Mar Bella
Catalonia, Spain: Excellent water quality
Mar Bella is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 3.68 km from Barcelona. The Blue Flag award, given annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, means the beach meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Mar Bella
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Mar Bella?
Mar Bella is a Blue Flag-certified beach located 3.68 km from Barcelona. The Blue Flag award, given annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, means the beach meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors.
Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The beach is open throughout the season and works well for families and swimmers looking for a clean, well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Catalonia, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Mar Bella faces west toward Balearic Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 14°C | Low |
| Feb | 10°C | 13°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 15°C | Med |
| May | 18°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jun | 22°C | 21°C | Med |
| Jul | 25°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 25°C | 25°C | High |
| Sep | 22°C | 24°C | Med |
| Oct | 18°C | 21°C | Low |
| Nov | 13°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 15°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Mar Bella?
The best time to visit Mar Bella is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 25.2°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.7°C in July.
How crowded does Mar Bella get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, Mar Bella sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Mar Bella open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Mar Bella
Is Mar Bella safe to swim?
Mar Bella is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Mar Bella?
Peak water temperature at Mar Bella reaches around 23.7°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 8.6°C.
What is the beach like at Mar Bella?
Mar Bella on the Catalonia coast of Spain. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August draw the most visitors. Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The beach is open throughout the season and works well for families and swimmers looking for a clean, well-maintained beach.
Mar Bella sits on the Balearic Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Transport
Getting to Mar Bella
How do I get to Mar Bella by car?
Mar Bella is approximately 3.68 km from Barcelona. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Mar Bella?
The nearest airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), approximately 16.2 km away.
Can I get to Mar Bella by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Barcelona. The nearest recorded bus stop is 169 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Mar Bella?
Mar Bella lists Selva de Mar as the nearest railway station, 0.91 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Mar Bella
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Mar Bella. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Mar Bella
- Public toilets Public toilets 131 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 181 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 294 m
Bus near Mar Bella
- Platja Nova Mar Bella Bus stop 169 m
- Pg Taulat - Bac de Roda Bus stop 372 m
- Av Litoral - Platja de Llevant Bus stop 408 m
- Pg Taulat - Bac de Roda Bus stop 432 m
- Pg Garcia Fària - Jonquera Bus stop 456 m
Cafés near Mar Bella
- BeGay Café 142 m
- La Malandrina 3 Restaurant 176 m
- Estel de Mar Restaurant 428 m
- Café Café 435 m
- l'h@m Restaurant 444 m
Parking near Mar Bella
- Parking Parking 127 m
- Parking Parking 315 m
- Parking Parking 330 m
- Parking Parking 442 m
Supermarket near Mar Bella
- Condis Supermarket 472 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Mar Bella
- Lifeguards
- Yes
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 81 m away
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 470 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 169 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 41.4007°N, 2.2140°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mar Bella FAQ
Is Mar Bella suitable for children?
Mar Bella has a child-friendly score of 4/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Mar Bella free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Mar Bella. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Catalonia, Spain, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Mar Bella?
The best time to visit Mar Bella is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 23.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Mar Bella?
Mar Bella is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Mar Bella?
Mar Bella is located in Catalonia, Spain. It is approximately 3.68 km from Barcelona. The nearest airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), 16.2 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Mar Bella?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 3 toilet locations near Mar Bella, including 131 m away, 181 m away, and 294 m away.
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Mar Bella?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 169 m from Mar Bella (Platja Nova Mar Bella), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Mar Bella?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Mar Bella, including BeGay (142 m), La Malandrina 3 (176 m), Estel de Mar (428 m), and 435 m away.
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Mar Bella?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 127 m from Mar Bella, with 4 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Mar Bella?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 472 m from Mar Bella (Condis). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Spain, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Mar Bella
- ADEAC (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.