Beach volleyball · Barcelona
Beach volleyball at Somorrostro
Somorrostro is between Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, below the Port Olimpic towers.
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
Somorrostro is the short beach between Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, near the towers by Port Olimpic. It is easy to walk past without noticing where one beach ends and the next begins, but it has its own name, and a story: until the 1960s a shanty quarter called Somorrostro stood on this shore, home to thousands of families and known in flamenco history as the birthplace of the dancer Carmen Amaya.
Today it is a more modest, quieter slice of coast than the beaches on either side, which is exactly why it suits a casual game. Our organisers use it as one of the three beaches in the Saturday rotation.
What it is like
It is a smaller stretch than the beaches on either side, so there is less room for large crowds, and it picks up some overflow from Barceloneta on busy days. It is a lower-key setting than the cluster of courts at Nova Icaria, which suits a casual game among friends.
Because it sits between two much busier beaches, it is a handy fallback: if the sand at one end is packed, a short walk gets you here.
Getting there
Barceloneta and Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica, both on the yellow L4 line, are the usual stops, each a walk of around ten minutes or so from the sand. Walking along the promenade from Barceloneta takes you straight here.
Best for
A quieter game, a fallback when its neighbours are crowded, and anyone curious about the history of the coast.
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 If something here is out of date, tell us.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
Where exactly is Somorrostro beach?
Between Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, near the towers beside Port Olimpic. The beaches run into each other, so use the promenade to find it.
Does Keep Calm play volleyball at Somorrostro?
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.
Is it quieter than Barceloneta?
It can be, since it is a smaller stretch between two busier beaches, but crowds vary with the day and the weather. Check when you arrive.
Do I need to book a court?
No. Public beach courts are not booked. They run first come, first served, and our own sessions are open to anyone in the group.
Other beaches
- Nova IcariaThe best known volleyball beach in the city, next to Port Olimpic.
- BogatellA wide, relaxed beach with proper sports facilities behind the sand.
- 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.