When you think of Barcelona, we don’t doubt that hiking is perhaps one of the last things that comes to mind, but you’ll be surprised to know that the city actually offers some great hiking experiences. You will find a number of fabulous trails in and around the city combining the beauty of nature with elements of urban Barcelona. Let us guide you to the best, whether you want a short leisurely walk or a challenging hike, we have you covered.
The Tibidabo Mountain
For one of the best views in the city, hike up to the top of the Tibidabo Mountain. This is one of Barcelona’s most famous 9 surrounding hills, dominating Barcelona’s skyline. You may notice the famous church which sits at the top, as you can see this from many areas in the city.
This hill also hosts one of the cities oldest amusement parks, el Parc del Tibidabo, which has been around and kicking since 1905! If you start at the top of Sarrià, and pass through the Avenida de Vallvidrera and the Carrer de Santpedor, you will find yourself on a stunning route right to the top. Look out for signs to help you along your way.
Barcelona to Sant Cugat
For a bit of a longer hike, a good choice is Barcelona to Sant Cugat, beginning on the GR 6 trail beside the stunning Parc del Laberint d’Horta. Make sure you check out this park along the way, its beautiful and full of mazes! This route to Sant Cugat reveals stunning architectural beauty from all the way back in the 11th century. This one is a real treat for those who love archeology. It will take around 3 and a half hours and is around 12km, so get your hiking boots at the ready!
The Besòs River
If hiking up a hill isn’t what you’re looking for, maybe this will be perfect for you. The beautiful Besòs river is a river which flows through Catalonia, formed by the confluence of the Mogent and Congost rivers. This begins at the Collserola Mountain range and runs into the Mediterranean sea. You will find a long track alongside the river, perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists. This is around 2 hours long depending on how you take it, and offers a great route.
Vallvidrera to La Floresta
If you enjoy the modernist art of Barcelona, you’ll love the Vallvidrera neighbourhood. This neighbourhood is home to some beautiful modernist houses and is a great place to begin your hike. This is much shorter than the last, being around 2 hours long and just 8km, but still offers incredible scenery. When walking into the park of Vallvidrera you will find the beautiful reservoir, which used to provide drinking water to the town of Sarrià until the end of the 19th century. Continue along the GR 96 trail up to La Floresta where you will be greeted with views over Montserrat as you go.
Bunkers del Carmel
As one of the best viewpoints in the city, Bunkers del Carmel is adored by locals, and surprises many tourists. These bunkers were once wartime bunkers during the civil war, but now stay abandoned. You can walk to the bunkers from the centre of town, which will take you around an hour and a half, or you can get the metro to Guinardó i Hospital de Sant Pau (where you should check out the Hospital de Sant Pau if you have time!), and walk from there. At the top you can admire panoramic views of the skyline of the stunning Catalan capital, and enjoy the entertainment you will find at the top.
Montjuïc
Although one of the smallest of Barcelona’s surrounding hills, Montjuïc still requires a short trek to the top. There are many ways to get there, and many stops you can make when walking there. Try walking through the Grec gardens, beginning at Poble sec. This route will take you to the Laribel stairs up to the level of Miró fountain. If you continue on and walk towards the gardens of Joan Brossa and keep going up you will come across the stunning castle of Montjuïc. At the top you will find food stalls, outdoor restaurants and plenty of space for you to rest. On your way back down you should check out the Olympic pools, where you will find a lovely restaurant with incredible views over the city.
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