For the past two Januarys we have gone to St. Martin in the Carribean for one week (Grand Case) and have loved it. But, I am trying to get to more places I have never been. Are there good beaches near enough to Barcelona and is it swimming weather in January? And, should one stay in the beach town or Barcelona?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Barcelona is way too cool in January for any beaching it - high in the low 50s on an average i think.

Please, Spain is not the Caribe !! Too cold for beach or swimming in January, people here likes skiing at the Pirynees

while we're at it: Spaniards don't wear sombreros.

Last January (the 5th to be exact) the average temp in Barcelona was around 48 degrees according to Weatherunderground and nearest beach (Sitges) probably about the same.

Being a frequent visitor to both St. Martin and Europe, I'd be surprised whether you'd find anything like Grand Case in Europe in January. Europe's not south enough.

If you want the high heat as well as the French ambience, try another island in the French West Indies. I've been to Martinique, Guadaloupe, Isles les Saintes and enjoyed them all.

All parts of europe are way, way north of the Caribbean. There really isn;t any place in europe where you can swim in January - except with a wet suit - and for a very limited time.

You need to stay someplace much farther south.