We tend to think that to visit a nudist beach it is necessary to travel miles and miles in search of that hidden spot where you can bathe without clothes so peacefully. However, this perception is not entirely true, since in the big cities we can find nudist beaches that are just as popular, if not more so, than those in much more unspoilt areas.
This is the case of Mar Bella, in Barcelona. With its 500 metres long and 42 metres wide, it has become one of the beaches of reference for locals who want to practise nudism. It was created for the 1992 Olympic Games and is usually frequented by foreigners, although it is a little far from the Olympic Port and Barceloneta, which is the area where most of the tourists visiting Barcelona are concentrated.
Not 100% nudist
It must be said that not all of the beach is nudist. There is an area set aside for it that is easily recognisable. It has a nightclub-bar area that is mainly aimed at the homosexual public and on summer nights they usually organise parties.
It is a beach frequented by many young people, sportsmen and women and students from the faculties near the Mar Bella. It has an Information Point, Red Cross, Urban Guard, left-luggage office, adapted showers, children’s play area, sun loungers, parasols, sports facilities, bicycle parking, WiFi, etc.
The theme more focused on sports and nautical activities is run by the Base NĂ utica Municipal de la Mar Bella (they organise courses and rent equipment) and the Complex Esportiu Municipal Mar Bella (Vanas Dive). The latter is a diving centre that offers courses and organised diving trips and excursions.
Useful information
– Contact telephone number: 932 210 348
– Email: centreplatja@bcn.cat
– Address: Pg. MarĂtim de la Mar Bella
– How to get there: By Metro on line L4 (Poblenou or Selva de Mar stop), by bus on the 26 and H16 and by Tram on line T4 (Selva de Mar stop).