At the foot of Collserola National Park, the divine green belt that seems to separate Barcelona from the rest of Spain, there is an amazing running, walking and biking track called ‘Carretera de les Aigües’.
Related article: Running paths with a view in Barcelona
Carretera de les Aigües
This 20-kilometre dirt track winds its way through lush green vegetation, affording breathtaking views of both the city, sky and sea below, or yet more lush countryside, as it does so.
Photo via Pixabay
The track is predominantly flat, making it perfect for inexperienced or physically unfit joggers, hikers or cyclists or those that just want to take things easy. And it is also a popular location for dog’ and their parents, families and couples at the weekend. Especially on a sunny Sunday morning and afternoon. It can get quite crowded.
If you want to break off the Carretera and visit the Torre de Collserola (the white spikey thing) or Tibidabo, it will involve some intensive uphill walking, jogging or cycling – but it is worth the pain.
The track starts from Vallcarca and eventually leads to a fountain known as Font de la Mandra, within the municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat, which is just outside the city of Barcelona.
Related article: 5 points to run well in Barcelona
Photo via Pixabay
The Carretera de les Aigües is an ideal place to enjoy the city with wonderful views but without being too physically demanding, unless you want to tie-in a visit to Tibidabo’s beautiful white church at the top of the mountain, and the oldest funfair in Europe.
The easiest way to access this route is either by car or by funicular. Take the train from Placa Catalunya until Baixador de Vallvidrera. Embark and change to the Funicular de Vallvidrera, which is situated within the same station as Baixador de Vallvidrera and does not incur an extra fare. Take the funicular just one stop (there are only two) and you will alight in the middle of the Carretera de les Aigües. Or just follow the cyclists!
Looking for a flat to rent during your stay in Barcelona? ShBarcelona is the answer.
Leave a Comment