Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona
Montserrat, Montseny and Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Nature Parks
Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona
Montserrat, Montseny and Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Nature Parks
32 varied walks among the rocky mountains, forested slopes and idyllic wine country that surrounds Barcelona. Routes range from 6.5 to 28km and cover Montseny, Vic and Guilleries-Savassona, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, Montserrat and Penedès and Garraf.Within an hour of Barcelona lie rocky mountain summits, forested ridges, ancient monasteries, the dramatic Sau reservoir and the vineyard-covered hills of the Penedès wine country. From the serrated rock towers of Montserrat to the sweeping views from Turó de l'Home in Montseny and the gentle vineyard trails of the Penedès, the countryside around Barcelona rewards those willing to leave the city behind.
This comprehensive guidebook covers 32 walks in the countryside around Barcelona, ranging from 7 to 28km and taking between two and eight hours. Written by authors with deep personal knowledge of the region, it combines local insight with detailed practical information for walkers visiting from abroad or based in the city.
- The 32 walks are organised across five areas: Montseny Natural Park, Vic and Guilleries-Savassona, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, Montserrat Natural Park and Penedès and Garraf, all accessible by public transport from Barcelona
- Highlights include the iconic Montserrat Monastery and summit of Sant Jeroni, the sweeping views from Turó de l'Home and Les Agudes in Montseny, the dramatic Sau reservoir, the rocky summit of La Mola and the vineyard trails of the Penedès
- Routes range from short, easy walks of around 7km to more challenging full-day outings of up to 28km, with the graded route summary table making it straightforward to choose a walk that suits your fitness and available time
- Each walk is supported by 1:40,000 mapping, with detailed information on accommodation, facilities and public transport for every route, making it straightforward to plan a day out from Barcelona without a car
- An introduction covers the geography, geology, plants, flowers and wildlife of the region, alongside practical advice on getting there, getting around, accommodation, language and waymarking
A richly varied guide to walking on Barcelona's doorstep, from rocky mountain summits to gentle wine country trails. Step beyond the city and discover Catalunya on foot.
Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona - Quick Facts
Walks: 32 day walks
Distance range: 7 to 28km (4 to 17 miles)
Duration: 2 to 8 hours per walk
Areas covered: Montseny Natural Park; Vic and Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area; Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park; Montserrat Natural Park; Penedès and Garraf Natural Park
Key centres: Barcelona, Vic, Sant Celoni, Montseny, Santa Fe, Viladrau, Matadepera, Terrassa, Manresa, Monistrol de Montserrat, Collbató, Vilafranca del Penedès, Sitges
Walk highlights: Montserrat Monastery and Sant Jeroni, Turó de l'Home, Les Agudes, Matagalls, Sau reservoir, Montcau and Cova Simanya, La Mola, Foix river gorge, El Montmell ridge, Penedès vineyard trails
Difficulty: Easy to challenging; routes graded throughout; reasonable fitness required for the highest peaks
Mapping: 1:40,000 maps included for each walk
Digital navigation: GPX files available to download
Practical information: Accommodation, facilities and public transport details provided for every route
Best season: Year-round; spring, early summer and autumn recommended; avoid the hottest summer months for longer or higher routes
Author Highlight
“The world-famous architecture, fine restaurants and bustling streets make the city of Barcelona a popular destination. The city undoubtedly has a special vibe and its famous landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, La Rambla and Parc Güell are visited by millions every year. The Costa Brava has attracted sunseekers for decades but only about an hour from the coastline and Barcelona, the landscape is altogether different.”
- Jacint Mig, one of the authors of Walking in Catalunya - Barcelona
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device. To access your eBook, you will need an eReader app. For more details, visit the eBook FAQs.
Overview map
Map key
Map of Barcelona
Introduction
Geography and geology
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation
When to go and what to take
Language
Waymarking
Using this guide
Montseny Natural Park
Walk 1 Turó de l’Home from Santa Fe
Walk 2 Turó de Morou
Walk 3 Gualba to Santa Fe
Walk 4 Marianegra spring and waterfall
Walk 5 Les Agudes
Walk 6 Matagalls from Coll de Bordoriol
Walk 7 Sant Bernat to Sant Marçal circular
Walk 8 Aiguafreda circular
Walk 9 Matagalls from Collformic
Walk 10 Viladrau to Matagalls
Vic and Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area
Walk 11 L’Enclusa and Castell de Taradell
Walk 12 Tavèrnoles to Sant Pere de Casserres
Walk 13 Puig del Far
Walk 14 Vilanova de Sau to Pont de Malafogassa
Walk 15 Tavertet circular
Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park
Walk 16 Sant Miquel del Fai circular
Walk 17 Montcau and Cova Simanya
Walk 18 Castellasa circular
Walk 19 La Mola from Torre de l’Àngel
Walk 20 Alzina del Salari circular
Walk 21 Coll d’Estenalles to Mura
Montserrat Natural Park
Walk 22 Montserrat Monastery from Monistrol de Montserrat
Walk 23 Sant Jeroni
Walk 24 Ermita de Sant Joan
Walk 25 Roca Foradada and Cami de la Portella
Walk 26 Els Pallers
Walk 27 Montserrat Monastery from Collbató
Penedès and Garraf Natural Park
Walk 28 Garraf to Bruguers
Walk 29 Jafra circular
Walk 30 Castells de Marca trail
Walk 31 Foix river gorge
Walk 32 El Montmell ridge
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful contacts and information
Appendix C Accommodation
Appendix D Glossary
Seasons
Most routes can be walked all year around, but you might want to avoid the hottest months of the summer. Spring, early summer and autumn are the best seasons for walking.
Centres
Barcelona, Vic, Sant Celoni, Montseny, Santa Fe, Viladrau, Matadepera, Terrassa, Manresa, Olesa de Montserrat, Monistrol de Montserrat, Colbató, Vilafranca del Penedès, Sitges.
Difficulty
The graded walks range from short easy strolls to longer and more challenging routes. Reasonable level of fitness is required to climb the highest peaks in the region.
Must See
Montseny Natural Park, Turó de l`Home, Les Agudes, Matagalls, Sau reservoir, Sant Llorençe del Munt i l`Obac Natural Park, Montcau, La Mola, Montserrat Natural Park, Montserrat Monastery, Sant Jeroni, Oliba Trail, Els 3 Monts, Penedès, Garraf Natural Park.
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