Location
Spain
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to September (quieter in May, June and September)
About Platja de la Mar Bella
Mar Bella is one of Barcelona's nine city beaches, in the Sant Martí district two beaches north of Barceloneta toward the Besòs. At 512 m long and about 42 m wide it is the narrowest of the city's beaches, and part of it is set aside for nude bathing: the Espai de Bany Nu, a signposted strip partly sheltered by a low dune and rocks at its sides. It is the only nude area the city authorises. The sand is coarse and golden, the water calm and generally clean, and there is no natural shade. The rest of Mar Bella is a busy urban beach with a volleyball area near the Bac de Roda breakwater, a sailing and rowing centre (Base Nàutica) at the west end, and sports facilities by the Mar Bella sports centre on the promenade. The nude strip draws a mixed city crowd and is known as welcoming to LGBTI visitors; on July and August weekends it becomes cramped, while May and September are far more relaxed.
Getting there
The beach is at Passeig Marítim de la Mar Bella 104. The metro L4 stops at Poblenou, Llacuna and Selva de Mar, each roughly 10-15 minutes' walk away, and several city bus lines run along the seafront. Bicycle lanes follow the Passeig Marítim. Street parking is scarce and paid; public transport is the practical option. The city lists the beach as accessible for people with physical disabilities, with ramps from the promenade.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Mar Bella's nude strip as convenient, sociable and diverse, popular with locals, tourists and the LGBTI community. The main complaints are crowding in high summer, non-nude bathers spilling into the zone, music and drinkers from beach bars, and in 2016 naturists said the flags marking the area had been moved, shrinking it. Regulars stress not photographing people and dressing before you leave the sand. Outside peak weekends it is considered relaxed.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Barcelona City Council's beach guide states that part of Mar Bella is a nudist area, the only one the city authorises. Under the 2011 civic ordinance, walking nude off the sand onto the promenade or streets can be fined. A 2018 neighbourhood council record noted complaints about sexual behaviour and asked for more Guàrdia Urbana presence.
Naturism at Platja de la Mar Bella sits under Spain's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.3970, 2.2100
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed on all of Mar Bella?
Only on the signposted nude strip; the rest is a regular city beach, and nudity on the promenade can be fined.
How do I get there by metro?
Take L4 to Poblenou, Llacuna or Selva de Mar and walk 10-15 minutes to the seafront.
When is it least crowded?
Weekdays and the shoulder months of May, June and September; July and August weekends are packed.
Are there facilities?
Yes, it is a fully serviced city beach with showers, toilets, lifeguards in season and beach bars.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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