10 Best Barcelona hikes to keep you motivated in lockdown
So it really happened, Barcelona, the renowned party city, is currently taking a breather (along with the rest of the world). Usually crammed bars are now open solely for a lunchtime beer and the words ‘festival’ and ‘all-nighter’ have been long sinced axed from our regular conversations.
But let’s not panic, this sleep all day/party all night (or party all day/party all night) lifestyle will soon be back. Meaning the weeks and months ahead can be used to reset the mind, body and wallet whilst you explore what else Barcelona has to offer. Although this seems like a parallel universe for us city loving party people, it’s a good opportunity to branch out into the great outdoors and get some non-cigarette infused fresh air. Also it’s no secret we’ve all gained a few kilos from lockdown nights eating chocolate, drinking wine and thinking of the good old days where people actually cared what we looked like.
Disclaimer: you don’t have to be completely wholesome – there’s nothing more rewarding than a cold beer or glass of your favourite vino at the top of a spectacular view.
What we don’t usually hear about Barcelona is that it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The beauty of nature right now is that it is one of the sole areas that this pandemic has not affected. If anything, it’s actually flourishing due to less tourists, rubbish and so on and so forth. So this is the time to make the most of it. To help ease you into this change of lifestyle and inspire you to get creative with your weekend plans, we’ve put together a list of our favourite 10 inner-city and beyond hikes. This is the perfect excuse for you to get your hiking shoes out and start working on the summer body whilst the world gets itself back to normal.
In the city
- Bunkers Del Carmel
Need to clear your head and move your body? Probably yes (even if you don’t feel like it). Walk to Bunkers. For whoever doesn’t already know, this local gem is the perfect sunset spot with panoramic views all over the city. Also the perfect spot to crack open a beer amongst locals and tourists and let’s face it – the closest setting to a sunset bar situation that we’ve seen for a while. It’s a fair hike up (depending on where you start) but the perfect excuse to tone your butt and drag yourself into shape for summer 2021, when we’re allowed out to play again. - Tibadabo
What a wonderful word, cut straight from a Disney movie. With its skyline-enhancing church on top, this mountain is recogniseable for the whole city. There’s also a retro amusement park, Parc del Tibidabo which is absolutely worth checking out even when things are closed. Think of this little attraction as Barcelona’s own old school answer to Disneyland – if a little tougher on the legs! What’s even better, it’s right here in the city, perfect for toning your butt and legs and providing panoramic city views. You can even get a coffee at the top! - Montjuic
Montjuic combines culture and exercise and is full of fountains, castles and other Renaissance marvels to impress you and take the edge off the excercise. Despite having the Spanish word for mountain in the name – we can confirm Montjuic is definitely more of a hill. This makes it the perfect hangover adventure, more physically demanding than lying in bed but nothing to send you over the edge. - Park Labryinth de Horta
This crazy labryinth is one of Barcelona’s most alternative outdoor spots. It’s FREE on Wednesdays and Sundays so these are definitely the best times to visit. The Labyrinth is located pretty high up from the centre, between a 1hr and 1hr 30 minute uphill struggle from the city depending where you are. For the sadistic folk that find strength in struggle it’s an added bonus – if not, you can skip the uphill bit and jump on the metro to Mundet. The Labrinyth itself doesn’t involve any crazy physical exertion, just a little mental struggle – especially if you’ve had a wine-fuelled Saturday night! There’s also a beautiful rose garden making this spot an Instagrammers’ paradise! - Besos Sea Front
Want to experience the great outdoors without any incline? Then let us take you to the river. The Besos River is the connection from the Colserolla Mountain Range to the Mediterraenean. Take a sea-front jaunt out to Forum (or the metro if you’re that way inclined). From there cross the bridge and follow the river towards the mountains.
Further Afield
Right now the above spots are more applicable as we can’t leave our designated zones but here’s some slightly further afield inspiration for when the restrictions are lifted! The best way to access some of these is by car, which are super cheap to rent and open up a whole world of new adventures from the Barcelona base.
- Montserrat
Montserrat National Park is one of Catalonia’s most breathtaking spots – a maze of magical rock formations, monasteries and statues. For the culture seekers Montserrat has an iconic Benadictine monastery which houses the famous ‘Black Madonna’ statue. For the more dedicated hikers the top point of the Montserrat mountain is the St. Jerome summit which is a challenging yet do-able hike offering enchanting 360’ views over the whole of the Montserrat area. Being just an hour via train or car from Barcelona it’s the perfect distance for a day out of the city without needing too much planning. If you’re taking the train a return ticket from Plaza Espana is just 24 euros and will keep you entertained and active all day. - Montseny Nature Park
Montseny National Park is a hikers’ paradise full of peaks, rivers and lakes waiting to be explored. This park is perfect for escaping the city and breathing in some fresh mountain air. There’s countless different tracks and three huge summits to tackle, there’s even an abandoned aircraft nestled somewhere in the forests. You can either jump in a hire car or by train you can travel as far as Sant Celoni station, then there are buses available directly to the Natural Park of Montseny. - Camins de Ronda
The Camins de Ronda is the quintessential coastal hike. It is a stunning multi-day hike that absorbs the delights of the Costa Brava coastline. Think sparkling turquoise waters, rugged cliffs and secluded coves. The whole trail is 135 miles – but don’t panic this can be split as you like and many parts of this trail make the perfect one day hike! One of the most beautiful and accessible Camins De Ronda day hikes is the section Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu. You can easily acces Lloret del Mar by train/bus from Barcelona – walk the coastal section to Blanes and frmo there take the train back to the city. - Vall De Nuria
A couple of hours from Barcelona, Vall de Nuria is nestled in a Pyrenees valley. It makes another perfect day trip out of the city and straight into nature. It was once a popular pilgrimage route, home to the Shrine de Nuria. This spot is equally stunning in Summer and Winter (it doubles up as a ski field) and the actual valley is only accessible by foot or rack railway. As this is a hiking blog we will naturally recommend the 3 hr hike up, but if you’re stuck for time you can always take the railway back down. You can access the starting point for this amazing spot via car or train. If you take the train head from Barcelona Sants to Ribes de Fraser then from Ribes you will take a little rack train to Queralbs. - Mont Rebei Gorge
Mont Rebei Gorge is a little further afield than the other hikes but if you’ve got access to a car, we can confirm it is absolutely worth the early rise. This place is quickly becoming an influencers’ paradise as the turquoise lagoons, rolling peaks and iconic steps provide some seriously impressive picture backdrops. There are a range of hikes from half day to full day and ample opportunities for kayaking and swimming! This hidden gem is suitable for all abilities to visit just make sure to get there in good time as this isn’t a place you want to rush!
