Barcelona is one of the most popular beach cities in the world. Because of this, it gets uncomfortably busy, especially in the summer months. Luckily, the Spanish coast is peppered with many underrated coastal towns which are close enough to the city for a cultural day trip, but far enough from the clammer for a relaxing beach vacation with local character. Renting an Airbnb in beach towns near Barcelona gives you everything you need for a European trip without the hefty price tag of a city hotel and the crowds. From the uber-cool town of Sitges to the cliffside village of Blanes, these are the best spots to base yourself if you’d like to visit Barcelona without throngs of tourists.
Photo: Airbnb
9 Fabulous Airbnbs in the Most Underrated Coastal Towns Near Barcelona
What coastal towns are near Barcelona?
There are plenty of stunning coastal towns just a stone’s throw away from the city. All of the towns listed here are within a short train or drive from the center. Here are some of the best:
We hope you love the Airbnbs in beach towns near Barcelona we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Sitges
Approximately 24 miles south of Barcelona, this charming town is known for its LGBTQ+-friendly vibes, cultural festivals and events, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beaches.
Ibizan-style design villa
This Ibizan-style design villa has a fantastic location in Sitges. It’s on a very quiet street but very close to everything you need — a five-minute walk to the beach, the center of town, and the train and bus station. There are parking spaces, but the transport links are so superb here that you don’t really need a car to explore the coast.
Outdoor there is a swimming pool, a dining table with a capacity for eight, and hammocks in the garden. The recently renovated kitchen has everything you need to prepare a meal for a group or family, and if you are staying more than six days, you get a complimentary cleaning service included in the price.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $554 per night
Home with private pool and beautiful view of Sitges
This bright and airy one-bedroom apartment has a terrace facing the sea, on the beach of la Ribera. The nearby promenade is an excellent spot for people-watching, and there are numerous little stretches of sand, each with its own vibe — from bustling to secluded. The apartment is ideal for a couple. It’s surrounded by pedestrian streets, which are perfect for romantic evening strolls, and are lined with some excellent seafood restaurants. If you need more space, there is a pull-out couch in the living room which sleeps an extra two guests.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $260 per night
Altafulla
Located just 45 miles south of Barcelona, the small beach town of Altafulla is also easily reachable from the city by train or car. The town has a beautifully intact old quarter and a nice sandy beach with a promenade and a few outstanding bars and eateries.
Apartment with oceanfront swimming pool
Photo: Airbnb
With direct access to Altafulla Beach, this spectacular apartment is one of the best Airbnbs in the area for a family or large group. Its sprawling terrace is a perfect place to enjoy long lunches between trips to the beach or evening meals. Views over the ocean can be enjoyed from the living room and the outdoor pool that is surrounded by a lush garden.
Nine guests, five bedrooms
Price: $276 per night
Charming apartment on seafront
Photo: Airbnb
This two-bedroom apartment is smack-bag on the seafront and comfortably sleeps five in two double rooms and a pull-out couch. It has unobstructed views over the beach and you can literally fall out of bed and land on the sand. The interior is traditional with modern amenities such as an induction hob and stainless steel appliances. On the roof, there is a little suntrap terrace that leads off the main bedroom — a perfect place to enjoy a cold beer and watch the sun set on the horizon.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $243 per night
Calella de Palafrugel
One of the most beautiful and off-the-beaten-path towns near Barcelona, Calella de Palafrugell is home to picturesque beaches and scenic coastal walks.
Home with heated swimming pool and outstanding views
Photo: Airbnb
Calella de Palafrugell is one of three coastal towns belonging to the municipality of Palafrugell. The historic town has plenty of stunning coves, white sand beaches, and pine forests.
This pretty little house was completely renovated in 2022 and is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden that can be enjoyed from its several terracotta terraces. Regardless of what time of year you are visiting — for winter guests there is a fireplace and a heated swimming pool — this is one the most charming Airbnbs on the coast. There’s plenty of outdoor seating and inside the interior blend of bleached wood, a soft cream color pallet with bold patterned statement walls.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $387 per night
Fantastic villa minutes from the sea
Sleeping eight with four bedrooms the villa has outstanding views from its floor-to-ceiling walls of windows. Its sleek and modern design is contrasted by leather furniture, a huge cozy L-shaped couch, and snuggly throws. The bedrooms are also flooded with light due to the open-planned layout. The luxury rental is topped off by a 20-meter-long infinity pool that has views over the sea and the pine forest.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $478 per night
Begur
Begur is a charming medieval village of cobbled streets, well-preserved historical ruins, and beautiful whitewashed houses that adorn the hillside. Close to the village, you’ll find the breathtaking beaches of Sa Tuna, Sa Riera, and Aiguablava.
Private five-bedroom villa
A restored Catalan villa with breathtaking sea views of Sa Tuna Cove and the Mediterranean Sea, this five-bedroom spot is one to bookmark. The cove is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking along the rocky coastal path. The villa and private swimming pool terrace overlook the coast and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the region. It’s also a great rental if you enjoy grilling. The villa has a traditional outdoor stone and tiled oven and grill area and a charming dining table next to the edge of the water. There’s a second Alfresco table under an enclosed terracotta patio and the internal decor is a luxurious blend of traditional Spanish design and chic minimalism.
Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $561 per night
Blanes
Blanes was once a small fishing town, but it has evolved over the years into a modern, dynamic seaside resort. Today, it is a popular destination for a family vacation.
Cliffside house with beautiful sea views
A stay at this cliffside house will make your loved ones back at home ridiculously jealous. It’s got it all. A view over Blanes and the ocean and it’s a three-minute walk to the promenade with numerous bars and restaurants. The property boasts a huge garden, four spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi, terrace, and barbecue area. It is a private and tranquil space, that is close enough to nightlife and eateries but secluded so you can enjoy your dream Mediterranean vacation without the crowds.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $690 per night
Lloret de Mar
Lloret de Mar is situated in the southern part of the Costa Brava and is a popular spot for those looking for a bustling nightlife scene.
Luxury villa with with pool and cinema
It’s unlikely you’ll be wanting to spend much time in the villa’s home cinema considering the location in buzzing Lloret de Mar, but the luxurious add-ons to this property make this one of the top listings on the coast. The house sleeps up to sixteen guests and is a short four-minute walk to the beautiful rocky coastline. The 14-meter pool is climatized in winter and there’s a Jacuzzi, epic grilling facilities, and a huge garden with fruit trees. The home is very kid-friendly. On request, a net can be installed on the infinity side of the pool for safety and outside there is a small play house where kids can hang out or sleep overnight if they are feeling adventurous. 
Sixteen guests, seven bedrooms
Price: $1,364 per night