Province of Barcelona

The Barcelona region is characterised by a surprising variety of landscapes. The Costa Barcelona stretches north and south-east of the metropolis, directly adjoining the Costa Brava in the north and the Costa Daurada in the south. Golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear water attract locals and tourists alike for various activities or a relaxing holiday. In the Alt Penedès wine region, it is not only wine lovers who feel at home, hikers and cyclists can also roam through the vineyards here. The agricultural areas are surrounded by mountains and are home to mighty old monasteries such as Montserrat, probably the most famous place of pilgrimage in Catalonia. In the nature parks, there is a relaxing silence and you can explore the nature and culture of the region.

In the border area between the regions of Girona and Barcelona lies the Montseny Natural Park, which is famous for its biodiversity that inspires artists, intellectuals and scientists. It has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1978. The mosaic of Mediterranean and Central European landscapes in the immediate vicinity of large urban centres can be explored by visitors on foot or by bike.

In the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, the pre-Pyrenean mountain range is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Catalonia. The rich biodiversity is also due to the different altitudes between 900 m and 2648 m on the Monte de la Canal Baridana. However, you will not only find spectacular nature here, but you can also explore the medieval city walls and the colonnaded square in Bagà or the Gothic church and the towers and city walls of Bellver de Cerdanya.

Les Guilleries nature reserve between the provinces of La Selva and Osona is a mountainous area. The landscape is characterised by rounded reliefs covered by forests and the Susqueda and El Pasteral reservoirs. There is also a varied cultural heritage of farmhouses, churches and Romanesque hermitages, as well as archaeological sites and bridges. Examples of the cultural landscape worth seeing are the Malafogassa bridge, Sant Andreu de Bancells, Santa Maria de Vallclara and the Coll sanctuary.

The Serra de Collserola Natural Park is the largest green area in the Barcelona metropolitan area and is subject to strong demographic pressure. The park offers beautiful flora and numerous leisure activities, especially on the Tibidabo, the highest peak in the park. Here you will find a leisure park with 25 attractions as well as the Collserola Tower, which offers a marvellous view of the Barcelona plains. In addition to its natural wealth, the park also has a valuable cultural and architectural heritage, such as the Iberian settlement of Ca n'Oliver, the medieval castles of Castellciuró and El Papiol, as well as farmhouses, chapels and churches.

As the capital of Catalonia, a metropolis and harbour city, Barcelona is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites. Not least the numerous works of Antoni Gaudí give the city a special status. With 9 UNESCO cultural heritage sites (7 of them by Gaudí), the metropolis is well worth a visit, especially for culture lovers. The Sagrada Familia - Barcelona's unfinished landmark -, Park Güell - which was actually intended to become an entire garden city - and other buildings are reminders of the ingenious architect Gaudí.

But Barcelona has even more to offer. Thanks to its location by the sea, the city has had an important harbour for centuries. Today, tourists not only enjoy the history of this place, but can also go straight from the city to the beach: swimming, snorkelling, sailing or simply strolling along the promenade.

Catalonia, with its beach paths, vineyards and, of course, the Pyrenees, is an ideal hiking region. There is a special hiking route in the Barcelona region: the Cathar Way (El Camí dels Bons Homes).

The Cathars were representatives of a Christian movement that propagated a return to the roots of faith and a modest way of life. They lived in southern France between the 10th and 14th centuries and criticised the high representatives of the Catholic clergy, who were conspicuous for their opulent lifestyles and corruption. As a result, they were first persecuted by the Crusaders and then by the Inquisition. Fleeing to the other side of the Pyrenees was the only escape for many Cathars.

Today, one of the most beautiful cross-border hiking trails in the Pyrenees follows in the footsteps of the Cathars. From Bergá in Catalonia, it goes via Gósol (the mountain village where Picasso found inspiration at the beginning of the 20th century) via Bagà, Bellver de Cerdanya and Castellbo to Porta and on through uninhabited borderland into the French Ariège Pyrenees. In France, you then hike to the fortresses of Montsegur, Roquefixade and Foix - the places in ancient Occitania where the Cathar escape route began.

But the Cathar Way is not the only way to explore the Barcelona region. The Ignatian Way (Camí Ignasià) and the Catalan Way of St James (El Camí de Sant Jaume) as well as the Llobregat Way (El Camí de Llobregat) and the Bishop and Abbot Oliba Way (El Camí Oliba) also follow in the footsteps of historical figures. The Els 3 Monts (The 3 Mountains) trail, on the other hand, is a long-distance hiking trail that runs in six stages through the three characteristic natural parks of Montseny, Sant Llorenç i l'Obac and Montserrat in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis of Barcelona.

The province is also perfect for short hikes, cycling, jogging or climbing!