Be it in the city or a train ride away, Barcelona makes sure that there is enough greenery to fuel yourself with if your eyes are tired of the city’s rush. Burn off the Paella, get some fresh air, and break into a sweat for these walking trails in Barcelona are absolutely worth it. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Montjuïc
This is the smallest of Barcelona’s hills and the perfect choice if you don’t want to venture too far in your quest for some tranquillity. On this hill sits the Montjuïc Castle accessorised with numerous gardens, perfect for strolls, picnics, lazing around and in general a revivifying experience while you detox from all the stress. You can buy a ticket and go into the castle but some even opt to skip it for the outdoor surroundings itself are just too pretty to miss.
2. Parc del Guinardo
There are two ways to getting to Parc del Guinardo, the calmer and less crowded alternative to Parc Guell, with enough space both for joggers and walkers. Just before you reach the very top, you will find a spot from where you can take a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the city which is just stunning, thanks to the park being located on a rather steep hill.
3. Tibidabo Mountain
The most famous of Barcelona’s surrounding hills and dominating a fair share of Barcelona’s skyline — Tibidabo is also where the city’s oldest amusement park is located. Hike through the bush to reach the top overlooking the city. Start from Sarrià and make your way up through the Avenida de Vallvidrera and the Carrer de Santpedor for the nicest route to get to the top. The hike should ideally take you four hours.
4. The Bunkers del Carmel
The former, now abandoned, wartime bunkers used during the Spanish Civil War make for one of the best and well-hidden secrets of the city that only locals know about. You can get to the bunkers via the Carrer de La Gran Vista and follow the route until it comes to Carrer del Panorama. You can also alternatively either start walking from the centre of the town or take the metro to either the Guinardó i Hospital de Sant Pau (line 4) or El Coll / La Teixonera (line 5). The hike is a short 1.5 hours and is perfect for an easy after lunch workout.
5. Carretera de les Aigues
Perhaps the more popular walking routes in the city, Carretera de les Aigues is a six-hour hike on mostly flat trails, popular also amongst cyclists. Literally translation to ‘Road of the Waters’, Carretera de les Aigues is named after the water pipes which supplied water to the city running along the route. It is on Tibidabo Mountain and promises lovely panoramas of the city.
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