Platja de Sant Sebastià

The slightly more remote nature of this beach makes it a better bet in your quest to find a square foot of sand during the packed summer weekends. All the way at the end of the peninsula of Barceloneta, this is where most local Barcelonans who choose to stay in the city come for their tanning. Bathe in sea and sun under the shimmering auspices of the new W Hotel, nicknamed la vela (“the sail”) for obvious reasons.

Platja de Sant Miquel

Walk through Barceloneta parallel to Pg. Joan de Borbó, and you’ll eventually hit this beach, at the urban area’s southernmost tip. This is where city meets sea, with some beautiful beach in between. The beach is the site of the now iconic Homenatge a la Barceloneta monument by German artist Rebecca Horn (the one that looks like a skyscraper after a mild earthquake) and is one of the most crowded spots in Barcelona in the summer.

Platja de la Barceloneta

The most popular (read: crowded) beach in Barcelona, Platja de la Barceloneta attracts a vibrant mix of visitors, tourists, and brave locals regardless of the weather. In short, good luck finding a place to sunbathe—even when there’s no sun to be seen. If you’re looking for a little exercise, pick-up volleyball games abound on the public courts.

Platja del Somorrostro

Once the site of a 15,000-person shantytown, Somorrostro is now one of the busiest beaches at all hours. Come during the day to take advantage of the biblioplatja (beach library) and athletic facilities, or stumble out of the clubs at 3am for a late-night swim; you’ll be in good company.

Platja de la Nova Icària

This short stretch of coastline marks the beginning of the less touristy, more modern neighborhood of Poblenou, but it still boasts a fair number of non-locals. Evidence of domestic living has started to creep into the vacationer’s paradise, so expect to see happy families and jolly athletes taking advantage of this calmer beach’s great location.

Platja del Bogatell

A rock wall protects a portion of Platja del Bogatell from the sea’s sometimes perilous waves, but the sport of choice is marathon sunbathing on sand that resembles kitty litter when it gets wet. This beach tends to draw an older crowd; those with a little more energy usually head to beaches slightly farther afield in search of better sand and fewer fogies. Theadjacent Parc del Poblenou also offers a pleasant haven for those few who have grown tired of sand and waves, though we’re not sure how that is possible.

Platja Mar Bella

Past the Bogatell naval base, rocky outcroppings provide cover for Barcelona’s only designated nude beach. Beyond this short stretch of plentiful skin is a gay beach, marked by a rainbow flag flying at the beachside restaurant. Mostly frequented by younger and local people, the two sections provide a perfect place to shed some inhibitions (among other things).

Platja Nova Mar Bella

One of urban Barcelona’s most distant beaches and consequently the least crowded, Platja Nova Mar Bella is the stomping ground of local teenagers and students. Still easily accessible by Metro, this beach boasts a more relaxing alternative to the tourist-shoving death-match of Platja de la Barceloneta, especially on weekends.

Parc de Collserola

On Barcelona’s outskirts lies the world’s largest metropolitan park—though that distinction gives its urban counterparts short shrift, as the Parc de Collserola is really more of a suburban forest than anything else. The park stretches along the Collserola mountain range from the Besòs River to the Llobregat River, between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès farther inland. Although the park is easily accessible by public transportation, few non-Barcelonans visit, so don’t expect information in English.

The park’s 80 sq. km. include diverse flora and fauna, like wild boars and badgers and such naughtily named birds as woodpeckers, whitethroats, and the small but perky blue tits. For a greatest-hits showcase of the park’s variety, the 13km trail from Parc del Laberint d’Horta ([Mundet) to Sant Cugat is highly recommended. Collserola is a good place to work off those tapas with a ton of hiking trails and the Carertera de les Aigües (Water Highway), a cycling track that follows the ridge of the mountain range and has stunning views of the city to the south and the valley to the north.

For those who do not find never-ending delight in the birds and the bees, the park is littered with places to eat, benches to relax on, and historic architecture and ruins to mentally digest. History buffs will want to check out the 12th-century ermitas (dwellings) of Sant Adjutori and Sant Medir, while those interested in the modern should be sure to stop at the Collserola Tower, a telecommunications tower designed by architect Norman Foster for the’92 Olympics. Although the games have long past, the 10th-floor observation deck and unbeatable location on Vilana Hill make it an ideal place to look out over Barcelona, Montserrat, and, if the day is clear, the Pyrenees.

Parc de la Guineueta

This narrow but beautiful park, though a bit out of the way, draws visitors from all over the city; it’s surprisingly busy considering its distance from the center. Occupying a natural gully, the lower part of the park offers isolation, while a large plaza at the park’s summit serves as a popular place for meetings, demonstrations, and sardanes (traditional dances).

Parc del Guinardó

This diverse park—meticulously landscaped gardens in parts, rugged forest in others—is surrounded by the city but feels worlds away. Head to the peak (or take the #28 bus) to be reminded that the city’s still there, though it seems to recede into the sea from your stunning vantage.

Jardins del Turó del Putget

Just across the valley from the architectural madness of tourist-ridden Parc Güell, el Turó del Putget is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Scale the peak for some incredible views of the city, or stay down below and play some botxes (bocce) with the geezers.