5 best hikes in Barcelona for outdoor lovers

While many travelers are drawn to the grand Sagrada Familia and Gaudi's brightly painted Park Güell, things to do in Barcelona extend far beyond city sightseeing. The region offers many outdoor activities, including hiking trails.

Walk along the La Carretera de les Aigües path and take in the panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore trails near Montserrat Monastery or the rugged Costa Brava coastline for a weekend getaway from Barcelona. Whether you’re a novice or an expert mountaineer, here are the best hikes in Barcelona.

1. Sant Jeroni, Montserrat

Best hikes in Barcelona for stunning panoramic views

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 4.3 miles (6.9 km); 1,693 feet

Hike time: 4 to 5 hours

Difficulty level: Medium

Terrain type: Steep with a mix of rocky paths and stairs

Distance from city center: 1-hour drive or accessible by train, followed by a cable car ride up to the monastery

Hike highlights

Among the best hiking trails near Barcelona, Montserrat provides a memorable blend of spiritual landmarks and rugged landscapes. Starting from the historical Montserrat Monastery, this is one of the most rewarding treks in Barcelona. Warm up by hiking a relatively flat path, then prepare for a climb as you ascend rocky trails and stairs up to the summit. At the top of Sant Jeroni, you’ll find one of the region’s best panoramic viewpoints, and on clear days, you can see Barcelona and even the Pyrénées.

Know before you go

• The trail to Sant Jeroni is well-marked and one of the most popular routes in Montserrat, making it one of the safest hikes in Barcelona for solo adventurers.
• There are no restaurants along the trail, so bring plenty of food and water.
• On the way up, stop at Serra de les Paparres viewpoint to catch your breath and admire the jagged peaks.

Best time to hike

Start early to avoid the heat (especially during the summer) and beat the crowds.

Address

08199 Monistrol de Montserrat, Barcelona.

Opening hours

Open 24/7, but hiking at night is not recommended.

2. La Carretera de les Aigües, Serra de Collserola Natural Park

Best hikes in Barcelona for families

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 6.2 miles (10 km)

Hike time: 2 to 3 hours

Difficulty level: Easy

Terrain type: Flat with sand and gravel

Distance from city center: 30-minute drive or accessible by train, followed by a funicular ride

Hike highlights

Located in Serra de Collserola Natural Park, often nicknamed the city’s “green lung”, this trail provides some of the most family-friendly hikes near Barcelona. Begin your journey by taking the funicular to the Carretera de les Aigües stop. From there, follow the flat, well-maintained paths, a great option for trekking near Barcelona, with stunning panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean on the horizon. The terrain is easy for kids to manage, and there isn't much elevation gain, making this one of Barcelona’s best hikes for families.

What to bring

• While occasional drinking fountains are along the path, bringing a full bottle of water is still best.
• Bring snacks or a picnic lunch if you plan to spend more time at the park.

Best time to hike

Mornings and early afternoons are ideal, as the park becomes more crowded around 5:00 PM. In summer, go early to avoid the heat.

Address

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona.

Opening hours

Open 24/7, but hiking is not recommended at night.

3. Turó de l’Home, Montseny Nature Park

Best hikes in Barcelona for mountaineers

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 7.3 miles (11.7 km); 2,720 feet

Hike time: 4 to 5 hours

Difficulty level: Difficult

Terrain type: Hilly and steep with gravel and rocky paths

Distance from city center: 1-hour drive or accessible by train, followed by a taxi or bus to the park

Hike highlights

Some of the best day hikes from Barcelona are in the protected area of Montseny Nature Park, located halfway between Barcelona and Girona. Begin your summit route in Font de Passavets, gaining most of the elevation early in this hike as you wind through oak forests. As you ascend, the landscape transitions into lush alpine meadows leading to the peak of Les Agudes. Stop at the top to catch your breath and soak in the views before continuing your ascent to Turó de l’Home, the highest mountain in the park. From the tip of the summit, marvel at the stunning mountain ridges and forests stretching below.

What to bring

• Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support are essential for tackling the uphill sections.
• Pack enough food and water, as restaurants aren't available along the trail.

Best time to hike

Fall is an ideal time to visit the park, as the foliage in Montseny covers the mountainside in shades of reds, yellows, and oranges.

Address

Riera de Granada.

Opening hours

Open 24/7, but hiking is not recommended at night.

4. Volcà de Montsacopa, Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa

Best hikes in Barcelona for adventure seekers

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: 2.5 miles (4 km); 279 feet

Hike time: 1 to 2 hours

Difficulty level: Medium

Terrain type: Somewhat steep with a mix of gravel and rocky paths

Distance from city center: 1.5-hour drive or accessible by train or bus

Hike highlights

Get up close to volcanic craters on the Volcà de Montsacopa trail, one of the most adventurous treks for hiking in Barcelona. You’ll start from the town of Olot and head through vegetation and rocky outcrops until you reach the summit. Take photos of the rolling hills and villages below; you can even climb into the large crater.

Know before you go

• Check out the small Sant Francesc Chapel at the summit for a unique look at a church on top of a volcano.
• Take advantage of the restaurant at the top to relax, refuel, and soak in the panoramic views before your descent.

Best time to hike

In summer, avoid the midday heat in the early morning or late afternoon. The summit has 360-degree views, so you can catch the sunrise or sunset from the top.

Address

17800 Olot, Girona.

Opening hours

Open 24/7, but hiking is not recommended at night.

5. Camí de Ronda, Costa Brava

Best hikes in Barcelona for coastal views

Hike information at a glance

Distance and elevation: Anywhere from 4-12 miles (6-19 km) depending on your chosen route

Hike time: 2-6 hours, depending on your chosen route

Difficulty level: Easy to medium

Terrain type: Relatively flat with sandy and rocky paths

Distance from city center: 1-hour drive or accessible by train or bus

Hike highlights

When looking for outdoor activities and hikes near Barcelona, you can’t get much better than the dramatic cliffs of Costa Brava. From your chosen seaside town, such as Calella de Palafrugell or Tossa de Mar, set off on a thrilling adventure trekking around Barcelona’s picturesque Costa Brava coastline. Trek past hidden coves, pristine beaches, and traditional fishing villages along the way. If the weather permits, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. This trek runs through several towns, so you can easily customize your route.

What to bring

• Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan on swimming during or after your hike.
• Wear sturdy footwear, as large waves can cause sections of the trail to become slippery.
• If you’re hiking longer sections of the trail, bring plenty of water with you.

Best time to hike

Start your Barcelona trekking early in the morning or later in the afternoon in the summer. If you start around golden hour, you’ll get stunning views of the sun setting over the sea.

Address

17300, Girona.

Opening hours

Open 24/7, but not recommended at night.