Barcelona’s Fòrum Bathing Area reopened to the public on June 15 following a €2.12 million renovation that brings urban swimming together with environmental protection. Described as the city’s largest natural saltwater pool, the site offers free access, upgraded safety measures and improved accessibility. An offshore island has been set aside for coastal birdlife.
Unlike a conventional beach, the Fòrum Bathing Area has no sand. Visitors enter the Mediterranean using ladders from broad concrete platforms extending more than 300 metres along the waterfront beside Parc del Fòrum. The layout gives people a place to swim within the city, without the sandy shoreline found at traditional beaches.
Major Investment in Safety and Accessibility
The renovation was funded with €2.12 million from the European Union’s Next Generation programme. Work began in September 2025. Crews removed the old breakwater, upgraded access ramps and replaced pavements and railings, while also reinforcing underwater safety infrastructure. A second lifeguard tower was installed. Improvements to public restrooms and walkways were designed to eliminate blind spots and improve visibility.
Accessibility was basic to the project. Facilities include an autonomous ramp for people with reduced mobility, along with adapted showers and toilets. Support for assisted bathing is available during the summer season. Together, the changes are intended to make access to the water and surrounding facilities more inclusive and safer for visitors.
Pangea Island: A Refuge for Coastal Birds
The artificial Pangea Island, just offshore, has been naturalized as a refuge for coastal and marine birds. Species found there include the little ringed plover, grey heron, little egret, kingfisher, great cormorant and European shag. Swimming to the island, approaching it by boat or reaching it on floating devices is prohibited, protecting its nesting and feeding areas.
Native coastal plants have also been introduced around the bathing area. They were selected to withstand salt and Mediterranean weather. A new beach bar has a shaded terrace and a smoke-free policy, with no alcohol sales. Reusable cups carry a €1 deposit, an approach intended to reduce disposable waste.
Community Activities and Broader Context
Social and educational activities are due to begin at the Fòrum Bathing Area on July 15. The programme includes sports and community activities for vulnerable groups, adding a community dimension to the site’s role as a place for leisure, inclusion and biodiversity on Barcelona’s northern waterfront.
The reopening comes amid wider attention to safety and environmental stewardship along Mediterranean coasts. A recent report on UNESCO’s warning about tsunami risks in the Mediterranean highlights the importance of considering coastal hazards alongside public access and conservation.
