Green guide to Barcelona: is it possible to experience a weekend or a green holiday in the Catalan capital? Absolutely. Indeed, the city boasts a sustainable tourism model in support of the environment, art and tradition. Follow us if you want to be entranced by a place that offers extraordinary alternatives.
We suggest how to fully experience an exciting and lively Barcelona, which offers emotions, history and culture. And at the end of the green guide, do not miss the best offers selected by Ecobnb where to sleep in a sustainable way!
What to see in Barcelona, away from the crowds
To immerse yourself in the authenticity of one of the most famous and touristic cities in the world, away from the usual tourist circuits, you have several alternatives. Unusual and curious itineraries and places, exceptional works of art and more intimate architectural jewels. Here are some examples.
- We begin with a visit to a place of culture: the beautiful Arús Library, located in Paseo San Juan, number 26. And at the same time, to a particular monument, the Statue of Liberty. Yes, because if you approach the library you can see the two-meter-high reproduction of the famous statue of New York. The one by Fréderic-Auguste Bertholdi that illuminates the world. It is the third original reproduction of the nineteenth century in the world.
- A work that can be seen by thousands of travelers every day. Those arriving and departing from Terminal 2 of Barcelona El Prat Airport, can admire the gigantic 9 by 5 meters fresco by the well-known artist Joan Mirò, which covers an entire wall. It is a mosaic made up of 4 ceramic tiles, a respectable welcome created in 1968.
- If you are looking for a romantic, inspirational or meditative moment, you can stroll along the street dedicated to kisses. It is located in Carrer dels Petons, near the Parc de la Ciutadella, and is a typical alley of the ancient city.
- A neighborhood suitable for enjoying all the authenticity of the city outside the crowded neighborhoods? Go to Sants to experience the real everyday life.
- If you want to dive into history, visit Plaça Sant Pere. It has fascinating Roman architecture and it is a few steps from the famous Arc de Triomf. Here you will find the ancient monastery of Sant Pere de Puelle built in 945 BC and constantly renovated.
Green guide to Barcelona: how to move in a sustainable way
If you are wondering how to get around the Catalan city without using subways, taxis or buses, don’t worry. Barcelona is a well-organized metropolis.
Indeed, the city offers a Bike sharing service better known as “Bicing”. Bicycles, including electric ones, are shared and you can pick them up at the station closest to you and drop them off at the closest one. This service is convenient, practical and fast.
A special app will help you locate stations, so that you can always be organized.
And then, there are countless shops or agencies that rent bicycles by the hour or by the day.
You can also benefit from motorcycle sharing services. You will not have to leave the vehicle at any petrol station but you can park it wherever you prefer. These are also electric. Therefore, they are silent and sustainable.
Or, you can choose segways, or kick scooters, which are depopulating all over Europe but which have already been around in Barcelona for some time.
Finally, don’t forget that the best way to experience the city is by walking. You will be able to discover new and magical places. Capture even the smallest details of each place without creating any environmental impact.
The green lungs of the city: the most beautiful parks
The beautiful Barcelona teems with greenery and is full of parks with lush vegetation and hills to climb. In this green guide to Barcelona, the list of the best parks is unmissable.
- Parc Güell houses some works by the well-known Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is perhaps the most famous park in Barcelona. It has a monumental pay area, often full of tourists. And a free area, with many paths surrounded by greenery and splendid panoramic points over the city.
- Parc de la Ciutadella, very close to the center. Inside you will also find the Zoo, one of the most important in Europe, the Parliament of Catalonia, the museum of natural sciences, the Castle of the three dragons and the famous monumental waterfall.
You can rent a rowboat for a ride in the pond, have a picnic, come across impromptu concerts or street performances. - Parc de Montjuïc. The green Montjuïc, with its 173 meters above sea level, is the most famous mountain in Barcelona. A promontory overlooking the city, giving it unforgettable landscapes. In this area you will find several gardens, the castle, the magic fountain, the Poble Espanyol and several museums.
- Parc Joan Miró, a green space dedicated to the Catalan artist. It is located behind the Las Arenas shopping center in Plaza d’Espanya. It is populated by various play areas, cycle paths and is frequented by locals, the elderly and children.
- Parc Laberint d’Horta, a somewhat secluded place and not very popular with tourists. Very beautiful and well-kept, it is the oldest in the city and hosts a spectacular cypress labyrinth.
You can often attend evening classical music concerts. - Parc de Cervantes, famous above all for the Rosaleda: an explosion of scents and colors from the 250 varieties of roses.
Green guide to Barcelona: itineraries by bike
The Catalan capital is between the hills and the sea and offers exciting views from above.
A pleasant experience is to observe the city by cycling through it. There are many routes to do with the two-wheeled vehicle to pleasantly discover the green side of the city.
For example, from the Carretera de les Aigües. It is a hilly road of about 20 kilometres, unpaved and closed to traffic, which is part of the Collserola natural park. Cyclists, runners or simply those who want to take a relaxing walk appreciate this itinerary. From here you can take wonderful photos or maybe meet some brave boar.
Or, you can climb the Montjuic hill towards the Olympic Ring, Palau Sant Jordie, the Castle and the Olympic Stadium.
La Ronda Verda: it is a signposted cycle path, which runs along the sea, and passes through Barceloneta up to Badalona. It is about 14 kilometers that touch important points of interest: Port Olímpic, Platja de la Mar Bella, Platja de Llevant, Port Fòrum and the mouth of the Besòs river.
Also, we can mention a tour of about 6 kilometers that takes you to the sea. From the central Plaça de Sant Jaume pedal towards the Arc de Triomf and follow Passeig de Lluís Companys which takes you directly to the Parc de la Ciutadella. From here continue along Passeig de Colom to reach the port area of Port Vell. Beyond this district you will see the Barceloneta open in all its splendor and you have reached your destination.
In addition, Barcelona is completely bicycle-friendly and the ever-increasing cycle paths cover approximately 150 km in the city perimeter. They are therefore an excellent way to visit the center and its attractions.
The cleanest beaches in the area
Barcelona overlooks the sea: the beaches are many and follow one another. They are all easily accessible and suitable for every need. In a perfect green guide to Barcelona, the ranking of the best local beaches cannot be missing.
To be precise, however, it must be emphasized that beaches in the surroundings are the best ones. In fact, in the heart of the city the sea is not so crystal clear, the coasts are often noisy and not clean.
Playa Aiguadolç (Sitges)
About half an hour from Barcelona you will find Sitges, a delightful seaside town full of art and history. Aiguadolç beach is small, cozy and intimate. A true naturalistic jewel.
Playa Sant Simó (Mataró)
Head north of Barcelona, destination Sant Simó beach, in Mataró, for an idyllic naturalistic touch. Slightly secluded from the center, it is detached from other beaches because here you can disconnect and immerse yourself in an oasis of peace and beauty.
Platja de la Murtra (Sant Pol de Mar)
La Murtra beach is a little secret that belongs to the locality of Sant Pol de Mar and will allow you to experience relaxed and isolated days. It is a bit far from the city center; beautiful cliffs surround it.
Playa de Les Roques (Calella)
We continue further north, to Calella, to talk about Les Roques beach, one of the most crystalline in the area. Full of rocks, it is ideal for snorkeling and discovering the beautiful seabed.
Playa Andarró (Vilanova i la Geltrú)
Close to Barcelona, but on the southern side, we find another jewel of the Mediterranean, ideal for children. Andarró beach is wide and comfortable, the water is very clean and allows you to fully enjoy the beautiful sunny days.
Playa de Les Caletes (Santa Susanna)
We end this tour of the crystalline beaches of Barcelona by mentioning one that is little known even among the locals: the beach of Les Caletes. It has this particular name because of its fascinating coves that you can enjoy by swimming in transparent waters.
Do not miss the local specialties
We reserve the ending to a note of taste, a duty, on the delicacies that you can taste in the second most populated city in Spain. Barcelona offers an impressive amount of bars and restaurants to suit all needs and budgets.
- Do not miss a good paella, or a fideuà, the typical Catalan dish. It is cooked like paella but, instead of rice, there are fideos, a kind of thin pasta, like angel hair, or thicker.
- Another classic of Catalan cuisine is pan con tomate. That is a slice of toasted rustic bread on which garlic is rubbed and tomato spread, and finally seasoned with oil and salt. It may look like a simple bruschetta but it is not. Seeing is believing.
- Escalivada, which is made up of aubergines, peppers, potatoes, onion, oil, pepper and salt. All grilled and served with a slice of bread toast.
- Calçots: spring onions that are grown in the hinterland of Catalonia. People usually prepare them on the embers over a high flame. Once cooked, they are wrapped in newspaper to soften and keep them warm and are savored with romesco sauce.
- Tapas are also worth mentioning. They are small delicious dishes or appetizers.
Finally, you can accompany the typical culinary specialties of the area with a good glass of local wine, a vermouth or a cerveza.
Living the beautiful Catalan capital in an eco-sustainable way is simple and fun.
Have you enjoyed some moments and naturalistic adventures in the Catalan city and would like to add them to our green guide to Barcelona?
