Hiking Adventures in Catalonia, Spain

The region of Catalonia, home to the vibrant city of Barcelona, is renowned for its dramatic mountain ranges, windswept shorelines, and medieval villages, which provide perfect locations for long hikes. In Spanish, hiking is referred to as senderismo. This region is abundant with websites showcasing popular hiking routes, including Wikirutas and Wikiloc.

Guided Hiking Options

Guided hiking is an excellent option for visitors who prefer a worry-free experience, allowing them to skip the research and navigation. Below are some recommended guided hikes:

1. Montserrat is an iconic spiky mountain located just under an hour outside Barcelona, making it an ideal spot for a memorable day hike.
2. Experience a combination of a trip to a Benedictine monastery paired with a four-hour trek through picturesque alpine forests.
3. Embark on a five-and-a-half hour hike within the UNESCO-protected Montseny nature reserve.
4. Navigate a six-hour hike in the beautiful Pyrénées, taking in views of the Nuria valley and Puigmal mountain.
5. Enjoy a leisurely two-and-a-half hour trek starting from the medieval village of Rupit, concluding with a delightful three-course traditional Catalan meal.
6. Experience a scenic hiking adventure along the Mediterranean coast with the Costa Brava Coastal Hike, a three-and-a-half hour walk starting from Platia de Castell, culminating in a delicious three-course meal.

Discovering Collserola Park

The concept of lush woods and stunning scenery adjacent to a major city such as Barcelona may come as a surprise. However, that’s precisely what Collserola Park offers—a magnificent green oasis just outside the urban sprawl. This specially conserved eco-park serves as a lung for the city and a getaway for residents, with over 50% of Catalonia’s population living within a mere 10 kilometers. It’s a fantastic spot for outdoor exploration without straying too far from the city center.

Indeed, reaching Collserola’s tranquil glades takes just 20 minutes from Plaça Catalunya via FGC trains. Ideal stations include Baixador de Vallvidrera, Les Planes, and La Floresta, each providing scenic views and well-marked senderos (footpaths) that crisscross the park area.

Spanning predominantly evergreen oaks and pines, Collserola boasts an impressive population of over ten million trees, along with 1,000 plant species and 190 different vertebrate species within its 8,000 hectares. The park encompasses two ecological zones: the Euro-Siberian and the Mediterranean, where rich maquis shrublands coexist with vibrant grassy meadows and fragrant garrigues filled with lavender and rosemary.

Wildlife enthusiasts may be lucky enough to spot creatures such as wild boars, beech martens, badgers, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and genets. Moreover, birdwatchers might catch sight of blue tits, warblers, treecreepers, bee-eaters, goshawks, sparrowhawks, and buzzards.

The Information Centre at Baixador de Vallvidrera offers extensive insights about the park, making it an excellent starting point for your hiking journey, complete with various trails leading into the thick woods.