Ways to Travel
The best beach hotels in Barcelona 2025, reviewed

Classic images of Barcelona tend to involve Mediterranean-view seafood restaurants, soft gold-sand beaches and people strolling along the palm-lined seafront promenade. So it is often a surprise to discover that beachside accommodation options in the Catalan capital are quite limited, despite its sparkling seaside setting.
The shoreline extending around the old fishing quarter of La Barceloneta has a small crop of high-profile luxury hotels overlooking the shimmery waves. This is the busiest patch of Barcelona’s seafront, where runners weave through the promenade’s crowds and paddleboarders head off across the water. There are also some chic top-end boltholes dotted along nearby Passeig de Colom, next to the Port Vell marina, a short stroll from Barceloneta’s beaches.
Slightly further afield, several non-beachfront neighbourhoods – such as El Born and the Barri Gòtic – have tempting places to stay within a 15- or 20-minute walk (or a quick bus or taxi) of the sand.
Here are the best beach hotels in Barcelona for 2025. For the best spa hotels in Barcelona, see our guide.
Best beach hotels in Barcelona 2025
At a glance
El Poblenou, a revitalised former industrial district just northeast of the centre, offers its own handful of enticing hotels, which are ideal for relaxing on the less-touristed beaches of Bogatell, Nova Mar Bella and Nova Icària.
Isabella Noble
1. Hotel Arts Barcelona
For all-out beachfront Barcelona luxury, there’s no beating the long-established, creatively designed Hotel Arts – a soaring glass-and-steel tower overlooking Platja de Somorrostro and the newly revived Port Olímpic marina. The 432 calming rooms feel elegantly fresh following a head-to-toe 2025 makeover that has brought in Barcelona-evoking tones and locally made design pieces such as handwoven headboards and bold ceramics. A chic spa gazes out across the city from the 43rd floor, offering views of both the sparkling coastline and the Collserola hills, while fabulous restaurant Enoteca – led by Catalan chef Paco Pérez – has bagged two Michelin stars with its ambitious menus rooted in local, seafood-rich produce.
Address: Carrer de la Marina 19-21, 08005 Barcelona
Read more: 11 best cities to visit in Spain: Where to stay and what to do in each one
2. Hostal Poble Nou hotel
Just five minutes’ stroll from the powdery sands of Platja del Bogatell, Poblenou Bed & Breakfast offers the chance to switch off in a stylishly renovated 1930s neighbourhood home. There are 11 light-filled rooms to pick from, featuring beautifully tiled original flooring, breezy rattan lamps and bright floral-stamped walls. Thoughtful touches such as wicker beach baskets and colourfully striped towels to use during your stay add to the laid-back coastal feel, and some rooms have balconies overlooking the Poblenou action. Breakfast among the greenery on the raised back terrace is a lovely way to start the day.
Address: Carrer de Taulat 30, 08005 Barcelona
Read more: Barcelona city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in the Catalan capital
3. SLS Barcelona hotel
Spain’s first SLS outpost is shaking up Barcelona’s hotel scene with its good-time vibe, creative dining, 471 playfully moody rooms with balconies and Med-view deck set around a glowing triangular pool. Freshly launched in 2025, it is part of the design-driven Ennismore group, so you know the look will be dazzling, down to the neon-lit lobby tunnel. The setting in the El Fòrum area means being quite far removed from the city-centre buzz (though perfectly located for Primavera Festival, which takes place in early June each year), but there are golden sands within a 10-minute walk and easy access to the Zona de Banys coastal swimming platforms next to Parc del Fòrum.
Address: Carrer de la Pau 2, 08930 Barcelona
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4. W Barcelona hotel
It is impossible to miss the sail-shaped, five-star W Barcelona looming over the waves just south of Barceloneta. The shimmering building was designed by Ricardo Bofill, and is famous for its fun energy, including DJ nights on its beach-view deck and a glamorous 26th-floor cocktail bar serving Japan-inspired sips and snacks. There are sea views from two sun-drenched pools, as well as from all 473 sleek rooms and suites, which have full-length windows beaming in Mediterranean light and a clubby feel with suspended lamps, swirling-blue floors and Bluetooth speakers. The food-and-drink scene is a big draw too, from creative grill-based cooking at Fire to seafood rice dishes made for sharing at beachy Salt Restaurant.
Address: Plaça Rosa del Vents 1, 08039 Barcelona
Read more: The enchanting Spanish town that got tourism right
5. Borneta hotel
It might not sit quite on the beachfront, but Borneta is a soulful, boutique-style retreat in nearby El Born that will delight design-savvy travellers. While the arch-fronted building dates from the 19th century, there’s an arty edge to the stylishly homey rooms, with Spain-sourced antiques, earthy tones and, for some, private terraces. Much of the look – creative tilework, wooden flooring – was inspired by Barcelonese homes. The excellent lobby bar and restaurant Volta pulls in a mixed crowd of local regulars and visitors. You’ll glimpse the greenery of Parc de la Ciutadella just across the road from the tiled rooftop, which has a dip pool and pop-up fitness classes. Beach-wise, it’s a 20-minute stroll through lively Barceloneta to the nearest sands.
Address: Passeig de Picasso 26, 08003 Barcelona
Read more: The 7 best things to do in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, from sunbathing to whale watching
6. Soho House Barcelona hotel
A playground of design, arts and fun vibes awaits at Barcelona’s Soho House, which borders the southern edge of the Barri Gòtic around a 20-minute walk from Barceloneta’s buzzing beach. Within a rose-pink 18th-century building are 56 divine rooms with suitably stylish Catalan design features such as vaulted ceilings and floral-patterned textiles. A wealth of facilities and communal spaces includes a sought-after rooftop pool and cocktail lounge looking out on Port Vell; a farmhouse-feel underground spa by Cowshed; and creative, light-flooded restaurant Cecconi’s, best known locally for its Italian-influenced Sunday brunches.
Address: Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli 4, 08002 Barcelona
Doubles from €500 (£412), room only, non-member guests
Read more: I was drugged and robbed in Barcelona – but I’d travel back in a heartbeat
7. Sofitel Barcelona Skipper hotel
Popular Platja del Somorrostro sits just a block away across the palm-fringed promenade from Barcelona’s five-star branch of the upscale French brand Sofitel. Lush greenery frames the angular main pool, though the big highlight is the twinkling, more grown-up ElCielo rooftop pool overlooking the Med. A splash of Parisian elegance sweeps through the maritime-inspired rooms, which are all richly decorated with cobalt-blue velvet curtains, rugs and cushions and have luxe Diptyque products in the white-tiled bathrooms. Luxury, Premium and Suite categories include their own terraces, with coastal panoramas to enjoy from upper floors.
Address: Avinguda del Litoral 10, 08005 Barcelona
Read more: From fry-ups to Michelin stars – how Tenerife became a foodie paradise
One of the city’s best-loved luxury boltholes also happens to be just a 15-minute stroll away from the Barceloneta beaches, at the foot of the Barri Gòtic. Part of a small boutique-hotel label, Serras Barcelona is set in a 19th-century building on Passeig de Colom, making it ideal for both beach time and cultural adventures. Soak up Port Vell panoramas from the sunny rooftop, where a metallic plunge pool sparkles amid potted greenery. Like many of Barcelona’s top hotels, it’s strong on gastronomy too, with smart Catalan tapas on the roof terrace restaurant, Informal, and Italian-meets-Catalan cuisine with a slow food focus at lobby-level Agreste. There are 28 dreamy rooms, all with balconies, decorative hydraulic tiles and perks, such as complementary yoga mats.
Address: Passeig de Colom 9, 08002 Barcelona
Read more: How to afford a family city break in one of Europe’s biggest tourism destinations
9. H10 Port Vell hotel
Set right on the Port Vell marina, this four-star branch of reputable H10 Hotels (a well-known Catalan chain) offers understated, contemporary-feel stays in a historical building within 15 minutes’ walk of Barceloneta’s beachfront. Rooms are crisply styled in clean whites and have welcome extras like Rituals toiletries, but most guests make a beeline for the royal-blue rooftop dip pool. Select a Port room if you’d like a balcony with waterfront panoramas. The surrounding streets burst with tapas bars and vermouth counters.
Address: Pas de Sota Muralla 9, 08003 Barcelona
Why trust us
The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent’s expert travel writer, Isabella Noble, who lives in Spain and has a deep knowledge of the country. She has lived in Andalucía and Barcelona and has authored several guidebooks on the country. When picking which hotels to include, Isabella considered her own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
FAQs
What are the best months for hot weather in Barcelona?
The best months for hot weather in Barcelona are June, July, August and early September. During these months, temperatures tend to hover around the 30°C mark during the day, while evenings often remain above 20°C. Sun worshippers can also expect around 9-10 hours of sunshine per day. Bear in mind that this time of year can be humid and very busy with both tourists and locals, who often holiday in August.
Where are the best beaches?
Situated in the heart of the city, Barceloneta Beach is a perennial favourite with tourists and visitors alike. It’s buzzy, great for people-watching and has volleyball courts and outdoor gyms – but it can get very busy during the peak summer months. Bogatell Beach is a more relaxed option and a good choice for families, with lifeguards, showers and sunbeds and is situated close to the trendy El Poblenou neighbourhood. Elsewhere, Mar Bella Beach is best known for having a clothing-optional area, but it’s also a relaxed and inclusive spot that attracts a diverse crowd. And Nova Icària Beach is a good choice for a quieter day out, home to seafood dining spots, as well as being one of Barcelona’s best-equipped beaches for wheelchair users, with amphibious chairs, adapted showers and a ramp.
What currency do I need?
The currency you’ll need in Barcelona is the Euro (€).
Read more: 26 of the best beaches in Spain
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Historic UK landmark is transformed into a BEACH with splash pools, live DJs & 70m rides – and it's completely free – The Sun
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Arunachal tourism bags best adventure destination award at IITM 2025

At the India International Travel Mart (IITM) held in Bengaluru, Arunachal Pradesh was awarded the title of Best Adventure Tourism Destination for 2025.
The recognition came during the IITM Awards Nite, acknowledging the state’s rise as a top hub for sustainable and culturally rich adventure tourism.
The award was received in the presence of major tourism stakeholders and participants from Arunachal.
Officials credited the win to the collaborative efforts of local communities, tour operators, and the state government in promoting Arunachal Pradesh as a frontier for authentic and immersive adventure experiences.
The achievement underscores the state’s growing prominence on the national tourism map.
Ways to Travel
14 Of The Best Travel Snacks To Fuel Your Family’s Next Adventure

Mixed salty snacks. Flat lay table scene on a rustic wood background.
As summer break winds down, we have a few more weeks to fit in some family travel before returning to the school year. While the 4th of July is typically the most famed travel day, 83% of people said they plan to drive to their summer vacation destination, a cost-effective choice that allows for more flexibility. In fact, 54% said they will drive instead of fly due to the increasing cost of airfare, according to a survey conducted by Gas Station TV.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, healthy, or picky-eater approved, we’ve rounded up 14 tasty snacks to fuel your family’s next adventure.
1. Albanese True to Fruit Exotic Fruit Gummy Bears
Albanese True to Fruit Gummies
Many claim to be the best fruit snack or gummy, but Alabense is far above the rest. If you follow me on social media, you’ll know that every trip, whether it’s a flight or a road trip, starts with a snack haul, and Albanese gummies are always in my cart! I remember the first time I tried them, it was on a long flight, and they instantly became my go-to snack. They’re soft, the perfect amount of gumminess, and just plain ole’ delicious!
2. Sargento Shareables Snack Tray
Sargento Shareables
Sargento, known for its delicious cheese, offers a convenient solution for your on-the-go days. Simply toss a few of these snack trays in your cooler, and you’re all set for a day of adventure. Who can resist a savory cheese and cracker moment?
3. Made Good Granola Bites
Made Good Strawberry Granola Minis
These granola bites come in a convenient resealable bag, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. I am not a huge breakfast person when I am traveling, but I like to have something. These granola bites are a staple in my house and always in my bag. They’re chewy with the perfect hint of sweetness and flavor.
4. Justin’s Almond Butter
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter
My youngest niece, a picky eater, has found her match with these nut butter pouches. The beauty of these pouches lies in their versatility. Whether she’s eating it alone, spreading it on a cracker, or dipping apple slices, she’s in control of her snack time.
5. Stellar Pretzel Braids
Stellar Maui Monk Pretzel Braids
We may all be familiar with Stellar Pretzels, as it’s offered as a snack option by some airlines. They offer bold flavors, such as Dijon Mustard, without being overpowering. One bite, and you’ll be back for more.
6. Tru Fru Snacks
TruFru Strawberries
Prepare to indulge in a delightful treat. The fruit is fresh, and the chocolate used for dipping is velvety smooth. Whether you choose white chocolate, dark chocolate, or both, each bite is a journey into pure satisfaction. Trust me, you’ll find yourself sampling all the flavors.
7. Jack Links Beef Jerky
Jack Links Duo Jerky Packs
How many times have we had to juggle multiple packs of our favorite jerky flavors to mix into one bag? The struggle is over with Jack Links Duo. Each pack offers two flavors, providing a convenient solution that saves you time and brings joy to your taste buds with every bite. You won’t be able to pick a favorite, the duos are just too good!
8. Zarbee’s Triple Action Hydration Electrolyte Drink
Zarbee’s Hydration Electrolyte Drink Pouches
Encouraging children to drink water can be challenging. We love these drink pouches because they allow the tiny ones to easily grab one for a self-serve option, keeping them hydrated. These pouches are not just convenient, but also loved by picky eaters due to their delicious and natural flavors. Anything that is picky-eater approved is 10/10 in our house! She loves both the Strawberry Lemonade and Lemon Lime pouches.
9. Effie’s Homemade Biscuits
Effie’s Homemade Biscuits
These little treats are somewhere between a cookie and a cracker, but definitely pack the flavor. The corn, yes, corn, biscuits are a pleasant surprise. They’re easy to toss in everyone’s snack bag and are a good source of nutrition on the go!
10. Sprinkles Cupcake Cups
Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake Cups
Every road trip needs a little something sweet. These bite-sized pieces of joy, with their convenient packaging, combine the flavors of cupcakes with the taste of rich chocolate. However, it’s not too overwhelming or overindulgent. The Red Velvet and Birthday Cake flavors are exceptionally delicious!
11. That’s It Mini Fruit Bars And Crunchables
That’s It Snack Options
Healthy snacks help maintain a good balance and reinforce healthy eating habits. The mini fruit bars and crunchables, packed with essential nutrients, are great for the whole family to enjoy, especially the little ones!
12. Belgian Boys Breakfast All Day
Belgian Boys Breakfast All Day
These snack packs are a lifesaver for those hectic mornings when you need breakfast on the go. They come with a small wedge of cheese, mini buttered waffles, and dried fruit, making it a convenient and satisfying meal.
13. Heirloom Pipcorn Mini Popcorn
Pipcorn Variety Pack
Don’t forget to pack an extra bag or two of this popcorn for your trip. Its mini size and truffle flavor make it a tasty and irresistible snack. One bag won’t be enough for a road trip, so make sure you’re prepared with extra snacks!
14. Unreal Snacks
Variety Of Unreal Snacks
Another notch for healthy snacks that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Unreal makes the candy we like, without the additives and yucky stuff we don’t need. Think of them as a healthier alternative to treats like M&M’s and Snickers.
Don’t Skip The Rest Stop Eats
Even if you come prepared with a car full of snacks, sometimes you just want something hot and fresh. If you’re traveling with a large family, lugging everyone into a restaurant can be a hassle. Convenience store foods are meeting consumer habits by providing budget-friendly and road-ready meals that are good.
Pilot Travel Center’s Fuel Kits
Pilot Travel Center’s Fuel Kit
Launched earlier this summer and available until September 2, Pilot Travel Center debuted an $8 Fuel Kit at over 340 locations nationwide. The Fuel Kits are customizable snack boxes, offering a variety of options to cater to your taste, featuring three crispy tenders, one choice of candy, a fountain drink of any size, and one bag of Frito-Lay brand chips.
$3, $4, And $5 Meal Deals At Circle K
Circle K Meal Deal Line Up
Circle K, the popular gas station, is your new destination for budget-friendly and delicious pit-stop meals. Their $3-$5 menu offers great value for money, with options for every meal of the day. If you’re in need of a quick snack, their $3 meal deal includes a hot dog or a taquito, a 1-2 oz bag of Frito-Lays chips, and any size Polar Pop.
For breakfast lovers, their mid-tier meal deal is the perfect choice. It’s all about convenience-choose between a breakfast sandwich, add a hash brown, and any 16oz BANG, Ghost, C4 energy product, medium-sized coffee, or any size Polar Pop. No need to worry about what to eat in the morning, they’ve got you covered.
Lastly, the $5 meal deal includes two slices of pizza or a personal pizza and a 20 oz soda product or any size Polar Pop.
How To Store Your Travel Snacks
Igloo Trailmate 70 Quart Cooler
We store our snacks in various ways, depending on the type of adventure. For road trips, we opt for coolers. The Igloo Trailmate, our trusted companion, makes these trips a breeze. It’s not just for road trips, but also for beach or park days, thanks to its all-terrain wheels. It features two built-in bottle openers, a butler’s shelf, an interior food basket, side storage, and cup holders. And, it can fit 112 cans! We love how we can split the internal space for beverages, fruit trays, deli meats, and other perishables, making it a convenient and easy-to-use storage solution for any outdoor activity.
Igloo KoolTunes Cooler With Built-In Speaker
Our larger cooler, always ready in the trunk, is our refill station. In the backseat, we have a smaller cooler that’s perfect for drinks, perishables, and group meals. It’s a practical solution that keeps us reassured and prepared. For this, we use the Igloo KoolTunes, a versatile addition that doubles as a portable speaker. It’s not just for beach days, hikes, or lake outings; it’s for feeling ready for anything.
The kids also travel with their backpacks filled with anything they may need during our travels, including snacks they don’t want to share. We use a few things to help them keep their snacks close, depending on their needs.
Whiskware Snack Containers
Whiskware Snack Containers are a parent’s dream, fitting perfectly in cup holders or bags, customizable, and each one features perfectly portioned jars to keep kids’ favorite snacks handy for the whole ride. And when the journey is over, toss them into the dishwasher to ensure they’re squeaky clean for the next use, giving you peace of mind about your child’s snack time hygiene. I was able to select containers that matched my crew’s personalities and interests, such as Disney Princesses, Toy Story, or their favorite color schemes.
Owala FreeSip Series
Speaking of, we matched our favorite containers to Owala tumblers. Additionally, their line of FreeSip and FreeSip Twist bottles makes it easy to manage drinks on the go: no spills, no leaks, no fuss, no mess. The Triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. It’s just what you need moving about on a hot summer day.
AllHaula Insulated Dry Pouch 5L
For snacks or bites that don’t quite fit into containers, we rely on the All Haula Insulated Dry Pouches. These versatile pouches fit easily into any backpack or on the side of the All Haula Cooler. Despite their compact size, they can hold a surprising amount. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean, ensuring you stay organized even in the face of leaks or spills.
Wherever adventure leads you this summer, Happy Snacking!
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