The closest beaches can be found within 15 minutes’ walking distance form Las Ramblas. These spots are always crowded whenever there are waves. Barcelona’s most popular surf spot has a beach break, and waves break on the sandy seabed. This is the type of wave amateurs would like to surf in. The shifting sandbars at this spot cause the waves to form to the right as well as to the left. Parking spots are hard to find in this area, getting there by public transport and foot will save you a headache. The only hazard of this spot is theft: just don’t leave your valuables on the beach to be grabbed, and enjoy the waves to the fullest.

This small bay is one of the most picturesque surf spots, the old fishermen’s huts on the beach and houses scattered all over the cliff have shaped its unique appearance. During winter, spring and autumn, Garraf is just the spot for the wave-riders that like more quiet beaches. Parking at this location is fairly easy, except for the summer period. But then again, in summer the sea tends to be mostly flat. Garraf also has a beach break with waves both on the right and left. Near the pier is where most waves appear. The bay is located half-an-hour’s drive south from Barcelona between Castelldefels and Sitges. Watch out for the slightly rocky bottom.

Could it be the winds generated by the constant arrival and departure of airplanes at Aeropuerto de Barcelona – El Prat? Or are these waves caused naturally, just like in other spots of the Catalonian Coast? Regardless of the answer, El Prat’s beach break offers waves for the right and left handed. The spot is situated in the delta of the Llobregat river, with waves up to two meters for surfers at any level. Catalonian surfers favor this spot, and when the conditions are just right, El Prat has a full line-up. Get there by public transport on these days, because parking spots are like needles in haystacks.

The Cemetery is a spot at the Sitges. Sitges has a long surfing tradition. It’s one of the favorite spots for Catalan longboarders. The city offers a lot more than just a popular stretch of beaches, it also has tasty seafood restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. Because it’s such a popular spot, parking can be hard. But with good conditions, the sweet barrels at this beach are totally worth it. The location, close to the Sitges cemetery, has given this spot its name.

While most spots at the Catalonian Coast are beach breaks, this one differs from all the others. At Río Besos waves break onto a rocky point to the right, meaning that it’s a point break. And that’s not the only difference. This spot is located at the mouth of the river Besòs at Sant Adrià de Besòs, less than ten kilometers north of Barcelona. This is a secret gem among the Catalonian surf spots for the more advanced surfers.

A one and a half hour’s drive north from Barcelona, you will find Sant Pere Pescador, a town at the Golf de Roses. the coastal area of Sant Pere Pescador is a very relaxing place for a kite-based trip. The sea breeze at Golf de Roses is amazingly reliable and generally blowing with a constant strength of 12 to 24 knots. The wind is side-onshore, from the right. That makes it an excellent lower intermediate spot. Add up the beautiful beaches and an abundance of charming Catalonian eats and this is the perfect stress-free kite spot. You will find multiple schools at this spot offering lessons and material for rent.

Does the name of this spot ring a bell? The idyllic town of Castelldefels is known for its over five-kilometers-long beach; and for its famous residents. Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are nearly neighbors in this town. Anyhow, Castelldefels’ beach is also a popular and regulated kite zone located just above Sitges. The international Barcelona-based kitesurf school Mojokite offers lessons and rentals at this great spot. Wind conditions are pretty reliable and it’s just half an hour’s drive from Barcelona.
Before you start discovering this and other sweet spots along the Catalonian Coast, you should check which zones are forbidden areas during the tourist high season, from June to September.
If you’re interested in a city break why not check out Culture Trip’s guide on How to Spend a Weekend in Barcelona now.