Barcelona's beaches were largely created for the 1992 Olympics, transforming what had been an industrial waterfront into several kilometres of sand. They are not the prettiest beaches on the Mediterranean, but they are convenient, well-maintained and surprisingly pleasant for a major city.
Barceloneta is the most central and the most crowded, backed by the old fishermen's quarter with its seafood restaurants. Nova Icaria, just past the Port Olimpic, is popular with families and has good facilities. Bogatell is slightly quieter and favoured by locals. Further north, Mar Bella has a nudist section and a younger, more alternative crowd. All the beaches are free, connected by a seafront promenade, and easily reached by metro.