Beach volleyball · Barcelona
Beach volleyball at Nova Icaria
Nova Icaria is beside Port Olimpic, in the Olympic Village stretch of the seafront.
We play here. Keep Calm Volleyball is free and open to all levels: regular Saturday games from 16:00 to 19:00 plus ad-hoc meetups, 5v5 with a maximum of 12 players per slot, with the net and balls brought by the organisers.
The beach
If a Barcelona local says "beach volleyball", Nova Icaria is usually the beach they mean. It sits right next to Port Olimpic, on the stretch of coast that was rebuilt for the 1992 Games, and local guides consistently name it as the city's main volleyball beach, with a cluster of courts in one spot rather than a single net here and there.
That concentration is what makes it useful if you are new. There is usually a game going on, so you can watch for a few minutes, see the level, and decide whether to get involved. It is also where the busiest courts are, so it rewards turning up early.
What it is like
Expect a mix of regular teams, groups of friends and casual players. On summer weekends it fills up. Public courts are generally first come, first served, so do not count on a free net at 18:00 on a Saturday in July.
The beach also has plenty of other things going on behind it (cafes, the marina, the promenade), which makes it an easy place to combine a game with a drink afterwards.
Getting there
The nearest metro is on the yellow L4 line. Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica is the usual stop, followed by a short walk down to the sand. Several bus routes also run along the seafront. It is a flat, easy route by bike along the promenade.
Best for
Seeing a lot of volleyball in one place, and joining an organised game. It is our most-used beach, so if you want to play with other English speakers, this is the one to look for in the group.
Before you go
- Public beach courts are generally first come, first served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
- The beach season runs roughly May to October. Late afternoon to sunset is the busiest time.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a ball. Nets, rules and what is set up change from season to season, so check when you arrive.
Compiled in October 2026 from public local guides and our own volleyball organisers. If something here is out of date, tell us.
Questions
Is beach volleyball at Nova Icaria free?
Public courts on Barcelona beaches are generally free to use and run first come, first served. Our own games are free too: no court fee and no membership.
Do I need to bring a net?
If you join one of our sessions, no. The organisers bring the net and balls. If you go on your own, it helps to bring your own ball, since equipment on busy courts is not always available.
When is the best time to go?
From roughly May to October the sand is busiest from late afternoon until sunset. Mornings are quieter and cooler. Arrive early on summer weekends.
Does Keep Calm play at Nova Icaria?
Our volleyball group plays regular Saturday games from 16:00 to 19:00, plus ad-hoc meetups, rotating between Nova Icaria, Somorrostro and Bogatell. The net and balls are brought along by the organisers, games are 5v5 with a maximum of 12 players per slot, and it is free.
Other beaches
- BogatellA wide, relaxed beach with proper sports facilities behind the sand.
- SomorrostroA short stretch of sand with a history, between Barceloneta and Nova Icaria.
- Mar BellaA sporty beach near the municipal watersports base. We do not run games here.
- BarcelonetaThe famous one. Busy, central, and not where our games are held.