The city of Barcelona is a famous urban destination for tourists, but it is also an excellent starting point for those who want to go hiking. Its unique location and proximity to mountainous areas also allow you to explore the region’s natural beauty. For example, if you’re in the city, you can go to Park Güell, Collserolla Park, Tibidabo, and Three Hills for a quick hike. Also, those who want to go on a day trip from the city can opt for Montserrat, Montseny, Costa Brava, and Vall de Nuria. So, slip on your most comfortable hiking shoes, fill up your gear with water and snacks, and explore any of these top destinations for hiking from Barcelona.
1. Hiking from Barcelona: Where to Hike Within the City
These trails will give you an opportunity to appreciate nature without leaving the city. Check out the destinations below, know what to expect, and also explore the best transportation options for different destinations for hiking from Barcelona.
1.1. Hiking in Park Güell
Parque Güell (Park Güell) is an enormous park system with stunning gardens and architecture that sits on Carmen Hill in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The catalan entrepreneur Eusebi Güell commissioned renowned architect Antoni Gaudi for the design of this park. It officially opened in 1926 and became a United Nations Educational, Scientific and also a Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1984.
This is a very popular area for hiking from Barcelona that is open all year round, so expect to encounter other people on this trail. The place itself is also home to several attractions, which includes the Dragon Stairway, Porter’s Lodge Pavilion, and Hypostyle Room. Moreover, it is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost €3. It also has affordable entrance prices and close proximity to the city, which make it a great destination for hiking from Barcelona.
1.1.1. Park Güell Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Aussichtsplattform Park Güell / Parc Güell loop from la Salut
Distance: 2.31 km
Time: 40 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Parc Güell / Barcelona-Arc de Triomf loop from Marina
Distance: 16.5 km
Time: 4 hours and 28 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Barcelona-Arc de Triomf / El pont del Bisbe loop from Bogatell
Distance: 20.4 km
Time: 5 hours and 25 minutes
1.1.2. How to Get to Park Güell for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Bus (23 minutes from Pg de Gràcia to Aragó to Park Güell): €3
Fastest: Taxi (7 minutes): €8 to €10
Other Options:
Line 24 Bus (35 minutes from Pl. Catalunya – Rambla Catalunya to Park Güell): €3
Subway, Line 116 Bus (29 minutes from Urquinaona to Park Güell): €5
Walk (52 minutes)
1.2. Collserola Park
Serra de Collserola Natural Park (Collserola Park) is an eight-hectare protected land found in the Collserola mountain range, between Besos and Llobregat rivers. It is also one of the world’s biggest metropolitan parks. In fact, it is eight times larger than Paris’ Bois de Boulogne and 22 times larger than New York’s Central Park. Collserolla Park is also spread over nine municipalities, which include Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Valles, and Esplugues de Llobregat, making this park a perfect destination for hiking from Barcelona.
More than half of Barcelona’s inhabitants live within just 10 kilometers of Collserola Park. This makes the park a popular trail not only for hiking from Barcelona, but also for joggers, runners, bikers, and even just individuals and groups on a weekend getaway. Moreover, one of the best attractions here is the Carrera de les Aigues route, which features an array of fantastic views of mountains and lush greenery.
1.2.1. Popular Collserola Park Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Mirador del Turó d’en Corts / Pantà de Vallvidrera – Ruta Circular
Distance: 4.65 km
Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Pi d’en Xandri, La Torre Negra, Ermita Sant Medir, Turó de Valldaura – Collserola – Ruta Circular
Distance: 16.2 km
Time: 4 hours and 43 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: El Tibidabo, Templo Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, Mina Grott – Ruta Circular
Distance: 9.50 km
Time: 2 hours and 51 minutes
1.2.2. How to Get to Collserola Park for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Subway, Bus (57 minutes from Catalunya to Alzines – Til.lers): €5 to €9
Fastest: Taxi (7 minutes): €8 to €10
Other Options:
Line 24 Bus (35 minutes from Pl. Catalunya – Rambla Catalunya to Park Güell): €3
Subway, Line 116 Bus (29 minutes from Urquinaona to Park Güell): €5
Walk (52 minutes)
1.3. Tibidabo
Tibidabo is one of the best destinations for hiking from Barcelona. It is also the tallest and most popular hill in the Serra de Collserola that stands 512 meters (1,680 ft) tall. It also overlooks Barcelona and affords a majestic view of the surrounding coastline. Moreover, on the hill’s summit during your hiking from Barcelona, you can see the white church or Sagrat Cor church, which was built in 1902 and took 60 years to finish. The sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also sits on top of the church. Moreover, other popular attractions around the area include the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the Torre de Collserola telecommunicaitons tower, which was built in 1991 for the 1992 Summer Olympics. In addition, all three landmarks are visible from almost anywhere in Barcelona.
Mount Tibidabo, also the highest point for hiking from Barcelona, has moderately challenging hiking routes. As part of the Collserola Natural Park, Tibidabo makes up the great green “lung” of Barcelona. In addition to being a great destination for hiking from Barcelona, it is also a popular area for running and birdwatching. The trail is open the whole year and also allows people to bring dogs on a leash. When you’re at the top, you can see the famous Serrated Peak of Montserrat and the Pyrenees mountain range on the horizon.
1.3.1 Popular Tibidabo Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Torre de Collserola / El Tibidabo loop from Vallvidrera Superior
Distance: 4.32 km
Time: 1 hour and 17 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Carretera de les aigues / View to Barcelona loop from Vall d’Hebron | Sant Genís
Distance: 12.0 km
Time: 3 hours and 33 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Carretera de les aigues / View to Barcelona loop from Penitents
Distance: 15.8 km
Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
1.3.2. How to Get to Tibidabo for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Subway, Bus (35 minutes from Pl. Catalunya): €6 to €7
Cheapest: Train (47 minutes from Pl. Catalunya): €1 to €3
Fastest: Taxi (20 minutes from Barcelona): €19 to €23
Other Options:
Subway: 48 minutes from Catalunya at €3
Bus: 1 hour and 6 minutes from La Rambla at €3
Walk: 1 hour and 33 minutes from Barcelona
1.4. Three Hills
The Three Hills (Los Tres Turons) is a beautiful trail for hiking from Barcelona that winds around the districts of Gracia, Carmel, and Horta-Guinardo. It also passes three hills along the way, namely, Turo de la Creueta del Coll (also known as Turo d’en Falco), Turo del Carmel, and Turo de la Rovira. Each year, more and more tourists flock to this area for a visit despite the challenges in transportation. There are various routes for hiking from Barcelona that pass through the Three Hills, but all of them offer a fantastic panoramic view of Barcelona. Moreover, the most famous sights here include the La Sagrada Familia, Torre Glories, and Mount Tibidabo.
1.4.1. Popular Three Hills Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Plaça de John Kennedy / Turó de la Creueta del Coll loop from Avinguda Tibidabo
Distance: 6.75 km
Time: 1 hour and 53 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Turó de la Rovira / Mirador de Joan Sales loop from Maragall
Distance: 9.06 km
Time: 2 hours and 36 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Turó de la Rovira / Mirador loop from Alfons X
Distance: 17.4 km
Time: 5 hours and 14 minutes
1.4.2. How to Get to The Three Hills for Hiking From Barcelona
Best: Line 87 (21 minutes from Trav. de Gràcia – Pl. Gal.la Placídia to Parc de la Creueta del Coll): €1
Fastest: Taxi (10 minutes from Barcelona): €12 to €15
Other Options:
Subway (20 minutes from Catalunya or Diagonal to El Coll | La Teixonera): €3
Bus (31 minutes from Pg de Gràcia-Gran Via-PASSEIG DE GRÀCIA to Parc de la Creueta del Coll): €3
Walk (1 hour and 6 minutes from Barcelona)
2. Hiking from Barcelona: Day Trip Hiking Destinations
If you want to go combine a day trip with hiking from Barcelona, we got you covered. These are some of the best destinations for hiking from Barcelona. With these destinations, can simply pop in on a day trip via train or car.
2.1. Hiking Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat
Montserrat, which literally translates to “serrated mountain,” is a multi-peaked mountain range in Catalanonia. Therefore, it is known for its distinct rock formations made of pink conglomerate that are visible even from afar. This mountain range also became a National Park in 1987. Moreover, the well-known attractions in the area include the Benedictine abbey and the Santa Maria de Montserrat, which houses the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary. The Montserrat Natural Park is home to more than 1,250 plant species and some of Spain’s most spectacular oak tree forests. Aside from that, you can also find different types of birds, geckoes, and wild goats. All together, the mountain becomes one of the best destinations for hikingfg from Barcelona.
Most visitors take the train to Monsterrat and ride a connecting cable car or funicular (rack railway) to reach the top. The highest summit of this serrated mountain range is Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome), which stands 1,236 meters (4,055) above sea level. Hikers can also reach this peak via trails that start from the top entrance of the Sant Joan funicular, the Montserrat monastery, or the foot of the mountain.
2.1.1. Popular Montserrat Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Monasterio de Montserrat / Miradors dels Apòstols loop from Montserrat
Distance: 3.66 km
Time 1 hour and 14 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Del Monestir a Sant Jeroni / Ruta Circular
Distance: 10.3 km
Time: 3 hours and 34 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Miranda dels Ermitans / Monasterio de Montserrat loop from Can Serra
Distance: 11.9 km
Time: 4 hours and 23 minutes
2.1.2. How to Get to Montserrat for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Train (1 hour and 30 minutes from Pl. Espanya): €36 to €48
Cheapest: Bus (2 hours and 5 minutes from Barcelona): €10 to €16
Fastest:
Taxi (39 minutes from Barcelona): €80 to €100
Drive (39 minutes from Barcelona): €9 to €14 fuel cost
2.2. Montseny
Parque Natural del Montseny (Montseny Natural Park) is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range around 40 kilometers for hiking from Barcelona. Here, you can find the highest mountains in the southern Pyrenees, and its highest peaks include Turo de l’Home (1,712 meters), Les Agudes (1,703 meters), El Matagalls (1,697 meters), and Puig Drau (1,344 meters). There are also a lot of megalithic structures that indicate that people inhabited this area in ancient times. The Santa Fe Reservoir is another popular landmark here. In 1978, UNESCO also awarded it with Biosphere Reserve Status, and in 1987, the Government of Catalonia designated the mountain range as a Natural Park.
Did you know that almost 50 percent of Spain’s bottled water supply comes from Montseny? This is all because of the region’s incredible gift of natural springs. Aside from being an exemplary model of the coexistence between human activity and nature, Montseny is also an amazing destination for hiking from Barcelona. There are also over 30 signposted routes across the park. Moreover, some of the most scenic routes feature a majestic view of mountain peaks from the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava and the, castañar del drac (dragon’s chestnut tree) which is shaped like a dragon.
2.2.1. Popular Montseny Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Gorg de Can Llavina / Sant Martí del Montseny. loop from Montseny
Distance: 4.76 km
Time: 1 hour and 28 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Memoria a Pau Casals / Matagalls (1697m) loop from Espinelves
Distance: 8.87 km
Time: 4 hours and 4 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Matagalls (1697m) – Memoria a Pau Casals loop from Montseny
Distance: 13.3 km
Time: 5 hours and 24 minutes
2.2.2. How to Get to Montseny for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Train, Line 576 Bus (2 hours and 7 minutes from Estación de tren Barcelona-Passeig De Gracia): €9 to €9
Fastest:
Taxi (53 minutes from Barcelona): €100 to €130
Drive (53 minutes from Barcelona): €11 to €17 fuel cost
Other Option: Bus, Line 576 Bus (2 hours and 35 minutes from Barcelona): €10 to €21
2.3. Costa Brava
The Costa Brava (“rugged coast”) is a coastal region of Catalonia in Spain’s northeastern region, which stretches from the town of Blanes to the French border. This region is a very popular tourist destination because of the combination of its summer climate, rich nature, and top-notch beaches. This beautiful coast gives you an unforgettable view of the Girona Pyrenees, in addition to the many cliffs and coves overlooking the Mediterranean and French border. The geography of Costa Brava is also home to three famous parks, namely, Cap de Creus Natural Park, Aiguamolls de l’Emporda, and Montseny Natural Park.
One of the top foot trails in Costa Brava is the Camins de Ronda, which takes you through fishing villages, sparkling white sand beaches, and also hidden caves. Including a wide selection of trails from mountains to the coast, this region is a paradise destination for hiking from Barcelona. In addition, the trails are incredibly well-marked. They are also classified into three major groups: First is GR (Gran Recorrido), which marks long distance-routes that are usually divided into sections per trip rather than hiked entirely in a single trip. The second is PR (Pequeño Recorrido), which represents short-distance routes that do not exceed 50 kilomters. Lastly, SL (Sendero Local) indicates a local trail that does not exceed 10 kilometers.
2.3.1. Popular Costa Brava Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Monumento a Karl Faust – Paseo marítimo de Blanes loop from Sa Massaneda
Distance: 4.15 km
Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Aussicht auf den Hafen – Turó de Sant Joan loop from Sa Massaneda
Distance: 10.4 km
Time: 2 hours and 59 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Cala Ferriol des de l’Estartit – Circular por el Parque Natural del Montgrí, les Illes Medes y el Baix Ter
Distance: 12 km
Time: 4 hours and 3 minutes
2.3.2. How to Get to Costa Brava for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Bus (1 hour and 22 minutes from Estación de tren Barcelona-Plaça De Catalunya): €11 to €16
Cheapest: Train (1 hour and 36 minutes from Estación de tren Barcelona-Arc De Triomf): €4 to €6
Other Option: Train, L6 Bus (3 hours and 21 minutes from Estación de tren Barcelona-Plaça De Catalunya): €6 to €10
2.4. Vall de Núria
La Vall de Núria (The Valley of Nuria) is a glacial valley in the Pyrenees in the province of Girona. It is 120 kilometers away for hiking from Barcelona and stands almost 2,000 meters above sea level. Therefore, this place is accessible only via rack railway or on foot if you’re coming from the south or by footpaths if you’re coming from France to its northern part. One of its notable attractions is a 10th-century Romanesque church with an ancient shrine where a wooden carving of the Lady of Nuria stands. There’s also an old hostel that was previously used as a hospital for shepherds and was also a place of pilgrimage.
This isolated place is one of the best for hiking from Barcelona for those who want to feast their eyes on a gorgeous valley with lush vegetation. Because it is surrounded by mountains that stand almost 3,000 meters high, you get an amazing view of the deep gorges, rocks, trees, and rivers in the area. When the temperatures are ideal, this hidden gem is a great place to camp. However, the winter season brings harsh temperatures that could limit your stay here. In addition, it is best to schedule your hike between March and October.
2.4.1. Popular Vall de Núria Hiking Routes
EASY
Starting/Finishing Point: Cascade des Anglais et Cascade Saint Vincent – randonnée depuis Vernet-les-Bains – Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Catalanes
Distance: 3.80 km
Time: 1 hour and 26 minutes
INTERMEDIATE
Starting/Finishing Point: Torreneules – Albergue Pic de l’Àliga loop from Núria
Distance: 10.3 km
Time: 3 hours and 59 minutes
EXPERT
Starting/Finishing Point: Pic de l’Aliga – Puig de Fontnegra 2727m loop from Núria
Distance: 8.73 km
Time: 3 hours and 59 minutes
2.4.2. How to Get to Vall de Núria for Hiking from Barcelona
Best: Train, Funicular (3 hours and 55 minutes from Estación de tren Barcelona-Arc De Triomf a Nuria
17 sept 2023): €10 to €14
Other Option: Bus, Funicular (4 hours and 29 minutes from Barcelona – Gran Via, 658 a Nuria): €15 to €28
3. Best Time to Go Hiking in Barcelona
Fall is the perfect time for hiking from Barcelona since the weather is still warm enough for you to enjoy an outdoor dinner and the temperature averages between 18°C and 25°C. To be more specific, the best months to go hiking from Barcelona are September and October, especially if you’re planning to go to Catalonia. Another advantage of visiting during this season is the vast amount of bird life that you can see. Moreover, the captivating colors of autumn bloom from October to November. During this time, mushroom picking hits its peak, and wild mushrooms are featured in various dishes across mountain restaurants.
Spring is also a nice season for hiking from Barcelona, especially for a mountain adventure in April or May, since the temperature averages 13°C to 20°C. However, if you’re going to peaks that rise above 1,500 meters, there’s a high probability of snow in April. As for summer, this is a hot season in Barcelona, but you can still go on a hike and look for waterfalls and mountain pools. July and August are the ideal months for a hike in summer, when temperatures can reach up to 37°C.
In Barcelona and Catalonia, winter temperature rarely drops below 10°C. If you’re going to Montserrat, it can be chilly at 2°C to 5°C in the morning, but it always becomes warmer in the afternoon.
Take a look at Barcelona’s official Tourism website to get more information about the city. You can also visit the TMB website to learn about public transportation in Barcelona. If you need additional insights for your vacation, read about Day Trips From Barcelona and the Things to Do in Barcelona to maximize your experience in this city.
