Spice up your stay in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan, vibrant and cultural cities. Discover the 11 best outdoor activities in Barcelona.
You know Barcelona for its wild, festive weekends? Are you electrified by its avant-garde, artistic and trendy side? Do your senses tingle at the mere mention of its deep-rooted traditions, between tapas, Sevillanas and bullfighting? Yes, Spain’s tourist capital has everything to charm you. But it’s not just night owls and fans of history, Gothic architecture, art and gastronomy who are spoilt for choice. Barcelona also shines for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Its breathtaking array of treasures between sea and mountains will delight Mother Nature lovers. The 11 best outdoor activities in Barcelona: follow the guide.
1. Canoeing and jet skiing
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Close to Spain’s tourist capital lies an Eldorado for beach-lovers. What’s it called? The Costa Brava or Wild Coast. Its beautiful beaches, lively entertainment, charming villages and medieval hinterland are sure to attract your attention.
Embark on a day trip along this surreal coastline. Comfortably seated in your canoe or kayak, the crystal-clear waters won’t resist your assault. If you prefer speed and an adrenalin rush, jet skiing is the perfect choice.
2. Bungee jumping and paragliding
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Looking for an adrenalin-pumping outdoor activity in Barcelona? Take the plunge and try bungee jumping. Near Barcelona you’ll find the highest bungee jumping tower in Spain. Take a deep breath and soar to a height of seventy meters.
Or head fifty kilometers from Barcelona to defy gravity on a pendulum jump. The spot is located in Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, in the Catalan hinterland and its exceptional natural setting.
If you’re more of a gliding bird and want to take in the scenery, paragliding will also give you the thrill of a lifetime. Take to the skies and float quietly over the enchanting Catalan countryside.
3. City or nature climbing
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Looking for an outdoor activity to do in Barcelona, but you’re not afraid of heights and you’ve got good forearms? Then take advantage of the city’s climbing spots. The city also boasts Europe’s largest climbing wall: the Rockódromo.
Located in the Sants-Montjuïc district, this equipped natural tunnel has established itself as the urban space of choice for climbing enthusiasts. What’s more, access to the climbing wall is free and available day and night.
Pushing a little further out of town, the Catalan mountain landscape offers a multitude of rocky peaks, rocky plains and damp caves to climb. From the top, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the patchwork formed by the Grande Bleue, forests, lakes and rivers.
4. Cycling in the city
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How about exploring the capital of Catalonia by bike? This outdoor activity in Barcelona combines culture and the great outdoors. You can even start your ride from the famous Barcelenota beach and explore the city’s nooks and crannies.
From alleyway to alleyway, passing through squares from the most confidential to the most unmissable, there are many well-designed itineraries on cycle paths.
You can even enhance the fun and educational aspect of your stroll by opting for a guided group tour. And if you’re feeling more sporty, you’ll enjoy pedaling up to the heights of the city, to admire the modern towers next to the old bell towers, against a backdrop of hills and the Mediterranean.
5. Surf and paddle
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Barcelona’s coastline is a fabulous playground for water sports enthusiasts. Powerful winds make sailing an exception, but there’s no shortage of waves to surf. However, the surf spots near the town are more likely to have small waves that are ideal for beginners. A number of surf schools around Barceloneta beach offer beginners’ courses.
More experienced surfers, on the other hand, will have to rely on the advice of locals to find more adventurous spots. Alternatively, swap your surfboard for a paddleboard. Opt for a calm, contemplative stroll.
6. Hiking
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Hiking is one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona, thanks to the incredible range of trails offered by the Pyrenees. Although you’ll need to drive for a few hours, many nature and walking enthusiasts combine their city break with a stop in the mountains.
In addition to peaks, sharp peaks and lunar expanses, the national park offers refreshing waterfalls, canyons and gorges. Visit Montserrat Nature Park, the Costa Brava coastline or the Montseny massif.
However, if you want to stay in the city and simply take a breath of fresh air, escape to the Collserola belt. Overlooking Barcelona, you’ll find a park overlooking the buildings on one side and the Vallès on the other.
7. ATV
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As well as being a relaxing and gentle city outing, Barcelona lends itself perfectly to cross-country cycling. The city’s natural parks and mountains are a melting pot of trails for crazy descents. Mountain biking is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Barcelona if you’re looking for maximum excitement with your feet firmly on the ground.
Don’t panic though, Barcelona’s countryside also offers more peaceful walks. In any case, the scenery is sure to charm you and give you the thrills you’ve been dreaming of.
8. Via ferrata
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What do Les Baumes Corcades and the Costa Brava have in common? These two exceptional natural sites are fabulous playgrounds for via ferrata enthusiasts. The former is located in Centelles, in the province of Barcelona, and stands out for its original and sporty route.
Passages range from twenty to sixty meters, with the light-filled valley as a backdrop. The highlight of the ride is the sixty-eight-metre-long monkey bridge, which opens onto a spectacular view.
The latter is famous for its panoramic views over the Mediterranean and its turquoise waters speckled with the orange rocks typical of the region.
9. Tyrolean traverse
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Zip-lining is one of the best outdoor activities in Barcelona for combining fun, thrills and immersion in nature. If climbing through ropes, sliding from branch to branch and hauling yourself up trunks is already awakening the Tarzan in you, wait until you try out the zip-line courses.
Barcelona is dotted with numerous adventure parks, some of which offer descents of several dozen meters along cables.
10. Canyoning
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Catalonia abounds in astonishing caves and grooves carved by white water. Canyoning courses have sprung up just a few dozen kilometers from Barcelona. This terrain, shaped by wind and rain, offers waterfalls, high jumps, crystal-clear pools, natural slides and thrills.
Among the most popular canyons, Montserrat is perfect for beginners. It combines an easy route with breathtaking rocks, a succession of abseils and grandiose panoramas.
As for the Forêt Negre canyon, it offers an adrenalin-soaked adventure for beginners and intermediates, with ravines, jumps, slides and original obstacles.
11. Yoga and table tennis in town
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Welcome the Spanish sun in a sporty, meditative and contemplative posture as only yoga can offer. In the Parc de Ciutadella, on Barceloneta beach, in the Parc de Montjuic or on the Port Forum, morning classes are held in the open air. These natural spaces invite you to take care of your body and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Did you know that Barcelona’s public gardens are also littered with table tennis tables? So bring your balls and rackets and challenge your friends and family to a game of table tennis.