Renting in Sant Martí (Poblenou), Barcelona
Sant Martí is Barcelona's modern waterfront: Poblenou and Diagonal Mar, where new-build apartments, city beaches and the 22@ tech district come together. It's the go-to for professionals who want beach life and a contemporary home.
Life in the neighbourhood
Sant Martí is Barcelona's modern, sea-facing side. Centred on Poblenou and Diagonal Mar, it trades old-town charm for wide streets, new-build flats, city beaches and the 22@ tech district. It suits professionals, remote workers and families who want a contemporary home, morning swims and more space than the centre allows, without leaving the city.
Areas within the district
Poblenou is the creative heart, a former industrial quarter now full of lofts, studios and the leafy Rambla del Poblenou. Diagonal Mar, by the water, is all modern towers, a big park and a shopping centre. The Vila Olímpica and its marina sit by the beaches, while El Clot and Provençals keep a more local, everyday feel inland.
Getting around
Metro L4 runs the length of the district along the coast (Poblenou, Llacuna, Bogatell, Selva de Mar), backed by L1, L2 and the Trambesòs tram. The centre is 15–20 minutes away, and the airport and business parks are an easy hop. Flat and bike-friendly, it's built for two wheels as much as the metro.
Schools, parks & everyday life
The beaches are the headline act: Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Icària are a short walk from most homes. Add the Rambla del Poblenou, the Parc del Centre and Diagonal Mar park, the 22@ offices of tech and media firms, and a growing choice of new-build flats with pools and parking. It's greener and more open than the historic core.
What to love
- Beach living with modern, new-build homes just steps from the sand.
- More space and value than the centre, often with pools, parking and sea views.
- The 22@ tech hub on your doorstep, ideal for professionals and remote workers.
What to consider
- Less historic charm and character than the old town or the Eixample.
- A big, spread-out district; some inland pockets are still transitioning.
- Diagonal Mar's towers can feel more corporate than a traditional barrio.
What you can rent here
Market snapshot
≈ €33/m² · Typical range €1,900 – 4,300 · Typical price · 80 m² ~€406,000
The new waterfront: Poblenou and Diagonal Mar, modern flats, city beaches and tech offices. Homes lean modern: bright new-builds, some with pools and sea views near Diagonal Mar, alongside converted lofts in Poblenou. A fast-growing, in-demand area.
Sale prices from the Idealista index (2026). Gross yield = annual rent ÷ purchase price, before costs and taxes, indicative.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is rent in Sant Martí?
For furnished, market-rate homes, budget around €1,900 for a one-bedroom and roughly €2,700 for a good two-bedroom; new-builds near Diagonal Mar with a pool or sea view run higher. It generally offers more space for the money than the centre.
Is it good for families?
Yes. New-build flats, parks, the beach and modern schools make it popular with families, especially around Diagonal Mar and the Vila Olímpica. You get space, sea air and a contemporary home a short ride from the centre.
Is Sant Martí well connected?
Very. Metro L4 runs right along the district by the coast, with L1, L2 and the tram nearby, so the centre is 15–20 minutes and the airport an easy trip. It's also flat and excellent for cycling.
What's the difference between Poblenou and Diagonal Mar?
Poblenou is the creative, characterful core: old industrial streets turned into lofts, studios and its own rambla. Diagonal Mar is newer and more polished: modern towers by the water, a large park and a shopping centre. Poblenou feels more like a barrio; Diagonal Mar more like a modern development.
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