Hiking

The Collserola hills behind the city offer well-marked trails, fresh air, and lovely views. Take the San Cugat, Sabadell, or Terrassa FGC 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 just 20 minutes from downtown. The walk back into town can take two to five hours depending on your speed and the trails you choose. For longer treks, try the 15-km (9-mile) Sant Cugat–to–Barcelona hike, or take the train south to Sitges and make the three-day pilgrimage walk to the Monastery of Montserrat.

Centre Excursionista de Catalunya. The center has information on hiking throughout Catalunya and the Pyrenees, gives mountaineering and technical climbing courses, organizes excursions, and provides guides for groups. Carrer del Paradis 10, Barri Gòtic, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08002. 933/152311; www.cec.cat.