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When you think of Barcelona, it’s easy to picture its famous sights first: the impressive Sagrada Familia, the vibrant Las Ramblas, or the stunning beaches along the Mediterranean coast. But beyond these iconic images, there’s another side to the city: a quieter, greener Barcelona that’s just as worth discovering.

Across its hills, parks, and historic spaces, Barcelona’s botanical gardens offer a peaceful break from the busy streets. These are places where nature takes the spotlight, inviting you to slow down, relax, and see a different face of the city, one filled with plants, trees, and carefully designed landscapes. For those looking to explore Barcelona from a different perspective or simply enjoy a calm afternoon surrounded by greenery, the city’s botanical gardens are a refreshing and memorable addition to any trip. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most special ones.

In Barcelona

Jardí Botànic de Barcelona

Located on Montjuic Hill, the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona is one of the city’s most impressive green spaces. Unlike many botanical gardens that focus on tropical plants, this one celebrates the diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean climate, not just from the Mediterranean itself, but from regions across the globe, such as California, South Africa, Australia, and Chile.

Spread over 14 acres, the garden is thoughtfully divided into zones representing these areas. As you walk through, you’ll notice the subtle transitions: from olive groves and aromatic herbs to eucalyptus forests and shrubs.

Beyond its beauty, the garden plays a vital role in plant conservation, housing many endangered species and contributing to global biodiversity efforts. A visit here is an aesthetic experience and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving ecosystems.

Location: Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer, 2, 08038 Barcelona (Montjuïc Hill)

Jardí Botànic Històric

Just a short distance away, still on Montjuïc, lies the lesser-known Jardí Botànic Històric, a garden set within two ancient stone quarries. Jardí Botànic Històric benefits from a unique microclimate: cooler, more humid, and ideal for species that struggle in the typical Mediterranean heat. Here, you’ll find ferns, laurels, and even towering sequoias, a rare sight in Barcelona’s climate.

Founded in 1930, the Jardí Botànic Històric preserves rare plant species. With its shaded paths, moss-covered stones, and gentle water features, the atmosphere offers an ideal escape from the bustling city centre.

Location: Carrer dels Tarongers, s/n, 08038 Barcelona (Montjuïc Hill)

Parc de Cervantes

For those visiting Barcelona in spring or summer, the Parc de Cervantes offers a striking floral spectacle. Situated in the district of Pedralbes, near the University of Barcelona, this park is renowned for its vast rose garden, home to over 10,000 rose bushes representing approximately 230 varieties.

Each May, it hosts the International New Roses Competition, attracting experts and enthusiasts from around the world. During this period, the park becomes an unforgettable sensory experience filled with beautiful and fresh roses. Beyond the roses, Parc de Cervantes provides endless green spaces, shaded pathways, and areas perfect for a peaceful walk or an afternoon rest.

Location: Avinguda Diagonal, 708, 08034 Barcelona (Pedralbes)

Parc de la Ciutadella

At the heart of Barcelona lies Parc de la Ciutadella, an urban park originally designed in the 19th century, which was intended not only as a recreational area but also as a botanical showcase.

While strolling through the park, visitors encounter a wide variety of plants, from towering ficus trees and tropical palms to colourful flower beds. One of its highlights is the Umbracle, a beautiful 19th-century iron and glass structure that shelters tropical species in a shaded, humid environment.

Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona (Ciutat Vella)

Outside of Barcelona- A Perfect Day Trip

Marimurtra Botanical Garden

About an hour’s drive north of Barcelona, in the coastal town of Blanes, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens on the Mediterranean. Founded by German botanist Carl Faust in the early 20th century, it was created with the vision of combining scientific study with the sheer enjoyment of nature.

Located on cliffs overlooking the sea, the garden offers sweeping views of the Costa Brava’s stunning coastline. Its 4,000 plant species are carefully arranged into three main areas, Mediterranean, temperate, and subtropical, creating a varied landscape that reflects different climates around the world. The garden’s centrepiece, the Linnaeus Temple, provides a perfect spot for admiring the sparkling waters below. 

Location: Passeig Carles Faust, 9, 17300 Blanes (Girona)

Jardí Botànic Pinya de Rosa

Just a short distance from Marimurtra lies the Pinya de Rosa Botanical Garden, another gem of the Costa Brava. Founded in 1945 by the engineer Ferran Rivière de Caralt, this garden specialises in tropical and succulent plants.

Pinya de Rosa boasts one of Europe’s largest private collections of cacti and agaves, with plants from Mexico, South Africa, and other regions. Its natural design allows visitors to enjoy a more spontaneous connection with the landscape. The proximity to small, secluded coves and beaches also makes it an ideal stop for enjoying nature as well as a relaxing seaside experience.

Location: Carretera Blanes a Lloret, GI-682, km 674, 17300 Blanes (Girona)

Parc Samà

Heading south of Barcelona, near the coastal town of Cambrils, Parc Samà offers an unforgettable botanical experience.

Built in the late 19th century by the Samà family, this romantic park was designed as a private summer residence, inspired by colonial gardens from Cuba. Today, it covers more than 14 acres of lakes, canals, exotic trees, and architectural gems like pavilions, bridges, and a grand staircase.

Beyond its plant variety, which includes Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical species, Parc Samà also shelters a small wildlife reserve and several free-roaming peacocks. The atmosphere is calm, with shaded paths, water features, and open lawns that allow visitors to stroll and unwind.

Location: Carretera de Vinyols s/n, 43850 Cambrils (Tarragona)

Why Explore These Botanical Gardens

Exploring Barcelona’s botanical gardens, both in the city and beyond, offers a different, often overlooked way to experience the region. Far from the crowds and monuments, these gardens invite you to slow down and enjoy nature. Whether you’re drawn to the Mediterranean landscapes of the Jardí Botànic, the secluded Jardí Botànic Històric, the array of roses at Parc de Cervantes, the vibrant greenery of Parc de la Ciutadella, or the breathtaking coastal gardens around Barcelona, each visit will reveal a quieter, equally beautiful side of Catalonia.