Carretera de les Aigües Barcelona
A scenic ridge trail offering breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, perfect for walking, running, and cycling.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, great light
Carretera de les Aigües Barcelona
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, great light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic ridge trail offering breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, perfect for walking, running, and cycling.
"Escape the city bustle for stunning vistas and fresh air on this beloved local trail."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The path is mostly paved but long. Good walking or running shoes are a must for enjoying the full trail.
💧 Bring water & snacks
There are limited facilities along the route, so pack essentials for your walk or ride.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Barcelona Views
Collserola Ridge
Breathtaking vistas of the entire city, from the Sagrada Familia to the Mediterranean Sea. Perfect for photos!
Tranquil Forest Walk
Collserola Natural Park
Escape the city bustle on this serene trail, surrounded by pine trees and fresh air. A true urban oasis.

Popular Cycling Route
Carretera de les Aigües trail
A favorite among locals for biking, offering a smooth, relatively flat path for a great workout with a view.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Easy Access from the City
Best Time for Views & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The path is mostly paved but long. Good walking or running shoes are a must for enjoying the full trail.
💧 Bring water & snacks
There are limited facilities along the route, so pack essentials for your walk or ride.
🚇 Use public transport
FGC train to Les Planes or Baixador de Vallvidra is a convenient way to start your journey.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic cityscapes are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The path is mostly paved but long. Good walking or running shoes are a must for enjoying the full trail.
💧 Bring water & snacks
There are limited facilities along the route, so pack essentials for your walk or ride.
🚇 Use public transport
FGC train to Les Planes or Baixador de Vallvidra is a convenient way to start your journey.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic cityscapes are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the calm
It's a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, even for those with anxiety, offering beautiful vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of Barcelona and the peaceful, natural setting of the Carretera de les Aigües. It's praised as an accessible escape for walking, running, and cycling, offering a refreshing break from the city. Some note that facilities are limited and weekends can be crowded.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way is to take the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) train. Stations like Les Planes or Baixador de Vallvidra are good starting points, offering direct access to the trails in Collserola.
This is often easier than driving and parking.While not directly by metro, you can connect to the FGC train lines from various metro stations in Barcelona. The FGC is a key public transport option for reaching the Collserola area.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Public transport is generally a more convenient and stress-free option for accessing the trail.
Popular starting points include areas accessible from FGC train stations like Les Planes or Baixador de Vallvidra. You can also access it from various points within the Collserola Natural Park.
Once you reach the suggested FGC stations, the trail is generally well-signposted. Local advice suggests exploring from these hubs to find your preferred route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Carretera de les Aigües and the surrounding Collserola Natural Park is free. You only need to consider the cost of public transport to get there.
The trail itself is a public path within a natural park, so there are no entrance fees. Enjoy the natural beauty without any cost.
As an outdoor trail, it's accessible at all hours. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
While there aren't official 'tickets' for the trail, many local tour operators offer guided hikes or bike tours that include this route. Booking in advance is usually recommended for these.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially sunny ones, tend to be busier with locals and tourists alike.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The Carretera de les Aigües is primarily a wide, well-maintained gravel path, making it suitable for walking, running, and cycling. It's relatively flat for much of its length.
The main trail is quite extensive, stretching for many kilometers. You can choose to walk or cycle a section or tackle a longer route depending on your fitness level.
Facilities are sparse along the trail itself. It's best to come prepared with your own water and snacks. Some starting points or nearby areas might have amenities.
Yes, the wide and relatively flat path makes it suitable for families. Children can enjoy the open space and the views. Consider bringing a stroller if needed.
You'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding Collserola hills. It's a fantastic spot for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for capturing the cityscapes and landscapes.
You can capture sweeping panoramic shots of Barcelona, close-ups of the unique flora in Collserola, and action shots if you're cycling or running.
Many points along the trail offer stunning vistas. Mirador dels Xiprers is mentioned as a great spot, but simply walking along the ridge provides numerous photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the city. Don't forget a fully charged phone or camera!
While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in popular tourist areas. Keep your gear secure and out of sight when not in use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Consider starting from an FGC station like Baixador de Vallvidra, which offers a pleasant introduction to the trail. It's a great way to introduce children to nature and provide a break from the busy city attractions.
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Many locals use this trail for their daily runs, so you'll find a community of fitness enthusiasts. You can tailor your run to your desired distance by simply turning back at any point. It's an invigorating way to combine exercise with breathtaking views of Barcelona.
🚶♂️ Casual Walkers and Nature Lovers
Even if you don't have time for a long hike, a short walk along a section of the Carretera can be incredibly refreshing. It offers a welcome respite from the urban hustle and provides beautiful, accessible vistas of the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collserola Natural Park
Many visitors use the Carretera as a starting point to explore deeper into the park. You can find routes leading to various viewpoints, picnic areas, and even historical sites within Collserola. The park is well-maintained, with clear signage for many of the popular routes, making it accessible for both casual walkers and more adventurous trekkers.
For those looking for a more challenging experience, consider venturing off the main Carretera onto some of the narrower, steeper paths. These routes often lead to more secluded spots and offer a greater sense of wilderness. Always ensure you have adequate water, snacks, and a map or GPS device if you plan on extensive exploration.
Cycling the Carretera de les Aigües
Many locals use this route for their daily exercise, so you'll find a good mix of casual riders and serious cyclists. The consistent gradient means you can maintain a good pace while still enjoying the stunning views of the city unfolding below. It's a great way to cover a significant distance without the intense climbs often associated with mountain biking.
Bike rental services are available in Barcelona, and some offer delivery or pick-up points near the FGC stations that access the Carretera. Remember to wear a helmet and be mindful of other users on the path, especially during peak hours.
Photography Tips for the Best Shots
Beyond the cityscape, don't forget to capture the natural beauty of the Collserola Natural Park. The textures of the pine trees, the vibrant colors of wildflowers (seasonally), and the winding path itself can make for compelling compositions. Look for leading lines in the trail to draw the viewer's eye towards the distant city.
For those interested in street photography, observe the local life – cyclists in motion, families enjoying a stroll, or individuals finding a moment of peace. A wide-angle lens is ideal for encompassing the vastness of the view, while a telephoto lens can help isolate interesting details in the city or frame distant landmarks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit