5 Best Day Hikes Near Barcelona: To Experience the Beauty of Catalonia

Barcelona has many tourist attractions that lure in millions each year, but most aren’t aware of the best hikes near Barcelona.

Most visitors only see the city, the winding streets, and the unique Gaudi architecture not the beautiful parks and hiking trails nearby. 

I’ve visited this great city twelve times and have local friends who’ve shown me some of the amazing hikes near Barcelona.

Ones that offer amazing views, or visits to medieval villages or coastal hikes where you can stop for a dip in the sea to cool off.

Hiking around Barcelona has something for everyone, whether you’re new to hiking or an experienced hiker.  

The Best Time of Year to Hike Near Barcelona

Hiking season around Barcelona is usually between March to the end of October. 

The best time to hike, though, in my opinion, is in spring and fall.  The weather is warm enough to hike comfortably, yet not too hot.

Spring is also the perfect season for hiking near Barcelona because there aren’t many tourists, and on some trails, like our Coastal Hiking Tour from Spain to France, you’ll hardly see any other hikers. 

While it’s possible to hike around Barcelona in winter months as well, it tends to rain more. 

Tibidabo Mountain: The Most Popular Hike Near Barcelona

We’ll start with the hike to Tibidabo Mountain, which is really more of a hill near Barcelona. It’s by far the most popular destination of all the hikes on our list.

It’s easy to reach and offers a unique experience. It’s also a great choice for families, as you’ll see.

You’ll get incredible views of the city and beyond from Tibidabo Mountain, which sits at an elevation of 541 meters and is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola mountain range.

Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Barcelona, including a glimpse of Montjuïc Castle in the distance.

Highlights include the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart (Sagrat Cor Church) an impressive church that you can see from almost anywhere in Barcelona at night, and the Collserola Tower. It was built for the 1992 Olympics and is the tallest structure in Barcelona.

At the summit, you get a 360° view of Barcelona, with its vibrant architecture. You can even see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia from here!! You’ll also be able to see the azure Mediterranean Sea, the Serrated Peak of Montserrat and the Pyrennes!

Unlike most mountains, Tibidabo Mountain offers another attraction,  the Parc d’Atraccions, an amusement park, making this a great family hike, not to mention much easier to convince your kids to go hiking. 

Although you definitely won’t be alone, there is still plenty of wildlife to see, with 190 species of birds and small mammals.

If you only had time to do one hike near Barcelona, Mount Tibidabo is an excellent choice.

Insider Tip: You can also reach Mount Tibidabo by funicular or bus. In case you have small children or prefer to simply enjoy the views from Tibidabo Mountain without hiking

How to Reach Tibidabo Mountain (without hiking)

You can take the Tibidabo Funicular or the Tibibus, which leaves from Plaza Cataluña in Barcelona and goes directly to the Parque de Atracciones without stopping.

The Best Hikes Near Barcelona: Montserrat National Park

Montserrat National Park:

Montserrat National Park is located ~ 60km NW from Barcelona in the mountain range of Montserrat. It’s known for its impressive rock formations and remarkable scenery. The park covers approximately 32 km2 (12 sq mi) of land and was declared a National Park in 1987. There are plenty of hiking routes to choose from, no matter what your ability. 

The park’s most iconic feature is the Montserrat Massif. This impressive mountain range rises to an elevation of 1125 meters, with its jagged summit dominating the skyline for miles. Its name comes from the Latin expression Mons Serratus, meaning “serrated mountains.” Its unusual shape was formed by wind erosion that carved out peculiar peaks, which are often likened to honeycombs or giant’s teeth.

The park has been included in UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve list due to its rich biodiversity, which includes over 800 species of plants,  It also acts as a sanctuary for numerous rare birds, including griffon vultures which make their nests on its cliff walls.

The region is especially known for its traditional culture, which dates back centuries ago when it was inhabited by monks who founded several monasteries along this mountain range. Of special interest are the Santa Cova Monastery and the Montserrat Monastery

Montserrat National Park stands out not only because of its natural beauty but also due to its stunning sunrise skyline – making it one of Catalonia’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a great choice for a hike near Barcelona. 

Hike to the Monasterrio al Santa Cova & Sant Jeroni Summit Loop: Tallest Mountain in Montserrat National Park

The trail starts near the Montserrat Monastery, located at the base of the mountain. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Catalonia. It’s a great hike near Barcelona.

It winds its way up to a rocky plateau, with expansive views of the surrounding countryside and distant mountains. Along the way, you’ll be treated to wildflowers, birdsong and majestic old trees lining your path. The more you ascend up the mountain, the more breathtaking the views become. 

As you come closer to Sant Jeroni summit,  you will pass by one of Montserrat’s most iconic natural sites, The Hermitage of Santa Cova – an ancient chapel built in 1202. Legend has it that the image of the Virgin of Montserrat was found here. If you’re feeling tired and want an easier hike, you can end your hike here and return the same way.

If you’re still feeling good, carry on, and you’ll arrive at a steep set of stairs leading up to a large wooden cross marking the Sant Jeroni Summit, the highest point on this sacred mountain at 1236 m (4058 feet). 

From here, you can take in spectacular 360-degree views of Montserrat’s unique rock formations and panoramic views stretching over Catalonia and beyond! From here, you can admire Barcelona’s skyline

The hike back down is equally inspiring, with unspoilt landscapes and a plethora of plants and animals. Keep an eye out for the 46 reintroduced ibex.

It’s also possible to explore some interesting historical ruins along your descent such as those belonging to old military fortifications used during times past.

This moderate hike offers something for everyone, from seasoned hikers looking for a physical challenge to nature lovers seeking peace amongst majestic surroundings or history buffs wanting to learn more about the Catalonian culture by visiting one of its most important religious sites, the Montestir de Montserrat.

Insider Hiking Tip:

• Be sure to leave time to visit the incredible Montestir de Montserrat
• Bring plenty of water as there are some steep sections 

The Best Hikes Near Barcelona: Montseny Natural Park

Montseny Natural Park

Located 40 kilometres northeast of Barcelona is a Natural Park is made up of the Montseny massif. Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 by UNESCO, the Montseny Natural Park occupies an area of ​​30,120 hectares. making it Catalonia’s largest natural park.

The park features a variety of terrains, ranging from lush pine forests to rocky river valleys with dramatic canyons. The highest peak in the park is Turó de l’Home at 1,700m which provides spectacular views from its summit. There are plenty of hiking trails for hikers of all abilities though it that’s too much. 

Wildlife abounds within Montseny Natural Park; the rare Iberian Lynx can be spotted here along with many indigenous species like wild boars, foxes, bats and more. Birdwatchers will find plenty to observe as well, with more than 130 different species having been documented in the park including vultures, eagles, owls and kites.

There is over  500km of marked trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking, so you have plenty of choices of hikes near Barcelona here. There are also some amazing rock climbing areas, such as La Gleva or Les Agudes. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Montseny Natural Park truly is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed!

Hike to Coll de Sant Marçal – Matagalls

The hike to Coll de Sant Marçal – Matagalls in Montseny Natural Park in Spain is a beautiful and challenging experience. It’s a 4-5-hour hike up the mountain, mostly on well-marked trails, as it shares a section with the long-distance trail the GR 5.2. Later on, there are some steeper rocky sections.

You’ll take in breathtaking views of the lush green mountains and valleys that surrounded you as you make your way up to the summit.

At the top, you’ll find yourself at 1697 m (5558 ft) looking out over the Montserrat mountain range and the Pyrenees, from the Cadí to Canigó mountains.

You’ll even get a view of the  Mediterranean Sea from here on a clear day!

You’ll also be able to spot other peaks like  Turó Gros (1541 m) and Turó de la Bandera (1658 m) nearby. 

It’s a great reward for your effort and one of the best hikes near Barcelona.

The Best Hikes Near Barcelona: The Parc del Garraf

The Parc del Garraf is just 30 km SW from Barcelona, making it a popular day trip. It’s a scenic park that covers an impressive 1,980 hectares.  It’s one of the most beloved natural areas near Barcelona.

You can explore the park’s lush forests and rugged mountains and Mederarrian shrubs and get gorgeous views of the sea, and catch a glimpse of the stunning coastal views.

You can take a dip in its many crystal-clear streams or even finish your hike on a beach and take a dip in the sea. 

Parc del Garraf also boasts some interesting historical sites, such as ancient ruins and medieval watchtowers and is one of the most popular places for hikes near Barcelona. 

Point To Point  From Parc del Castell – Puig d’Olla – Puig d’en Vinyals – Platja del Garraf

This point-to-point hike is easy to reach to and from Barcelona by train. The first part of the hike is quite steep, but keep going; the beautiful views over Barcelona, Castelldefels and Gava make it worth it. 

Approximately halfway into the hike, you can make a short detour to climb la Morella Peak (594m) if you’re into peak bagging, as I am. The route passes through La Morella, and then you’ll descend towards the sea to Garraf Beach, where you finish. 

Bring your swimsuit to cool off for a dip in the sea as your reward, especially if you’re hiking on a hot day. The variety of landscapes makes it a great choice of a hike near Barcelona.

Insider Hiking Tips:

• Wear good hiking shoes or hiking boots, not sandals, as parts of the trail are quite rocky.
• Much of the route is quite exposed without shade, so bring plenty of water and adequate sun protection. 

Coastal Hiking in Costa Brava

Costa Brava is famous for its beaches, and for good reason, with 200 km (125 miles) of coastline. But I’m an even bigger fan of the hiking it offers. While there are many hikes you can do, my favourite is our self-guided Costa Brava to France 7-day trip.

You hike along the Costa Brava and the French coast with spectacular views and secluded coves with hidden beaches, perfect for swimming or sunbathing and stay in picturesque fishing towns and have time to explore. It’s easy to see why the area was popular with famous artists like Picasso, Dali and Matisse.

In addition to the beautiful coastal hiking, you’ll experience cultural highlights like visiting Salvador Dali’s eccentric house, visiting Sant Pere de Rodes Cloister, one of the most important monasteries in all of Spain, the Exile Moment, and a castle in France.

And, of course, you’ll eat delicious regional cuisine, freshly caught fish and seafood, and indulge in regional wines if you choose. 

I’ve done a lot of multi-day hikes and this is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Europe, in my opinion.  You’re rewarded with consistent gorgeous views and offers something for everyone.

Plus, the trails are never crowded. I hardly saw any other hikers when I did it in the fall, and I’ve done other sections of it at different times of the year and often had the trail to myself. 

This is one of the best hikes near Barcelona that takes you beyond and lets you explore villages all the way to France. 

Insider Hiking Tip: If you don’t have seven days, you can also look at the itinerary and then just do one of the day hikes from point to point that looks most interesting to you. 

If you’re looking for the best hikes near Barcelona, check out these hiking gems and see a side of Catalonia that many visitors miss.