serra de collserola

Enjoy a Day Cycling the Serra de Collserola

Nearly bordering the city, Serra de Collserola natural park is a wonderful place to enjoy the wild beauty that surrounds Barcelona. From the sea to the mountains, this Catalonian city is not just a dream destination for urban junkies, but outdoorsy types as well, with everything from boating, mountain climbing, and cycling to participate in. Tours leave from downtown Barcelona daily to take groups exploring the area’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, you’ll find the perfect routes at Serra de Collserola to explore. The views are spectacular and the terrain can be as challenging or laid-back as you’re looking for, with plenty of places to stop for bathrooms, food and drink along the way.

Mountain Biking Routes at Serra de Collserola

serra de collserola

There are numerous options throughout the mountainous regions to hop on your bike and tear through the dirt tracks. Here are two of the most famous rides in the region:

  1. Green Collserola I is a 24 km ride that takes about two hours to complete. Starting at the Plaça Karl Marx, you will head up to Cami Antic de Sant Llàtzer. Take the next right turn up the dirt road to Can Masdeu past the city’s old leper hospital. The path will then cross the Carretera del Cementiri de Collserola where you will veer left towards another junction beneath a power line pole. Turn right and head back down to Carretera del Cementiri and towards the path for Can Catà. Head back the way you came or ride the train back down.
  2. Green Collserola II starts at the Sant Cugat del Vallès station and heads towards the monastery of Sant Cugat. Follow the cycling lanes on Francesc Macià, and take a right on Av. de les Corts Catalans. From this track, you can catch a glimpse of Montserrat if it’s a clear day. You can follow this all the way to the Reserva Natural de la Font Groga from which it will be all downhill.

Road Cycling at Serra de Collserola Natural Park

There are similarly many great routes to explore through the natural park sticking to the roads, either on your own or with a group. Here are two great road biking options:

  1. Tibidabo is a nearly 7 km ride starting at the Tibidabo Fairground, from which you can get all the way to Vallviderera and then descend to Molins de Rei. This is a scarcely traveled part of the mountain, making it an ideal bike path and a ride you don’t want to miss.
  2. Half-Day Bike Tours from Barcelona are a great way to explore the Sierra de Collserola. Being so close to the city you can literally ride all the way to the mountains and back in less than a day. With the knowledge of the guide, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or taking yourself on a ride that is beyond your fitness level.

When staying at a beautiful Barcelona short term rental you can bring your bike along if you’re planning on multiple rides. These spacious flats make for easy storage and will save you the expense of having to rent while here, as well as giving you a great mode of transportation around Barcelona.

LA MIMOSA: Un Apartamento Exclusivo para los más exigentes

Alguna vez has imaginado tus vacaciones en un oasis de tranquilidad y relajación; rodeado de paredes blancas, lienzos, libros y todo cuanto puedas necesitar?

Apartamento de lujo en Barcelona Paseo de Gràcia - LaMImosa

La Mimosa es eso y mucho más. Este lujoso apartamento de 3 habitaciones ofrece el ambiente propicio para relajarse después de un día de paseo por Barcelona. Sus amplias habitaciones dobles invitan al descanso y al romance. Es ideal si se viaja con otras parejas, pues cada uno tendrá su propio espacio y privacidad, sin que esto signifique renunciar al convite entre amigos.

Hospedarse en La Mimosa es estar a menos de 300 metros de dos de las grandes obras de Gaudí: La Pedrera y Casa Batlló. Ubicado a pocos pasos de  Paseo de Gracia, una de las avenidas comerciales más lujosas de Europa. Podrás sumergirte en el lujo de tiendas exclusivas como Burberry, Chanel o Armani. Y si lo que quieres es disfrutar de la cocina local, en el recién inaugurado El Nacional encontrarás propuestas diferentes para todos los paladares y presupuestos.

No es casualidad que este apartamento sea el favorito de muchos ejecutivos asistentes al Mobile World Congress y que ya haya sido escenario de diferentes spots publicitarios y entrevistas. Como el reciente reportaje sobre Economías Colaborativas transmitido en RTVE, donde se ha escogido La Mimosa como un claro ejemplo de apartamentos turísticos de alto nivel que cumplen con todas las exigencia legales.

Si eres amante del lujo y prefieres una opción de hospedaje que te ofrezca autonomía y privacidad, La Mimosa es sin duda tu mejor opción. Huye de la frialdad de los hoteles y ven a vivir una experiencia exclusiva para personas exigentes como tú.

hiking in barcelona

Where to Enjoy the Views While Hiking in Barcelona

You won’t run out of great things to do and places to see in Barcelona though you may find yourself seeking some outdoor adventure to break up your urban exploring. While Barcelona is at the heart of Catalonia, the majority of this unique Spanish region is surrounded by beautiful mountainous country for hikes, backpacking, or rock climbing. If you’re interested in doing some hiking in Barcelona while visiting, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re inclined to grabbing a map and exploring the country on your own or would prefer to take a group tour, the experience will be breathtaking as well as enlightening as you begin to understand the Catalonian culture from a larger vantage. It’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona!

Montserrat

hiking in barcelona

An easy day trip from Barcelona, Montserrat offers many attractions to keep you busy, including some great hiking trails. A short journey away on public transportation, when you arrive you can explore the monastery or museum, or just head straight out exploring the Sawn Mountain. Many visitors follow in the footsteps of the old tradition, walking to the mountain’s highest peak from the base. While most people drive or taking the tram, walking will give you an extra challenge and spectacular views of the city below.

Montseny

Montseny

This verdant region of national park land is a scenic area perfect for doing some hiking in Barcelona. Similarly an easy trip on public transportation from the city, prepare yourself for lovely trails through the woods. Ranging from 8 to 25 miles in length, this will be an epic outdoors experience giving you a real sense for the Catalonia backcountry, as well as some of its villages.

Parc de Collserola

Rising up over the city of Barcelona is this beautiful park that is nearly touching the city. This immense natural area is a preserved 8,000-hectare area which is predominantly forested, with lakes scattered about, making it among the best hiking near Barcelona.  There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, but it is also a great place for leisure and education. The Serra de Collserola is a wonderful option for hiking in Barcelona, also accessible by public transportation.

Hi. This is Barcelona…

If you would prefer that someone show you around an unfamiliar countryside, there are plenty of tour options for hiking in Barcelona. Similar to guided walking tours throughout the city, knowledgeable guides at this great tour company will lead you through some of Catalonia’s most remarkable settings, all the while explaining their natural and historical significance.

Pyrenees Mountain Tour

hiking in barcelona

This is noted the only tour that leaves the city and heads for the famous Pyrenees Mountains, leading guests through this awe-inspiring landscape that many visitors travel to Spain exclusively to see. Hikers will not only get to explore some of the many trails throughout the region, but will also ride the mountain train up to 6,000 feet, getting one of the most spectacular views in Catalonia.

 

Hiking in Barcelona is an opportunity you don’t want to miss while visiting. While the city itself is enough to keep you busy and excited, the surrounding countryside is unforgettable. The juxtaposition of the rich city life to the simple countryside will be an enlightening cultural Catalonian experience.

Madonna Traerá Su “Rebel Heart” a Barcelona

Mito viviente para unos. Una provocadora para otros. Ha sido censurada en muchos países por “contenidos explícitamente sexuales” y ha generado grandes polémicas en temas religiosos.

Sin importar lo que pensemos, se caiga o no, esté vieja o no, Louise Verónica Ciccone – “Madonna” – sigue re-inventándose y conquistando generaciones.

En su último paso por Barcelona en el 2012, durante su gira “Madonna World Tour”, logró un lleno total en el Palau Sant Jordi y encendió a una multitud de fans.

Palau Sant Jordi

La Reina del Pop visitará la Ciudad Condal este 24 de noviembre, en lo que hasta el momento será el único concierto en España de su gira “Rebel Heart”. La diva iniciará su despliegue de conciertos en Miami en el mes de agosto y visitará las ciudades más importantes de Europa como Praga, Berlín, Amsterdam, Londres, Paris y por supuesto, Barcelona.

Las entradas estarán a la venta el próximo lunes, 16 de marzo en ticketmaster y van desde 45€ hasta 175€.

Si no vives en Barcelona no te preocupes! Ven con tus amigos y hospédate en uno de nuestros apartamentos desde 85€ la noche. No te pierdas la oportunidad de ver a una de las cantantes más influyentes de las últimas décadas en una de las ciudades más vibrantes de Europa.

Apartments in Bacelona - Business flats in barcelona
barcelona tourist attractions

The 8 Best Barcelona Tourist Attractions

Aside from Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is also packed with wonderful sites to see and activities to experience, which can make the opportunity to visit a bit overwhelming. In a world of many choices, it is helpful to have someone narrow down the list, starting with accommodations. To make your visit to Barcelona as homey as possible book one of these short term rentals scattered throughout the city. If you prefer to be right downtown, or would rather walk out your front door and onto the beach, you’ll find the property you’re looking for.

With your shorter accommodations list, now take a look at eight of the most visited Barcelona tourist attractions:

  1. Barcelona Aquarium –  Located right by La Barceloneta and easily accessible by public transportation, the aquarium makes for a great day trip. Check out their various aquariums, especially their sharks that you can go cage diving with! There are fun shark sleepover parties for the kids as well.
  2. Poble Espanyol – Located on Montjuic Mountain, the Poble is a multi-faceted destination with an architectural museum, contemporary art gallery, historic village, lively nightlife, and fantastic gastronomy experiences to be had. There are great events happening all year round in this beautiful historic village surrounded by a Barcelona forest.
  3. F.C. Barcelona Museum – If you are a football fan then you definitely want to head to the Barcelona Museum for an educational experience in Spain’s most famous football team, as well as the history of the sport in the country.
  4. Zoo Barcelona – If you’re traveling with little ones then they will have a blast at the downtown Barcelona Zoo. From elephants and giraffes to dolphins and giant anteaters, there is so much to keep you busy at the zoo, making it a perfect day trip of learning about the world’s diverse species.
  5. Museu Picasso – For a more grown-up adventure head to the Picasso museum where you can explore some of this brilliant artist’s most famous works. For art buffs, this museum’s collection is key to understanding the artist’s formative years.
  6. IMAX Port Vell – This theater has two giant screens and three different projections systems. Each screen is seven stories high and they are the largest ones in the entire country. The Omnimax experience is one you don’t want to miss.
  7. Fundació Joan Miró – This museum features and celebrates the works of this Barcelona native whose first drawings date back to the turn of the century. The foundation has become a notable reference on the international art circuit, featuring the famous works of many contemporary artists.
  8. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – Celebrating the art of Catalonia, this museum was constructed for the International Exposition of 1929. It’s medieval and Romanesque collections are very informative of the city’s history and culture.

While we’ve only scratched the surface of all the Barcelona tourist attractions, these will keep you busy for a good portion of your trip to one of Europe’s favorite beach cities. While exploring a new city can be exhausting, you’ll be able to completely relax once back at your short term rental with a comfortable living space all to yourself.

6 of the Best Beaches in Barcelona

6 of the Best Beaches in Barcelona

Though Barcelona has always been on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it wasn’t always known for its lively beach culture. The beaches in Barcelona used to be almost entirely industrial space so they weren’t the most inviting destinations. As the city prepared to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, the governing powers began to reconsider Barcelona’s identity as a Mediterranean cultural center and decided to start cleaning up its beaches. Barcelona has since been known as one of Europe’s most recommended beach destinations where turquoise waters and white sand rub up against an epicenter of culture, history, and architectural beauty.

With a mild climate, it is always appropriate to spend a day at one of the most beautiful beaches in Barcelona, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to visit our spectacular Barcelona beaches, even in October!

The Best Beaches in Barcelona

1. Barceloneta Beach

This is one of the most famous beaches in Barcelona, as it is the most centrally located to frequently visited areas of town like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Although it will certainly be the most populated stretch of sand in the city, it is often the most entertaining with numerous seafood restaurants, and Port Vell to explore with its museum and IMAX theater. La Champaneria is one of the most popular places to grab some tapas, a bottle of cava and simply hang out at a beach bar.

2. Mar Bella Beach

This is the place for a party. Not only is this one of the only specifically nudist beaches in Barcelona, but it is also home to the windsurfing center. Mar Bella Beach is a popular hangout for gays and lesbians and is known for its Sunday night raves throughout the summer.

3. Bogatell Beach

Slightly northeast of the city center, this beach is significantly more quiet and clean than the Barceloneta stretches right downtown. It is accessible by the Metro and is about a fifteen-minute walk from the Bogatell Metro Station. This beach is known for its great accommodations and laid back atmosphere. It’s a great place for a truly relaxing day at the beach.

4. Ocata Beach

If you want to get out of the city and to a real pristine and quiet beach destination, head north to Ocata in the town of El Masnou. It’s a half-hour trip by train and is worth every minute. Not only is the train ride beautiful, but the beach is a haven of golden white sand and plenty of space to spread out and play.

5. Sitges Beach

This is one of the most popular day trips to make from Barcelona. The train ride there is less than 45 minutes south the from the center of Barcelona, and drops you off in one of the most popular beach towns in the Barcelona area, with stretches of well populated beaches and a bustling town center around them offering every amenity you might be looking for during your day at the beach.

6. Nova Icària Beach

A very peaceful beach,  Nova Icària Beach, is close to the marina and features plenty of facilities for beach activities like beach volleyball and table tennis.

The variety of beaches in Barcelona and its surrounding towns make this Mediterranean city the perfect beach destination for you next vacation. If you’re traveling here on business, take a break from your work to hit the beaches, some of the most famous Barcelona attractions, and look into these beachside short term rentals right in the city.