Nova Icaria beach

"Nova Icària and Bogatell are neighboring beaches, but we’ve grouped them together because they share a boundary, not to mention a vibe. Leave the shouts of Barceloneta’s sarong- and sangria-sellers behind; walk while keeping Frank Gehry's famous golden fish sculpture on your left (and eventually behind you), and you'll start to actually see some unoccupied stretches of sand. There’s ample space, plenty of sports courts, and, best of all, no one has tried to massage you in public for at least ten minutes." - Gemma Askham

"Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about? Nova Icària and Bogatell are neighboring beaches, but we’ve grouped them together because they share a boundary, not to mention a vibe. Leave the shouts of Barceloneta’s sarong- and sangria-sellers behind; walk while keeping Frank Gehry's famous golden fish sculpture on your left (and eventually behind you), and you'll start to actually see some unoccupied stretches of sand. There’s ample space, plenty of sports courts, and, best of all, no one has tried to massage you in public for at least ten minutes. Lovely. How accessible is it? If you’re not coming from Barceloneta beach, take the metro to Ciutadella Vila Olímpica or Bogatell, both on the yellow L4. The stations don’t exit directly on the seafront, but you’ll see sand after walking for ten or fifteen minutes. Got it. Decent services and facilities, would you say? There are services aplenty, particularly for sports enthusiasts: table tennis, basketball hoops, soccer nets, and volleyball courts used for the standard beach volleyball as well as for a hybrid form called foot volley. Imagine soccer-meets–beach volleyball: Your feet do everything your hands normally would. It’s a skill to watch, so be sure to post up and take it all in. How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf? The water is cleaner than Barceloneta, and more pleasurable to wade into. Anything special we should look for? The xiringuitos (beach bars) stay open all year, even in winter. For a lunchtime fix of fresh fish and rice, try Xiriniguito Escribà or Can Fisher. If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for? If you’ve ever dreamed of leading a more outdoorsy life—one with fresh air and long runs by the sea—this is the beach for you. Obviously you’ll need paella and a bottle of wine to mull over your five-year plan." - Gemma Askham

"You’ve nearly burst a lung blowing up the inflatable swan. Now your needs are simple: a safe spot of shallow sea in which to plop it (plus its pilots), and a nice spot of sand in which to plop yourself. Bogatell checks both boxes. Quieter than crowded Barceloneta, but near the life of Poblenou should you need supplies. Besides the sun and sand there’s a brilliant rope playground for kids—look for a giant red climbing triangle and the beachfront Vai Moana café has a children’s menu featuring mini versions of the adult-size dishes (plus chicken fingers)." - Gemma Askham