The Best Walking Routes In and Around Barcelona
In such a large and bustling city, it’s easy to forget that Barcelona has much more to offer beyond its famous architecture, music, and nightlife. So, if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a few hours or a day and in search of some fresh air, you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t have to travel far outside of the city to find some of the best walking routes the region has to offer, with some pretty cool views to go with them.
Before setting off on your hike, here are a few useful tips to keep in mind:
- Find all of the information about the route you are going to take before you set off.
- Choose a route that corresponds to your level and is not too much of a challenge.
- Remember to bring a map or download the route on Google Maps before starting and make sure that you have the necessary equipment and provisions to complete the chosen route, including water and snacks!
- Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Easy
Montjuïc
Combine sightseeing with a scenic walk along one of Barcelona’s most accessible routes. Montjuïc may be the smallest of Barcelona’s surrounding hills but does not disappoint. Home to the historic Montjuïc Castle, the 1992 Olympic Stadium and the Joan Miró Foundation, there are many ways to enjoy a hike on this beautiful route, with numerous stops to be made along the way. One of the nicest trails begins in the Grec Gardens in Poble-Sec, following the Laribel Stairs up to the Miró Foundation. Carry on along the Carrer Doctor i Font Quer and wind your way up to the castle for a truly stunning view of the city.
Parc Güell Forest Area
Most visitors know Parc Güell for Gaudi’s famous Monumental Zone, but few realise that a large part of the park can be visited completely free of charge. Beyond the ticketed area lies a peaceful network of forest paths and walking trails that wind through pine trees and natural viewpoints. If you’re looking for a quieter walk with beautiful views of Barcelona, exploring the free forest area around Parc Güell is a fantastic alternative to the busy tourist sections.
Passeig de Gràcia to the Columbus Monument
Embark on an enchanting urban walk through the heart of Barcelona, starting at the Diagonal metro station. From there, head down to the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, where you’ll pass two of Antoni Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Continue your stroll down the bustling Rambla, an iconic boulevard that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the city. Along the way, make sure to explore the colourful stalls of the famous Mercado de La Boqueria, a paradise for food lovers. Your journey concludes at the historic Columbus Monument, offering a perfect blend of Barcelona’s rich history and modern charm.
The Besòs River and Seafront
For those who prefer flatter terrain and want to walk without worrying about uphill, the trail along the Besòs River is a great option. The river runs from the Collserola Mountain range to the Mediterranean Sea. Tracks have been created for walkers and cyclists along the riverside. The area attracts everyone from families to fitness gurus alike. Once the official trail ends, mountain bikers can continue along the rugged riverside path for another several kilometres.
Medium
The Carretera de las Aigues
Translated literally as ‘Road of waters’, Carretera de las Aigues is a 9-kilometre stretch of paths that wind around the Collserola mountain. If you’re looking for a more active day, this destination offers the perfect place for outdoor activities such as running, cycling, and walking. Challenge yourself with steeper inclines by accessing more difficult terrains. If you’re just looking to find spectacular views of the city away from all of the action, access Carretera de las Aigues by car or public transportation and enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends against a rather breathtaking backdrop.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a stunning coastal region just north of Barcelona and stretches right up to the border of France where the Pyrenees mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its spectacular cliffs and hundreds of coves that line the coast, the Costa Brava is a must-visit for hikers, offering the perfect day trip out of Barcelona. One of the most scenic parts of the Camí de Ronda follows the spectacular coastline, with routes suitable for different fitness levels. Some of the most popular walks include Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc, a short and easy coastal stroll, Llafranc to Tamariu, which offers beautiful sea views and a slightly more challenging route, and Begur to Sa Tuna, a picturesque trail passing rugged cliffs and secluded beaches.
The Bunkers del Carmel
These former wartime bunkers were used during the Spanish Civil War but have since been totally abandoned, and today they provide one of the best panoramic views of the city to be found. Once considered one of Barcelona’s hidden gems, the Bunkers del Carmel are now of the city’s most popular viewpoint. Even so, they remain well worth the climb thanks to their spectacular 360° views over Barcelona. The nearest stations are Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau and El Coll | La Teixonera, both of which leave you within walking distance of the viewpoint. If you’re looking for one of the best places to admire Barcelona from above, this is a route you won’t want to miss.
Due to overcrowding in the evenings which has been disturbing the residents, timings have been put in place, and the viewpoint is open until 7.30pm. This still allows you to visit during the day and experience one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints.
Difficult
Tibidabo Mountain
For those looking for more of a challenge, a hike up Tibidabo is a great way to combine nature, exercise and some of the best views over Barcelona. Famous for the amusement park at its summit, Tibidabo is the highest point in the Serra de Collserola and rises more than 500 metres above the city.
One scenic route to the top starts in the Sarrià neighbourhood and continues towards Vallvidrera before following the trails up through Collserola. The uphill sections make this a more demanding walk, but once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over Barcelona and the surrounding area.
Montserrat
The Montserrat Abbey is a big tourist destination outside of Barcelona, and one unique way to see it is by foot.
Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona is easy. Take the train from Plaça Espanya, then continue up the mountain by cable car or rack railway. Combination tickets are available, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Once you arrive, there are several walking routes to explore, but for those looking for more of a challenge, the Sant Jeroni hike is a highlight. This 7 to 8 km round trip takes approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours to complete and leaves behind the monastery. This walk does take some time and definitely requires some physical exertion, but it’s all worth the breathtaking peaks that make Montserrat so unique, offering spectacular 360-degree views stretching all the way back to Barcelona and Penedès. If you plan to see both the religious buildings and complete the hike, leave Barcelona early in the morning to give yourself plenty of time.
Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll around the monastery or embark on a challenging hike through the mountains, a trip to Montserrat is sure to impress.
Montseny Natural Park
Another great experience is the Turó de l’Home trail which leads to the highest peak in Montseny Natural Park, standing at 1, 706 metres above sea level. Suitable for both experienced hikers and casual walkers, the area offers a variety of routes, from more leisurely paths to challenging climbs. Most visitors start from the nearby parking area before making their way to the summit, where they are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Montseny mountains, the Pyrenees, and even Barcelona on clear days. The Túro de l’Home is the highest mountain in Montseny Natural Park. During winter, the landscape often transforms with snow and ice, creating an even more impressive setting, although proper footwear and extra caution are recommended.
Overall, Barcelona and its surroundings have a vast choice of walks and hikes to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you prefer a leisurely coastal walk, a scenic urban route, or a challenging mountain adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From breathtaking viewpoints to historic landmarks, peaceful natural parks and hidden trails, these routes offer a fantastic way to experience a different side of the region. So, lace up your walking shoes and discover the beauty of Barcelona on foot!
