Platja de la Mar Bella

Blue FlagAccessibleNaturist

Platja de la Mar Bella is one of Barcelona's most vibrant and dynamic beaches, created during the urban redevelopment for the 1992 Olympic Games. Situated in the Sant Martí district, near the trendy Poblenou neighborhood, this beach offers a perfect blend of city convenience and relaxed coastal charm. The golden sands stretch along the Mediterranean, providing a wide and welcoming space for locals and tourists alike who seek a slightly more alternative and youthful atmosphere compared to the crowded Barceloneta.

What truly sets Platja de la Mar Bella apart is its famously inclusive and diverse environment. It is well-known for hosting a designated naturist (FKK) zone at its south-western end, shielded by a small bamboo hill, making it a popular and safe space for nudists and the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond this, the beach pulses with energy, regularly hosting beach volleyball matches, ping-pong, and gatherings of friends enjoying the warm Spanish sun. The vibe here is cosmopolitan, tolerant, and effortlessly cool.

For active visitors, Mar Bella is an absolute paradise. The nearby Base Nàutica Municipal offers sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing opportunities, while the promenade behind the beach features a popular skatepark and sports courts. Whether you want to catch the Mediterranean breeze on a paddleboard, rollerblade down the scenic coastal path, or simply relax at one of the lively chiringuitos with a refreshing drink, this beach delivers an unforgettable experience.

Practical info

Beach typeSandy

WaterClean Mediterranean waters with a relatively gradual entry, protected by nearby breakwaters, making it generally calm.

Getting thereEasily accessible by public transport (Metro L4 Poblenou), bus, tram, or cycling along the Ronda Litoral path. The access is completely flat.

ParkingThere is limited paid street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, but public transport is highly recommended.

EntranceAccess to the beach is completely free, but renting sunbeds and umbrellas entails an additional cost.

LifeguardProfessional lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer season (typically from May to September).

ShadeThere is no natural shade on the beach, so bringing or renting an umbrella is highly recommended.

Best timeEarly mornings are perfect for jogging or swimming, while late afternoons offer the best chiringuito party vibe.

NearbyExplore the vibrant Poblenou neighborhood, or walk along the promenade to the adjacent Bogatell and Nova Mar Bella beaches.

Family-friendly & For kids

While it has a youthful and somewhat alternative vibe, families enjoy the wide sandy spaces and nearby playgrounds.

Kids will love the climbing pyramid (playground), the adjacent skatepark, and the safe, supervised swimming areas in summer.

Food & drink

Paella & Seafood — Many fantastic seafood restaurants along the nearby Rambla del Poblenou.
Tapas — Available at the beachside chiringuitos for a quick snack.
Refreshing Cocktails — Enjoy a mojito at sunset directly on the sand at a local beach bar.

Facilities

Beach bars (Chiringuitos)
Sunbed rentals
Showers
Public toilets
Volleyball courts
Water sports center

Events nearby

Nit de Sant Joan (St. John's Eve) annually on the night of 23-24 June; 2026 edition on 23 June · annual
Catalonia's midsummer solstice festival, when Barcelona's beaches including Mar Bella, Bogatell and Nova Icaria fill with bonfires, fireworks, picnics and all-night parties. Traditional coca flatbread and cava are staples of the celebration. Source
Festa Major del Poblenou annually in the first half of September, spread over two weekends · annual
The main neighbourhood festival of Poblenou, running since 1872, with around two weeks of giants parades, correfocs (fire runs), street meals, concerts, children's workshops and sports championships throughout the district just inland from the beach. Source
Festes de Maig del Poblenou annually mid-May; 2026 edition 15-18 May with correfoc on Saturday 18 May · annual
Poblenou's May festivities fill the neighbourhood streets with fairs, parades, popular dances and gastronomy, centred on the Rambla del Poblenou, culminating in a Saturday-evening correfoc fire run. Source
Festes de la Mercè annually around 24 September (patron saint's day); 2026 edition 23-27 September · annual
Barcelona's biggest annual city festival honouring the city's patron saint, with roughly 500 activities across the city including street arts (MAC), human towers, fireworks, parades and the BAM and Musica Merce concert programmes. Source
Llum BCN annually in February; 2026 edition 6-8 February · annual
A light and technology art festival that transforms the Poblenou neighbourhood with luminous installations created by artists, studios and architecture schools, set within walking distance of the beach. Source
Sant Jordi (Diada de Sant Jordi) annually on 23 April · annual
Catalonia's day of books and roses, marked across Barcelona including stalls along the Rambla del Poblenou, where couples exchange roses and books in one of the region's most beloved cultural traditions. Source

Tips

Use the L4 Metro line for the easiest access.
Respect the designated naturist area limits.
Keep an eye on your belongings, as in any busy city beach.
Try the water sports at Base Nàutica.

FAQ

Is there a nudist section at this beach?

Yes, there is a designated naturist (FKK) zone clearly separated by a small dune area.

Can I rent sunbeds and umbrellas?

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent during the official summer season.

Are there places to eat nearby?

Absolutely, there are beach bars directly on the sand and plenty of restaurants in the nearby Poblenou area.

How do I get there by public transport?

The closest Metro station is Poblenou on the L4 (yellow) line, about a 10-15 minute walk away.

Places nearby

Beaches nearby

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