The landscape around Barcelona is a very hilly, mountainous and rugged one. The terrain is steeped with inclines and twists that are great for exploring, revealing hidden beauty at every turn. A great way to do this is by bicycle. So long as you’re prepared to push yourself and can get hold of the right gear, there are plenty of places to see.
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Bike rental
Photo by Visual hunt
Firstly you’ll need a bike. There are many places to rent a bicycle in Barcelona, it has become quite a popular mode of transport in the city over the years. But if you want to get yourself a mountain bike in particular here is a list of places you can:
Barcelona biking
Related article: Bike hire places in Barcelona
Cycling tours
As well as renting out bikes, all of the above businesses also run bike tours in and around the Barcelona. Each guide is first aid trained and has a great knowledge of the area, as well as bike maintenance for any repairs your bike might need. So if you’d rather have that piece of mind and have someone to show you exactly where the spots are do check them out.
But if you want the freedom to explore yourself, here’s the best places:
Serra de Collserola Natural Park
Photo by Laurent Moose via Visual Hunt
With over 8.000 hectares of natural landscape, this area is perfect for mountain biking. It has many winding paths to explore and is shrouded in beautiful woodland at nearly every point. It is situated northwest of the city and can be accessed by car on the BV-1462, from the B-20 outer city bypass, or by train at Les Planes station. Please visit the website for more information.
Montjuic
Located on the southern side of Barcelona, not that far from the centre, Montjuic is a large and extremely scenic hill overlooking the harbor. It is frequented by many, many tourists, so you’ll have to be careful not to ride too fast, but it too can be a great place for cycling. It has many paths winding up and throughout it. There is also a cable car at the top which takes you right over the water to Port vell, should you fancy a break from cycling whilst you are up there.
Related article: Where to buy second-hand bicycles in Barcelona
Parc del Garraf
Photo by DaiSliders via VisualHunt
Located to the south of Barcelona, past Castelldefels, Parc del Garraf is a massive 12,000 hectares area of limestone hills. It is home to many plant varieties and also many animals, such as rabbits, tortoises and birds of prey. It too is perfect for mountain biking, and at the weekends become quite busy with cyclists riding up and down the trails. It can be accessed by train to Sitges station, from where you’ll have to cycle a few kilometers north to get into the park.
And there you have it. Whether it’s a guided tour you want or some time by yourself in nature, there are areas around Barcelona that are perfect for mountain biking. So grab your helmet and get out there!
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