Hiking in Barcelona

The Collserola hills behind the city offer well-marked trails, fresh air, and lovely views. Take the San Cugat, Sabadell, or Terrassa FFCC train from Plaça de Catalunya and get off at Baixador de Vallvidrera; the information center, 10 minutes uphill next to Vil.la Joana (now the Jacint Verdaguer Museum), has maps of this mountain woodland 20 minutes from downtown. The walk back into town can take from two to five hours, depending on your speed and the trails you pick. Club Excursionista de Catalunya (Carrer Paradís 10, Barri Gòtic. 93/315-2311) has information on hiking in Barcelona's outskirts.