The network of natural parks in the province of Barcelona comprises sixteen areas of great landscape, ecological and cultural value.
Understand
[edit]Barcelona is in the Catalonia region of Spain.
The Network of Natural Parks of the Diputación de Barcelona comprises 14 natural areas of great landscape, ecological and cultural value, covering 102,772.5 hectares. Its objective is to balance the territory and the environment in the 103 municipalities it covers, representing more than 22% of the territory and 70% of the population of Catalonia. Following the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, it plans and manages these spaces with the participation of all interested parties, protecting natural, agricultural, forestry and cultural values. In addition, it promotes public use, environmental education and provides resources to enjoy and preserve the natural environment.
Also located in Barcelona province there are the parks of Montserrat and Espais Naturals del Delta del Llobregat not managed by Diputación de Barcelona.
History
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1 Parc del Castell de Montesquiu is a historical gem set amid stunning natural beauty. The park surrounds the enchanting Montesquiu Castle, a medieval masterpiece, and offers visitors a serene escape into lush greenery, meandering rivers, and idyllic ponds. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic, this park seamlessly blends history and nature, making it a delightful destination for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat in Catalonia's picturesque landscape
2 Espai Natural de les Guilleries-Savassona is a pristine natural sanctuary where lush forests, serene lakes, and rugged hills converge. This protected area offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with hiking trails crisscrossing its diverse landscapes. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, you'll find abundant wildlife and a sense of tranquility
3 Montseny Natural Park unveils a mosaic of landscapes: ancient forests, bucolic meadows and charming hamlets. You can hike along well-marked trails that wind through centuries-old woodlands, revealing hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. Climbing to Turo de l'Home is a favorite trail among locals.
4 Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park located near Barcelona, is a captivating natural haven where rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, and ancient monasteries come together in harmonious splendor. This protected park offers a plethora of hiking and rock-climbing opportunities amid its striking landscapes, where diverse flora and fauna thrive. Explore the trails, relish panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this enchanting Catalan gem.
5 Espai Natural dels Cingles de Bertí beckons with its awe-inspiring limestone cliffs, lush woodlands, and a serene ambiance. Hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to this haven, exploring its winding trails and discovering a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Whether you seek stunning vistas, a peaceful retreat, or a chance to reconnect with nature, Cingles de Bertí offers it all, making it an idyllic destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.
6 Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor constitute a compact and continuous mountainous complex of rather gentle relief with a landscape reshaped by human activity and covered in exuberant Mediterranean forests. The two massifs are, however, very different. Montnegre, bigger and steeper, is also wilder and more impenetrable. The Corridor, on the other hand, shows a gentler and gentler relief, with rounded shapes due to erosion that have favored the agricultural occupation of even the central areas. More than 95% of the park's surface is forested.
7 Parc de la Serralada Litoral between the counties of Maresme and Vallès Oriental. It is characterised by gentle slopes, a pleasant climate and a Mediterranean forest of oak and pine trees that rise up between the sea and the plains of the El Maresme and the El Vallès Oriental depression.
8 Parc de la Serralada de Marina Geographically, the park corresponds to the southern end of the Marina mountain range, in the sector known as the Sierra de la Conreria. This range follows in parallel the outline of the Mediterranean coast, from South-West to North-East. The highest altitude of the mountain range is the hill of Galceran (485 m), which has an outstanding geographical, ecological, landscape and territorial importance due to its location between the Vallès plain and the coast line.
9 Parc Fluvial del Besòs The "Parque Fluvial del Besòs" is a public space located along the last 9 kilometers of the river Besòs, from the confluence with the Ripoll River to the mouth in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most important green spaces in the metropolitan region of Barcelona, especially if we consider its location, forming part of the urban continuum of cities in the northeastern area of Barcelona
10 Collserola Natural Park has a network of hiking trails, revealing hidden streams, diverse flora, historic ruins, abundant birdlife and views of Barcelona from its elevated vantage points.
11 Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat In the lower basin and the delta of the Llobregat is one of the oldest and most fertile agricultural areas in the country: a cultural, economic and ecological heritage of the first order located right in the center of the most populated area of Catalonia. Preserving and promoting agricultural uses and their natural environment is an investment in the future that contributes to improving the quality of life of all citizens.
12 Parc del Garraf This park, spanning 12,820 hectares, offers a diverse landscape of rugged limestone formations, lush vineyards, and aromatic pine forests. Adventure seekers can explore its winding trails, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The park's rich biodiversity includes unique flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, historical sites like the Garraf Buddhist Monastery add cultural intrigue to this idyllic haven, providing an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
13 Parc d'Olèrdola This park combines rich heritage with scenic beauty. Explore ancient ruins of Iberian and Roman settlements, like the Olèrdola Castle, which offer a glimpse into Catalonia's past. Hiking trails meander through fragrant vineyards and offer panoramic views of the Penedès region and the Mediterranean Sea. Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of Parc d'Olèrdola, where history and nature harmoniously coexist.
14 Parc del Foix This park offers a serene escape with its picturesque landscapes, including lush forests, serene lakes, and the striking backdrop of the Foix Reservoir. Visitors can explore ancient Roman ruins and medieval remnants, like the Foix Castle, which provide fascinating glimpses into Catalonia's past.
15 Montserrat Natural Park is a captivating tapestry of spirituality and nature. The striking Montserrat Mountain rises dramatically, adorned with the iconic Montserrat Monastery. Pilgrims and nature lovers alike are drawn to its distinctive rock formations, while hiking trails lead to hidden corners adorned with chapels and breathtaking panoramas. The park's diverse ecosystems shelter unique flora and fauna, offering an escape into wild beauty. Whether you seek spiritual reflection or outdoor exploration, Montserrat's blend of ancient reverence and natural splendor creates an unforgettable journey into Catalonia's heart. The monastery of Montserrat stands there, a Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Montserrat, also popularly known as "la Moreneta"
16 Espais Naturals del Delta del Llobregat These parks host a great biological diversity, next to agricultural fields. They contain different natural environments: the final part of the Llobregat river, lagoons and wetlands, coastal pine forests on dunes and beaches with dune vegetation, almost unique in Catalonia. They are very important spaces for fauna, especially for waterfowl, due to the fact that they are in the middle of the migratory route of birds from northern Europe to Africa.
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[edit]Visit nature parks in other parts of the region, see Nature parks in Catalonia.