One of the disadvantages of living in a big city is usually the lack of nature – or, at least, the lack of immediate nature around, which can make it a bit hard when you’re in need of some fresh air. Of course, you can always go on a day trip somewhere, but sometimes we’re not in the mood for that kind of planning or we just don’t have enough time. In Barcelona, you can always find what you need in the beach, but if you prefer the green landscapes of the mountains, there is a place where the locals go when they have a bit of time: the Carretera de les Aigües.
The name, which translates as the ‘water’s road’ has some history: along this path it’s where the old water pipes the supplied the city used to be. It’s the preferred location by the locals to go cycling or hiking in the city, since it’s easily accessible (you just have to take the FGC train to Avinguda Tibidabo and walk up) and provides nature as well as a wonderful view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. You will find many families, cyclists and hikers in this 10 km long road, and you can be one of them for the day.
Carretera de les Aigües: The Collserola Ridge
If you have the energy to keep walking, the Carretera de les Aigües will bring you to the Collserola Natural Park, a vast mountainous massif that has over eight thousand hectares of protected natural space, including, of course, many species of plants and animals. There are also many interesting locations to visit, such as the Sant Medir chapel or the yellow spring. There are many smaller routes that you can take to go further into the mountain forests, or you can choose to go to the Tibidabo amusement park if you’re in the mood for something fun or if you’re hiking with children.
Barcelona’s Carretera de les Aigües is an important spot for the locals and you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to disconnect from your everyday troubles. And that beautiful view of the city has a lot to do with it!
