Great Hikes Near Barcelona

The GR-92 is a route that runs from the south of Spain up into France, and the part close to Barcelona is called the Camino de Ronda. Many parts of this route run along the coast with beautiful views, passing through fishing villages, coves, and along cliffs. The only problem is that it is not a circular route, which means that you need to find a way back from wherever you end up or walk a ways and then walk back in a straight line. 

One of the prettiest stretches of this trail is between Palamos and Begur (a total of a 6.5 hour hike) but you can pick and choose pieces of that to do depending on the time and level you have. Palamos to Calella de Palafrugel is about 2 hours, Tamariu to Begur is about 2 hours (the last stretch is mainly interior so not along the coast, but still has some nice views), Calella de Palafrugell to Tamariu is about 2.5 hours, and L’Estartit to L’Escala is about 4.5 hours.

Remember that these time estimations are very general and you should add time if you plan to swim, eat lunch, or walk at a slower pace. You can get closer to the starting points for the Camino de Ronda via bus (www.sarfa.com) but be sure to bring a map of the route and make sure you’ve looked at the exact times for the buses returning to Barcelona. Or better yet, stay a night somewhere along the way!

You don’t need even need to leave the city to experience some fantastic hiking! Take the metro to several points along Collserola Park and when you get out you can follow any of the route signs, wander a bit, or go to the information center (take the FGC train from Plaça Catalunya to the “Baixador de Vallvidera” station) to pick up a trail guide. 

Another great option here is to hike up to the Tibidabo amusement park where you can check out the views. Remember to double check their schedule, as they're often closed in the winter, and the prices of their “sky walk” ticket to try out some of the antique rides and attractions.

You can find more info on Collserola Park here.

The Pyrenees run into the sea at the Cap de Creus, creating rocky shorelines and places that feel like a moonscape. The town itself is a quiet hideaway with white buildings and great food. You can see why Dalí found this spot so special.

It is just a little too far for a day trip, so plan to spend a night there. You can get a bus from the Barcelona Nord station or take the train to Figueres and then take a bus to Cadaques (don't forget to take advantage of being in Figueres, and go to the Dalí Museum!).

One of the most typical hikes to do in this area is the "Camino Antiguo hacia el Cabo de Creus." Leave Cadaques going in the direction of Port Lligat, pass by Dali's house, and follow the trail signs that lead along the water. You'll begin a trail that goes along the coast with the coves on your right. If you want, you can walk down into the coves for a quick swim or to have a picnic lunch. Eventually, your walk will lead to a lighthouse which contains a bar/restaurant. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to the lighthouse.