5 natural parks to ride around Barcelona with a local guide

Most visitors see Barcelona from the beach or the Sagrada FamĂ­lia. Cyclists get a better view: the city is surrounded by natural parks, and five of them are within pedalling distance of our shop. Here is what each one offers, and why riding them with a local guide makes the day so much better.

Montserrat, one of the natural parks you can ride from Barcelona
Montserrat, one of the natural parks you can ride from Barcelona

1. Collserola: the green balcony above the city

Collserola is Barcelona’s backyard. Within 20 minutes of the shop you are on the Carretera de les AigĂ¼es, a flat gravel track with the whole city and the sea below you. Road riders head up to Tibidabo and Vallvidrera; gravel and MTB riders lose themselves on forest tracks that reach Sant Cugat. Best for: a half-day ride, gravel and MTB, first-time visitors.

2. Montserrat: the mountain everyone wants to climb

The serrated silhouette of Montserrat is visible from almost everywhere in Catalonia. The climb to the monastery is a classic for road cyclists, with smooth tarmac, steady gradients and an unforgettable view at the top. It’s a long day from Barcelona (around 100–120 km return), so many riders combine it with a van transfer. Best for: strong road riders and eBikes.

3. Garraf: cliffs, bays and the sea beside you

The Garraf coast road winds above the Mediterranean between Castelldefels and Sitges. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches of tarmac in Spain, and inland the Garraf massif hides quiet climbs and gravel tracks among limestone and pine. Best for: road riders who love the sea and a lunch stop in Sitges.

The Garraf coast road south of Barcelona
The Garraf coast road south of Barcelona

4. Sant Llorenç del Munt: the local secret

North of Terrassa, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac is where Barcelona’s racers train when they want quiet roads and real climbs. Conglomerate cliffs, the monastery on La Mola and empty mountain roads make it a favourite of our guides. Best for: road and gravel riders looking for something off the tourist map.

5. Serralada de Marina: views over two seas

Between Badalona and Montgat, the Serralada de Marina offers short, punchy climbs with views over the Mediterranean on one side and the Vallès on the other. Its trails are a playground for MTB riders. Best for: MTB, eMTB and riders short on time.

Why ride with a local guide?

  • No navigation stress: your guide knows every junction, closure and shortcut.
  • The right route for your level: from 30 to 120 km, adapted on the go.
  • The best stops: viewpoints, village cafĂ©s and the bakery only locals know.
  • Peace of mind: mechanical support and bikes prepared in our own workshop.

Our private guided rides start at 200 € for one rider plus 50 € for each additional rider, so a group of four rides for about 88 € per person. Road, gravel, MTB and eBikes are available from our fleet.

Ready to ride? See all our guided rides in Barcelona and beyond or book a 30-minute call with Roger, our Tours Manager.

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