The Metropolitan park of Collserola preserves a good example of the Mediterranean forests of pine and oak trees. Spectacular fields of rockrose, heather and broom can also be found on the sunny slopes. Two of the most interesting sights are the Hermitage of Sant Medir and the Natural Reserve of Font Groga.
Tourist information: Patronato Metropolitano del Parc de Collserola, Carretera de l'Església, 92. Barcelona.
Telephone: 93 2803552

MONTSENY NATURAL PARK

Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this natural park is the only one in Catalonia declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Holm oak, cork oak, oak, beech and pine groves are found here. In the woods it is possible to see boars, genets, dormice, a large variety of birds, including birds of prey. Access by A-7 highway Barcelona-La Jonquera, exit Sant Celoni-Montseny. From here take BV-5114 road from Sant Celoni to Viladrau via Sant Fe del Montsseny. Natural park service of Barcelona.
Tourist Information: Natural Park service of Barcelona. Comte d'Urgell, 187, Barcelona.
Telephone: 93 4022884
Can Martina Information (at Park). Telephone: 93 8475051

NATURAL PARK OF SANT LLORENÇ DEL MUNT I DE LA SERRA D'OBAC

  Forty kilometers from Barcelona, this park is a mountainous area with spectacular crags and rocks. There are more than 1,000 varieties of plants, including rosemary, rockrose, heather and white pine groves. In the interior, mountain oak, maple oaks and other types of trees are found, and in the springtime primrose and violets are in bloom. Thriving on the highest areas of the cliffs, we find interesting rupicolous vegetation. Boars, genets and a large variety of birds, birds of prey, inhabit the park. Accessed from Barcelona by A-18 highway to Terrassa. From there, the Talamanca roads goes up the Estenalles pass, where you can visit Montcau, the second higest peak in the park.
Tourist Information: Centre d'Interpretació del coll d'Estenalles. Terrassa to Talamanca road.
Telephone: 93 8317300


MONTSERRAT

  Montserrat (60 kilometers from Barcelona), an essential part of the Catalonian identify, it is the spiritual center and guardian of the souls of the Catalonian. Of special interest is the Benedictine Monastery with its 16th century basilica housing the 12th century Romanesque image of La Moreneta, patroness of Catalonia. Montserrat can be reached by car on the Barcelona-Manresa highway and by train from Monistrol. From here the mountain can be ascended by car, by bus (special permanent service) or by cable car from the railroad station.
Information: 93 8350251

BARCELONA TO THE CRADLE OF CATALUNYA

  From Barcelona to the cradle of Catalonia. (110 kilometers). Take the N-152 highway to the town of Vic and continue on to Ripoll. The medieval Benedictine monastery here was founded by Guifré I, first sovereign Count of Catalunya. Destroyed by fire and ravaged afterwards, only the entrance doorway and the cloister remain from the original building. The majestic mountainous surroundings provide an appropriate backdrop.
Tourist Information: Ripoll Tourist Office, Plaça Abat Oliva.
Telephone: 97 2702351