Arenys de Mar

"Part fishing port, part beach, Arenys de Mar is a fishing-industry epicenter; the sailing vessels and blue-and-white boat sheds were all built for hard graft rather than show. If you’re facing the sea, the best beach is to your right. As the sand sweeps around, walk towards La Musclera. You’ll know you’ve arrived when more catches your eye than sand and a couple of beach bars—yep, it’s nudist. Don't worry, though: Stripping down is optional." - Gemma Askham

"Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about? Part fishing port, part beach, Arenys de Mar is a fishing-industry epicenter; the sailing vessels and blue-and-white boat sheds were all built for hard graft rather than show. If you’re facing the sea, the best beach is to your right. As the sand sweeps around, walk towards La Musclera. You’ll know you’ve arrived when more catches your eye than sand and a couple of beach bars; yep, it’s nudist. Lovely. How accessible is it? Catch the R1 train line from Barcelona toward Blanes and Maçanet-Massanes. There’s also parking, although it's best to jump quickly on any open spot. Got it. Decent services and facilities, would you say? There are loungers, umbrellas, and a good spread of other facilities. How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf? Depending on how game you are to embrace the (optional) no-clothes thing, you could be in the pristine water faster than Michael Phelps. Anything special we should look for? It's worth watching the daily afternoon fish auction, when the fleet arrives loaded with its haul; or, better yet, taste the goods at waterfront spots like La Llotja, La Tasca del Port, where giant wine barrels stand in for tables, or Restaurant Les 13, a newcomer that's already generating buzz. Wherever you land, be sure to order prawns, a town specialty. If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for? Foodies who also happen to love the beach." - Gemma Askham