A huge part of Barcelona's appeal is being a city with a beach – though, actually, it's “beaches”. Barceloneta is the coastal celebrity here, famously lively and convenient, but there are many more (less populated) spots to spread your beach towel on.
Can you swim in the sea in Barcelona?
You can enjoy almost 5 km of beaches which are all accessible by public transport and have all the necessary amenities for you to swim in the biggest swimming pool of all: the sea.
Is Barcelona or Madrid better for holiday?
If seeing the sites of Antoni Gaudí, enjoying a lively culinary scene, and spending time on the beach is important, Barcelona is the perfect destination. On the other hand, if you're seeking a less crowded, more affordable experience diving into Spain's history and art galleries, Madrid is the way to go.