Barcelona is a unique city in so many ways. But one of its most delightful idiosyncrasies is that it sits right a rather large and very accessible, verdant national park.
Collserola Park is an oasis of fauna, woods and provides spectacular views of the city, and what’s more, it can be reached in just 30 minutes or less from the centre of Barcelona.
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An idyllic getaway
Like a huge green lung, Collserola provides an idyllic getaway for the city’s inhabitants, whilst seeming to protect the city in a shroud of brightest green foliage.
Over 50% of the city’s dwellers live within 10kms of the park, making it not only a location for all kinds of sports such as trail running, jogging, biking and hiking, but a popular location for families and couples at the weekend, or for romantic individuals who need some time away from the industriousness of the city.
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Finding stunning scenery
The most popular attractions in Collserola are the Carretera de les Aigües – a route that attracts joggers, cyclists, hikers and walkers due to the fantastic vistas afforded all along its many kilometers of track.
Tibidabo – the white church that is visible from the city – is also a popular location due to not only its attractive view points but its quaint little funfair which is apparently the oldest in Europe.
To get to Collserola from Plaça Catalunya take one of the FGC trains and alight at either Avinguda de Tibidabo where you can take the blue tram farther up Tibidabo or for a proper hike alight at Baixador de Vallvidrera, Les Planes or La Floresta.
If you jump off at Baixador de Vallvidrera, there is a funicular situated in the same station that you can take one stop to the Carretera de les Aigües.
At these locations, you will find stunning scenery and many footpaths.
There are a couple of restaurants dotted about the place but don’t leave home without water and snacks, and expect food and drink available at the top of Tibidabo to be over priced.
Consisting predominantly of evergreen oaks and scented pines, Collserola contains well over ten million trees, 1000 plant species and 190 different kinds of vertebrate within 8000 hectares.
Related article: Why you should visit Parc de les Aigues
The park occupies two ecological zones: the Euro-Siberian and the Mediterranean ,and is home to wild boar, badgers, squirrels, sparrowhawks, warblers, beech martens, foxes and rabbits. Joggers have also been spotted.
There is a visitors centre at Baixador de Vallvidrera where you can find details of routes, maps and advice.
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