Plea in favor of Barcelona beach

If there's one typical thing about a true Barcelonian, it's that they never go to Barcelona's beach. They find it ugly, dirty, crowded, and a magnet for tourists. Some even find it unsafe. Although I usually fit all the camaco stereotypes, I am far from being a hater of our city's beaches. This Barcelonian rejection of its coast is something I have never understood. And even less so, during the time I lived in Madrid.

For many years, Barcelona turned its back on the sea. Since the Olympic Games, we are lucky to be able to go to the beach on foot, by bike, or by public transport in a very short time from home. It is a privilege that few large cities have. Evidently, they do not have the beauty of the coves of the Costa Brava or the beaches of the Delta de l'Ebre. And no, I won't deny that some of the stereotypes and criticisms made about Barcelona's beaches are true. However, I believe that, in general terms, we have very decent urban beaches, which allow us to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea for free, from spring to autumn. Due to the climate crisis, also during some winter days.

Despite the bad reputation of Barcelona's beaches, six of them have the blue flag. That is, the distinction awarded by the European Foundation for Environmental Education for those beaches that meet a series of environmental and facility conditions. The blue flag is held by the beaches of Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella, San Sebastià, Somorrostro, and the Banys del Fòrum area.

I won't be the one to encourage Barcelonians to fill the beaches ---I would have less space for myself and my friends--- but I will be the one to make a plea in defense of the beaches of the Catalan capital. I believe it is one of the many elements that make it the best city in the world.