Enjoy the fresh sea air on a short trip to the Costa Barcelona

Enjoy the fresh sea air on a short trip to the Costa Barcelona

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9.0
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Leave your worries at home with a minibreak to the Costa Barcelona

The Costa Barcelona is the stretch of the Catalan coast around the big city, and it's an ideal place for a short break. Livelier than the southern Costa Daurada, less expensive than the Costa Brava, it's perfect for anyone who wants a holiday that combines beach vibes with city fun. You'll never be too far from Barcelona, so you can hop on the train to go shopping or see some of Gaudí's masterpieces - or, if you prefer, you can lounge on the beach and enjoy the chilled-out vibes of the local towns.

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Popular Short breaks in Costa Barcelona

Supermaresme, Arenys de Mar

9.7

Villa for 6 people, with garden and balcony as well as ocean view

from £255 per night
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Castelldefels, Costa del Garraf

9.8

Villa for 6 people, with garden

Free cancellation

from £225 per night

Malgrat de Mar, Maresme

9.2

Holiday home for 8 people, with garden

Free cancellation

from £220 per night

Calella, Maresme

10.0

Holiday home for 4 people

Free cancellation

from £69 per night
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Planning a short holiday on the Costa Barcelona

What should I do during a long weekend on the Costa Barcelona?

The towns on the Costa Barcelona offer the perfect combination of urban fun and beach vibes. To see them at their best, consider doing a stretch of Catalonia's famed camí de ronda, the hiking trail that runs all the way down the coast, during your minibreak on the Costa Barcelona. The portion from Sitges to Vilanova i la Geltrú is particularly popular; it hugs the coast, following the train lines and offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Just be warned that you will pass a nudist beach just to the south of Sitges - those of a delicate disposition may want to avert their eyes! Of course, your short break to the Costa Barcelona could include some exploration of the big city. You might want to book tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, two of Antoni Gaudí's most famous masterpieces. You could also spend a morning shopping at the boutiques in La Ciutat Vella, or an afternoon at Camp Nou - there are so many great options to choose from!

Where should I stay for a short holiday on the Costa Barcelona?

There are a number of great towns to choose from when you're looking for villas on the Costa Barcelona. One of the most popular is Sitges, an upscale resort known for its Art Nouveau mansions and excellent restaurants. Sitges is renowned as the LGBTQ+ capital of Catalonia; every year, it has a spectacular Pride celebration, and its gay bars are legendary. The nearby town of Vilanova i la Geltrú is another excellent choice for apartments on the Costa Barcelona. Stay here during your short trip to the Costa Barcelona if you want something laid-back and more traditional. Be ready to offer a cheerful "bon dia" to people you meet, as in this town, Catalan is spoken far more than Spanish. You may also want to consider villas in Barcelona around Castelldefels, which boasts one of the biggest beaches in the region, a broad stretch of white sand. Craving big city vibes? Then look for apartments in Barcelona around La Barceloneta, which is the city's main beach.

Palafolls, Maresme

8.8

Holiday home for 20 people, with balcony and garden

from £582 per night

Supermaresme, Arenys de Mar

9.9

Villa for 8 people, with ocean view and terrace as well as garden

from £284 per night

Urbanizacion Montcabrer, Cabrils

9.0

Holiday home for 10 people, with terrace and garden

from £154 per night

el Masnou, Maresme

9.9

Chalet for 8 people, with garden and terrace

from £225 per night
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Find Short breaks in Costa Barcelona

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FAQs: Short breaks in Costa Barcelona

What's the best time of year for a short break on the Costa Barcelona?

The summer months are when the coastal towns around Barcelona are at their most crowded, both with foreign tourists and locals from nearby inland areas. Prices for holiday lettings in Barcelona and the surrounding area tend to be higher in July and August, and the crowds and extreme temperatures can turn a relaxing break into something far more stressful. Luckily, the mild weather means that this area is a great spot for a minibreak at any time of year. The sea remains swimmable until mid-October, giving you opportunities for a quick dip long after the summer crowds have gone home.

How can I travel to the Costa Barcelona?

The most convenient airport is Barcelona El Prat (BCN). This is a major airport with regular connections to cities across the UK; a flight from London takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes. You may also find low-cost airlines offering flights to Reus (REU). This is further away - it's better for accessing Salou and the Costa Daurada - but it may still be practical. It'll take just under an hour to get from Reus Airport to Sitges by bus. Flights to Girona, almost 130 km from Sitges, are quite inconvenient for the southern part of the Costa Barcelona.

What's the easiest way to get around the Costa Barcelona?

Generally, you'll want to use the trains that connect the coastal towns with Barcelona and with each other. Bus services are less frequent and less reliable, and sometimes stops can be hard to find. If you're only visiting for a short time, you may find that you don't even need to rely on the trains, as you have everything you need in your immediate surroundings.

What annual events should I look out for on the Costa Barcelona?

Every town, city and even neighbourhood in Catalonia has its own festa major, or local festival. These are fun-filled occasions when the streets themselves are transformed into full-on parties. Expect live concerts, barbecues, and funfairs. You'll also find Catalan cultural events like correfocs (fire runs, spectacular nighttime pyrotechnic displays. Wear a long-sleeved hoodie made from cotton if you want to be part of the action), castells (human towers), and performances by gegants (enormous papier-mâché figures that twirl through the streets carried by dancers). Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, and Castelldefels all have their festa major in August; check the calendar for similar events in other towns.

What local food should I try on a trip to the Costa Barcelona?

The Costa Barcelona is known for its excellent Mediterranean seafood. You'll be amazed by the number of rice dishes - so much more than just paella! Try arròs negre, a dramatic dish where squid ink turns the rice black. Fideuà is like a seafood paella with short pasta instead of rice, and makes an interesting change. If you visit the area in winter, be sure to try calçots, a Catalan favourite. They look like small leeks and are served at calçotada barbecues, dipped in generous quantities of romesco sauce.

Other holiday ideas and property types in Costa Barcelona that might be interesting

Popular Destinations in Costa Barcelona

    Most popular amenities for Short breaks in Costa Barcelona

    Pool
    (233)
    Internet
    (370)
    Pets allowed
    (154)
    Balcony/Terrace
    (292)
    TV
    (336)
    Air conditioning
    (294)
    Garden
    (232)
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    (254)
    Washing machine
    (340)

    Destinations in Costa Barcelona for Short breaks

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