Carretera de les Aigües is a 6 mile long walking and biking trail set above Barcelona with unmatched views of the city below. The name Carretera de les Aigües, or Highway of Waters, does not do it justice. Something more along the likes of Amalfi’s Walk of the Gods would be more appropriate.
Yet just as the name feels insufficient so does my attempt to describe it using mere words. Its best to show you…
From the trail you are dazzled with panoramic views of the city. Keep an eye out for La Sagrada familia, the perpetually under construction cathedral (on the left in the photo below), as well the Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre, the twin buildings along the sea (on the right in the photo below). They are tied as the two tallest buildings in Barcelona.
Given the length of the trail, there are many access points. One option is to take the bus or metro (Stop: Reina Elisenda) to the Pedralbes neighborhood and walk up Carrera de la Font del Lleó until you hit the trail. Then walk towards Mt. Tibidabo and La Sagrat Cor, the large cathedral on the hill.
The best time to go is early in the morning when you can watch the sun rise above the city. At this point in the day there are fewer people and bicyclists on the trail. If you go in mid-fall, sunrise is relatively late in the day (8am), so you won’t need to get up too early in order to catch some early morning rays.
THE RUNDOWN:
What: Carretera de les Aigües, a walking, running, and biking trail
Where: In the hills above Barcelona
When to Go: Year round
For How Long: An hour or two up to half a day
What Else to Know:
- There are many access points, so pick the one that works best for you.
- The earlier in the morning, the less crowded the trail.
- Bring some water, and of course don’t forget your camera (or iPhone)!
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