Located near Port Olimpic, Nova Icaria Beach is a family-friendly beach with a variety of restaurants and bars. Grab a drink at one of the chiringuitos on the beach and watch the sunset.
This beach is also great for water sports. Try a windsurfing lesson or head out on the water for a sunset sailing tour.
1. Nova Icaria Beach
Located north of the Port Olympic marina and next to Bogatell Beach in the Vila Olimpica neighborhood, Nova Icaria is one of the most tranquil beaches in the city. Its golden sand, crystal clear waters and magnificent backdrop of palm trees makes it the perfect spot to relax and top up your tan. It also offers a range of facilities, including a playground, public fountains, volleyball courts and ping-pong tables. It is also smoke-free and features a nudist area in one of its ends. You can also find a beach library, a police station and lockers.
Visitors to Nova Icaria tend to be families with children or groups of friends seeking a quiet beach away from the crowds. It is also considered to be one of the calmest beaches in Barcelona and is a favorite among locals for that reason. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for the day, and there are plenty of nearby restaurants to enjoy a meal after a relaxing time on the beach.
2. Mar Bella Beach
The water on this beach is crystal-clear and the sand is soft, golden, and regularly cleaned for optimal conditions. Despite its smaller size, it is one of the most popular beaches in Marbella with a high occupancy rate from locals and tourists alike. The proximity to the area with exclusive luxury shops, terraces, and restaurants also contributes to its popularity.
Besides sun loungers and umbrellas, this beach has several other amenities including a children games area, beach volley courts, basketball hoop, and skate park. It is also home to the Base Nautica Municipal de Mar Bella where visitors can hire kayaks or take catamaran excursions on the sea.
This beach is one of the liveliest in the city and is a meeting point for Sant Marti residents, children, foreigners, and students from nearby faculties. It is also a favourite spot for naturists and offers an area where you can practise nudism without going too far from the rest of the beach.
3. Port Olimpic Beach
One of the most popular beaches amongst couples and families alike, Nova Icaria Beach has some great amenities, including a beach information center, lifeguard and public facilities. You can also rent parasols and lounge chairs on the sand, and there are nearby equipment rentals for water activities such as sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Situated roughly halfway along the city’s shoreline, this 415-metre beach was designed with families in mind, and it is one of the quietest in Barcelona. Nevertheless, it offers a good range of leisure amenities, from a playground and ping-pong tables next to the Bogatell breakwater to two volleyball courts near the Olympic Harbour.
During high season, Port Olimpic Beach becomes a hub of activity as people head out on sailing trips and enjoy the sunny waters and sandy beaches. It’s a nice place to spend the afternoon, especially with the backdrop of the Mapfre towers and Hotel Arts, the goldfish sculpture by Frank Gehry, and the sail-shaped Port Vell Marina.
4. Drakano Beach
The beaches of Icaria are as diverse as the island itself. Armenistis is an enchanting beach with an independent spirit that harks back to the hippie era, while Nas Beach is the island’s most popular spot for families. The beach of Mesachti is renowned for its ponds and the beach of Kampos has sun beds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Seychelles Beach, on the west side of the island near Agios Kirikos, is a beach of exotic beauty with pebbles and turqoise waters.
The quiet Agios Kyrykos and funky Evdilos villages are the starting point for a number of good island walks. Icaria is also known for its excellent wine; try the Afianes natural sparkling wine Begleri and the dark red Fokiano, which pairs well with meat dishes. Beach lovers can play beach and water sports alone or with friends or practice their favourite sport at one of the several adapted areas for people who need assistance.