The Collserola Park is the greatest green space in Barcelona’s metropolitan area, which is experiencing severe demographic pressure.
The Collserola Park is the greatest green space in Barcelona’s metropolitan area, which is experiencing severe demographic pressure. To the south and north, respectively, are the valleys of the rivers Llobregat and Bess, and to the east and west are the Barcelona plain and Vallès, respectively. The 512-meter-tall Tibidabo is the tallest peak in the 8,000-hectare-large Collserola mountain range, which is 17 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide.
The park has evolved into a recreational area and a place to get closer to nature since the Special Plan for planning and protecting the natural environment was passed in 1987. This has helped to promote cultural and environmental values among the populace and protect a region with significant ecological value.
The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forests, which are mostly on the side of the park that faces Vallès, as well as the low vegetation of maquis, scrubland, meadows, and farmland, are typical of a Mediterranean mountain range close to the sea. It is estimated that there are 10,000 million trees and more than 1,000 different plant types there.
- Annual closing: Open all year round, except from the 25th of December and the 1st and 6th of January.
- Opening hours – summer : Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 15:00
- Opening hours – winter: Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 15:00
- How to get there: Vallvidrera road towards Sant Cugat del Vallès.
Aside from natural richness, human-nature interaction has developed a valuable cultural and architectural legacy that must be maintained (we must not forget that man’s presence on Collserola dates back millions of years). The Iberian village of Ca n’Oliver in the Cerdanyola del Vallès area, the medieval castles of Castell Ciuró and Papiol, masies (Torre del Bisbe or Can Catà), and countless chapels and churches, such as Sant Maria de Vallvidrera or Santa Maria de les Feixes, must also be highlighted in this regard.
The park offers several facilities where visitors can get information about the activities and itineraries available, including the information center, the Mas Pins and Can Coll environmental education centers, and the documentation and educational resources center.
There are also several marked trails, leisure places, vistas, and springs, including the famed Budellera spring.
The park is home to Norman Foster’s famed Collserola tower, which is 288 meters tall. Excellent views of Barcelona’s plain may be had from the viewpoint.
Routes
Route through the Puig Madrona: from Baix Llobregat al Vallès to Sant Cugat del Vallès Western Route: Sant Just Desvern to Molins de Rei via Santa Creu d’Olorda; Route via the Collserola slopes: from Villa Joana to Sant Cugat del Vallès Barcelona at your fingertips: from Torre Baró to Tibidabo.
Bird-watching tourism
Since 1988, an observation and chase program has been carried out throughout the months of September and October, when birds of prey pass through. On weekends, everyone is welcome to watch from the La Magarola hill. Specialist educators will assist you in identifying the species.
