Nature Getaways near Bacelona

Barcelona is a big city that lets visitors not only enjoy the attractiveness of a modern, cosmopolitan city, but also visit several natural parks of importance in Cataluña just a few minutes from the city’s downtown. These are locations that mix peace and nature, perfect to unplug yourself, with family or with your dog, for a couple of hours from the busy and stressful life of the city.

Llobregat Delta Natural Area

escapadas-naturales-barcelonaJust 15 kilometres (9 miles) away from downtown Barcelona, you will find the Llobregat Delta Natural Area, extensive plains occupying an area of around 100 km² (38.6 sq mi) between Garraf Massif and Montjuïc. Llobregat Delta is the second most important delta in Cataluña and it preserves one of Spain’s most important wetlands. The years have made this area a great natural space with farmlands, littoral wetlands, beaches and pine forests where thousands of animal and plant species find their home at. In addition, you will find different bicycle and foot itineraries to engage and discover this natural area, and also contemplate the constant coming and going of airplanes. The proximity to the airport has become another main attraction of the area, with several observation decks available next to the main landing strip to get a closer look at the airport, watch as planes land, or even recognize each plane’s model.

Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park

Between the Bages and Del Vallès Occidental regions exists a small natural oasis, just 47 km (29 miles) from Barcelona. The park, covering 14,000 hectares (54 sq mi) of terrain, was the first park in Spain to be declared a protected area thanks to its wide variety of plants and animal species. At the La Mola and Montcau mountains you will find the perfect scene for spending the entire morning hiking and enjoying nature’s beauty. You can then complete the day by visiting the 11th century Sant Llorenç del Munt monastery and Puig de la Balma’s troglodyte dwelling in Mura municipality.

Montseny Natural Park

excursion-pirineosThe only natural park in Cataluña to be categorized as a Biosphere Reserve, it towers over the Vallés, La Selva and Osona regions, some 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) away from Barcelona. Montseny Natural Park features spectacular landscapes and is surrounded by multiple legends centered on its towns and forests. This is the perfect place for open-air activities like hiking, quad trails, archery, paintball and even zip-lining. Other leisure alternatives found at Montseny town include visiting the Sant Julià Church, artisanal fairs, taverns and restaurants.

Collserola Park

Sierra de Collserola is located in Barcelona’s metropolitan area, some 15 minutes from the city’s downtown. This protected natural environment consists of more than 8,000 hectares (31 sq mi) and will allow all visitors to enjoy a large forested area full of pine forests and small streams. Inside the park, in addition to the wonderful natural environment, you will be able to enjoy yourself in four information centers around the park which will allow you to learn about all the different species living there and the recommended routes to discover the park. Here, you will also find the Torre de Collserola, a telecommunications tower designed by Norman Foster and which also has a public observation deck from where to enjoy the city view.

Montserrat Natural Park

The Montserrat mountain range, around 50 minutes away from Barcelona, is one of the most visited places in Spain thanks to its wonderful natural environment and the monastery honoring the Virgin of Montserrat, patron saint of Cataluña.