Sant Adrià beach reopens after four years closed because of pollution

Sant Adrià de Besòs beach is once again open for bathing this season, after having remained closed since May 2021 because of toxic waste in the sand. A recent report from the Agencia de Residuos de Cataluña (ARC) confirms that the area no longer poses risks to public health.

The closure was ordered four years ago, when heavy metals and pollutants from former industrial activities were detected. Since then, the Ministry for Ecological Transition has led complex decontamination work. Although storms in 2023 complicated the recovery by washing up new waste, the reopening has finally been given the green light.

This year, the beach will see its first Semana Santa with bathers since its closure. The reopening expands Barcelona's coastal offering just as the bathing season begins, which will run until 5 October with all lifeguard and rescue services active.

ARC, however, warns that constant environmental monitoring will be essential to prevent future contamination. The recovery of this beach represents not only an improvement in the coastal offering, but also a victory in the fight for a cleaner, healthier coastline.