There are many options for hiking trails in Barcelona and its surroundings. Seeking alternative outdoor activities is one of the most popular choices this time of year. Going hiking in Barcelona is a fantastic idea that you can put into action to disconnect from stress and enjoy the great outdoors.
What’s more, one of the best things about the city, and the wider region more generally, is the fact that you can enjoy the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. As a result, there are tonnes of great hiking trails through the mountains with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Want to discover some of the best hiking routes in Barcelona? Read on to discover four of our favourite trails for soaking up nature and all the incredible views of the vast Catalan coast.
1. Hiking routes in Barcelona: El Garraf trails
El Garraf is a coastal region located around 50km south of Barcelona city centre. Here, in the picturesque and relaxed surroundings, you’ll find Parque Natural de Garraf, more than 12,000 hectares of protected space where there are plenty of great hiking trails to explore and enjoy.
The privileged setting of Parque Natural de Garraf, which borders the Mediterranean, makes the views from these trails particularly stunning. Furthermore, given the park is surrounded by forests, it’s perfect for exploring in the summer months when the better temperatures arrive.
One of the most popular trails through the area is one that begins in the town of Garraf itself, running for 10km in a linear fashion along the coastline. Perfect for a day immersed in nature and switching off from the world.
2. Parque Natural de Collserola
Found in the metropolitan heart of Barcelona, the 8,000 hectare Parque Natural de Collserola separates the capital plain from the Vallés depression. Furthermore, it’s precisely in Parque Natural de Collserola where you’ll find one of Barcelona’s most famous mountains: Tibidabo, standing at 512 metres high.
There are various hiking routes in Barcelona in this area, all of different difficulties and lengths. For example, the ascent up Tibidabo, one of the classic days out, can be done from the city centre at just 13km in total, offering visitors impressive views of both the city and the glorious Barcelona beaches.
3. Monte Carmelo and hiking trails in Barcelona
To the northwest of Barcelona is one of the city’s other most famous mountains, Monte Carmelo, where the famous Park Güell is also located. Monte Carmelo itself offers several hiking trails in Barcelona that are very popular owing to the number of sights you can take in as you make the ascent.
For example, one of the best known is the viewpoint over the Carmel Bunkers, which can be found on top of Turó de la Rovira hill. Once you’ve made it to the top, the views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean are simply breathtaking, so it’s always a route worth exploring.
4. Montjüic
The climb to the top of Montjüic Mountain is another hiking route in Barcelona that visitors ought not to miss. Unlike most other mountain hiking trails you’ll have experienced before, here, there really are a hundred and one different things to see and do on the way up and down, from parks and gardens and picnic areas to, naturally, great hiking routes with stunning urban views. What’s more, there are plenty of landmarks to stop and explore on the way, such as castles and viewpoints, among plenty of others.
The ascent up Montjüic doesn’t require any real physical prowess, as it’s only a gentle climb taking around two hours – perfect for getting to know the natural, rugged side of the city away from all the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.
These are just some ideas for hiking in Barcelona, however, there are plenty of others, both in the city itself and the surrounding region. Explore everything Barcelona has to offer!
