Reach New Heights
Astonishing Vistas of Barcelona
10/2021 - Barbara Keller
Who doesn’t love Barcelona, Spain’s largest and most popular city on the Mediterranean coast? It offers something for every taste: beaches, mountains, a stunning historical old town, lots of sunshine, a good vibe, numerous interesting landmarks and delicious tapas. For the very same reason, the city tends to get crowded with tourists, especially during the summer months. However, this is by no means a reason to think you won’t be able to experience some authentic adventures among locals.
Once the center gets too crowded, many of Barcelona’s residents switch over to higher altitudes. Surrounded by many mountains and hills, Barcelona offers a wide range of breathtaking spots that overlook the city from all different angles. In this article we’re sharing five of the locals’ secret escapes with you, but be warned—you may feel the need to book your trip immediately after reading it.
Parc de Collserola
The Parc de Collserola is part of the Serra de Collserola, located in the Catalan Coastal Range. It’s one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world—22 times the size of Central Park in New York City! The inhabitants of Barcelona love this green area for walking, cycling and enjoying the varied wildlife. Occasionally you may even cross paths with some famous FC Barcelona players or other celebrities. Here you’ll also find numerous restaurants, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal. Last but not least, it offers a spectacular and totally free vista of Barcelona. Sit down on one of the benches and sip a cold beer while the sunset makes the Barcelona sky shine in orange, yellow, red and blue.
Tibidabo
Also part of the Serra de Collserola, Tibidabo is a sharply rising hill with views over the city and the surrounding coastline. It’s home of the Sagrat Cor church and the Tibidabo Amusement Park. The admission to the church is free and for a small fee you can also access the first viewing platform. If you’re not afraid of heights, keep on climbing all the way up to the statue of Jesus Christ on the very top, for an unforgettable view of Barcelona and beyond. In case you’re more interested in some thrilling rides, make sure to check out the amusement park. Its main attraction is probably the setting of the park itself, which is why it’s often used as a filming location in international movies, like Vicky Cristina Barcelona, for instance.
Bunkers del Carmel
The Bunkers del Carmel are located at the very top of Turó de la Rovira in the Carmel neighborhood. It’s a viewpoint at a height of 262 meters, from which you have a 360º city view. During the Spanish Civil War this spot served as an anti-aircraft position. Nowadays, the inhabitants of the nearby neighbourhoods and other parts of the city often come here to picnic, especially during sunset. Unfortunately, the way up is very steep and exhausting, especially if your bag is full of snacks and drinks. But what you’ll see once you’ve reached the top is definitely worth the effort.
Castillo de Montjuïc
Located on a vantage point 173 metres above the port, Castillo de Montjuïc offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. From the moment you step in the cable cars of Telefèric de Montjuïc, which takes you up Montjuïc mountain, you’ll be treated to unobstructed panoramic views of Barcelona. Once you reach Castillo de Montjuïc, you’re greeted by the lush gardens surrounding the castle. It’s a pleasant place to walk around, but there’s more to it than that. In summer there’s an outdoor cinema event where films get displayed on the wall of the castle. Here’s a tip: do like the locals do and organize a picnic while enjoying a cultural film with family and friends.
Mirador de Horta
In the old residential district of Horta at the city border, there’s a small hidden gem that goes unnoticed by many—Mirador de Horta, a place with beautiful city views. You can reach it by car or take a short 20-minute walk from the nearest metro station. If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram holiday picture, this is the spot for you. With a wooden swing hanging from a tree and a breathtaking panorama in the background, Mirador de Horta is a magical setting for a romantic date far away from the hustle.
We’re assuming a trip to Barcelona is now the newest addition to your to-do list. If you’re looking for a place to kick back and get a good night’s sleep after all your adventures in this exciting Spanish city, our centrally located numa properties Roca and Trove are the perfect solution for you. Guess what—all these stunning viewpoints can easily be reached from both accommodations. For example, it’s only around 30 minutes to the Bunkers del Carmel, while Castillo de Montjuïc can be reached in under 40. We’ve got you covered, now you only have to book!
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