1. Park Volunteers: A Walk in the Collserola Mountain Range

The Collserola Mountain Range, always keeping an eye on the city, is the perfect place for a walk, even on chilly days, since the temperature is always pleasant there. This circular route was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Collserola Volunteers project. On it, you’ll discover some of the most iconic spots of this beautiful range!

The route starts at the Park Information Centre, where they’ll answer any questions you have and give advice about the route, which is nearly five kilometres long and can be completed at a leisurely pace in under two hours.

Along the way, you'll climb two hills, Turó d'en Ferrer and Turó dels Mussols, before heading towards the upper part of the Budellera Mountain Stream and the start of the Vallvidrera Mountain Stream. Without getting as far up as the ridge, which can often be windy, you cross over to the other side of the mountain, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Barcelona.

Finally, you pass by the Canet Spring and after an optional (and highly recommended) visit to the Budellera Spring, you make your way down to the hollow, reaching Santa Maria de Vallvidrera, a church dating back to the 10^th century and the first focal point of this town. From here, there’s just one last stretch before you arrive back at the starting point.

2. Camí de Ronda (Coastal Path) from Sitges to Vilanova i la Geltrú 

Did you know that, in the past, coastal paths were patrolled by smugglers and guards alike? This is why in Catalan they're called camins de ronda, which literally means “patrol paths”. The guards would patrol them, ensuring that no ships landed secretly without paying customs duties, while the smugglers used them to bring in contraband goods. If you’d like to discover one of these coastal paths, head to the Garraf coastline, full of rugged rocks and spectacular coves.

It's a great place to visit even on the coldest days because the sun and the sea’s moderating effect will keep you warm enough to enjoy a splendid day. To explore this spectacular stretch of coast, we recommend following the Garraf Coves Route, which is the section of the coastal path from Sitges to Vilanova i la Geltrú.

This straightforward route follows part of the GR-92 long-distance path through beautiful coastal landscapes that combine headlands, cliffs, small capes and quiet, secluded coves. Taking care with the slightly uneven terrain, you'll pass iconic spots such as one of the world’s first nudist beaches, Cala de l’Home Mort (Dead Man’s Cove), stunning vantage points like Punta de les Coves or Punta Grossa, and historical buildings including the Xalet de la Sal (a villa named after the Sal family), the Hermitage of Sant Cristòfol and the Lighthouse of Sant Cristòfol.

Once you reach Vilanova, you can complete the day with a stroll along the seafront and around the Iberian settlement of L’Adarró or the Ribes Roges Park. You can also visit the Vilanova i la Geltrú Maritime Museum and the Roig Toqués Museum of Maritime Curiosities, where you’ll find all sorts of unusual artefacts salvaged from the seabed!

3. Green Meridian Route: from La Roca del Vallès to Ocata Beach 

In 1799, the Paris Meridian was used to determine the length of the metre, and the metric system was born. This historical event was recently commemorated with the creation of the Green Meridian, a route that stretches from the beaches of Dunkirk, in northern France, to Ocata Beach in El Masnou, a coastal town near Barcelona. While the section of the route that runs through Catalonia is quite long, we recommend doing the last leg, from La Roca del Vallès to El Masnou, which is perfect for colder days.

It’s an 18-kilometre route with a 600-metre elevation gain, so a bit of preparation is required. It can be completed on foot or by bike. Starting in La Roca del Vallès, you’ll cross the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range Park from north to south, following the green directional arrows, either printed on stickers or stamped on plaques attached to posts made out of recycled material.

Along the route, which runs along pleasant trails that receive the warmth of the midday sun all year round, you’ll pass places including the La Creu de Can Boquet Information Centre, the Gallemí Pass (offering a magnificent view of the sea), the Dolmen of Can Planes and the Hermitage of Sant Mateu, which, surrounded by fields and vineyards, boasts a small 10^th-century chapel. When you reach the end of the route, it’s time to enjoy the sea breeze and tuck into a hearty meal in one of the fantastic beachside restaurants of El Masnou!

4. Paths of the Bishop and Abbot Oliba: from Vilanova de Sau to Casserres

The Paths of the Bishop and Abbot Oliba is a Romanesque route connecting the Bages, Osona and Ripollès regions, following in the footsteps of Abbot Oliba. The 9.25-kilometre stretch between Casserres and Vilanova de Sau, with a 490-metre elevation gain, is particularly beautiful, perfect for winter days.

This stretch is dominated by the towering cliffs of Collsacabra, a constant presence as you skirt the large meanders formed by the Ter River where it merges with the Sau Reservoir. However, the main highlight of the section is the Benedictine Monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres, the only one of its kind in Osona, where you can visit a permanent exhibition devoted to the life of monks in this period.

The route follows ancient paths that exude a sense of place, culture and permanence. Although the route can be followed in both directions, we recommend starting in Vilanova de Sau so you can visit the Monastery upon arrival, ending your journey with the most spectacular views of the river!

5. Olèrdola Springs and Kilns Route

Olèrdola Castle, set within the Olèrdola Regional Park, is home to a series of relics and constructions that trace the history of the Penedès region from the Bronze Age to the early Middle Ages. It’s the perfect route for exploring such a special environment, where nature and history create a magical combination.

The itinerary starts at the car park of the Castle itself, which you can visit before setting off or, even better, at the end of the day. From here, you cover 6.6 kilometres of lovely, peaceful landscape composed of forests, rocky outcrops and open terrain.

After making your way down to the lush La Seguera Hollow, you’ll see two churches and a Roman milestone (a cylindrical column with inscriptions placed by the roadside to indicate a distance of a thousand paces). Additionally, you can visit four barraques (dry-stone huts), the lime kilns of Can Castellví and some springs, such as those of Fontanilles, Ametlló and Alba.

Last but not least, you’ll also find some excellent vantage points, offering wonderful views of the Penedès and Garraf regions. In short, you’ll rarely find so many unique elements to see and visit in such an accessible route, which makes it very special indeed!