach #3 – Nova Icaria

Attracting a mix of both gay and straight sunbathers, Nova Icaria is known as an ‘unofficial gay beach’ of Barcelona.

Although quieter than the other beaches, it is still a popular choice due to its location close to the Olympic Marina. Beach goers will also enjoy the wide range of food and drink options found nearby.  The promenade just behind the beach has two beach bars and restaurants. For a wider range of cafes and restaurants, Port Olimpic is just a short walk away.

How to get to Nova Icaria Beach

The nearest Metro station to Nova Icaria is Cuitadella Vila Olimpica, which again is on the Yellow Line. Once you have left the station, turn down Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas until you hit Avenida del Litoral. Turn left and follow the Avenida until you reach the promenade.

How to Get to Barcelona’s Gay Beaches (Summary)

Here is a summary of how to get to the gay beaches in Barcelona (assuming you are staying in Barcelona city centre):

• Mar Bella – Metro L4 to Poblenou then walk straight down Carrer del Litoral. Or get the H16 bus to
  Pg. Calvell – Rambla del Poblenou.
• Barceloneta beaches – Metro L4 to Barceloneta.
• Nova Icaria – the nearest metro station is Ciutadella Vila Olímpica or you can get a bus to Av Litoral – Arquitecte Sert.

Barcelona Gay Beach Map

Finally, see the map below showing exactly where you can find the best gay beaches in Barcelona:

Conclusion: Which is the Best Gay Beach in Barcelona?

The best gay beach in Barcelona is Mar Bella Beach. This has always been busy when I have visited, it is easy to access, has a gay clothing optional section and is a great place to meet people. If you only have time for one gay beach, this should be it.

For more gay beaches around Europe, see this list of gay beaches in Europe.

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