Barcelona rewards slow movement. On a bicycle, the city opens up differently than on foot or through the window of a taxi: you catch the light on the modernist facades, you feel the slope of Montjuïc before seeing its top and you stop at a beach bar in Castelldefels because you can.
These are the cycling routes in Barcelona that are worth knowing, from the flat coastal paths to the vineyard paths outside the city.
Related reading: Unique things to do in Barcelona
Cycling routes along the coast of Barcelona
Barcelona Promenade
Distance: 4.7 km | Difficulty: Easy
An exclusive bike path runs along this promenade, connecting Nova Icària beach with Mar Bella. It’s flat, well-maintained, and full of restaurants serving simple Mediterranean food. Good for a leisurely walk into town on your first morning, or for a leisurely evening stroll when the light on the water is worth the trip alone.
Coastline and Besòs Park
Distance: 9 km one way (18 km round trip) | Difficulty: Easy
This paved route follows the Besòs River through the Litoral Park, connecting Montcada i Reixac with the mouth of the river in Sant Adrià del Besòs and the Forum. A separate pedestrian path runs along it, with ramps along it, making it a comfortable walk for mixed groups. The return trip totals 18 kilometers, enough to feel won without being a serious task.
Castelldefels
Distance: 8 kilometers | Difficulty: Easy
Twenty-four kilometers south of the city center, the Castelldefels promenade has a flat, safe cycle path that runs its entire length along the beaches of Castelldefels and Gavà Mar. Beach bars and cafes regularly appear along the route. It’s a good excuse to get out of the city completely for half a day.
Mountain Bike Routes through Barcelona
Collserola Natural Park
Difficulty: easy to moderate
With over 283 km of cycle paths, Collserola covers a wide range of skill levels. Main routes worth knowing:
- bird’s eye view — 7.9 km round trip, 215 m elevation gain. Path suitable for families that connects with the Paseo de las Aguas in the Baix Llobregat area. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
- Tibidabo from Sant Cugat — approximately 8 km of ascent, 378–400 m of positive gradient. It starts at the FGC Sant Cugat del Vallès station and follows the route through Can Borrell, Pantà de Can Borrell and Coll de l’Erola before the final climb to Tibidabo or Carretera de les Aigües.
- Low from Vallvidrera to La Floresta — 9.78 km, 324 m elevation gain. It begins at the FGC Baixador de Vallvidrera station and runs through wooded areas. It is also used by trail runners, so expect company along the way.
- Molins de Rei River Route — Approximately 5 km to Sant Vicenç dels Horts (10 km round trip). Easy and appropriate for all ages.
- Les Aigües road — 10 km, 450 meters above the city. Unpaved but mostly flat, with uninterrupted views of Barcelona along the entire route.
Route of the Penedès vineyards
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Just outside the city, the Penedès wine region offers a cycling experience that moves between rows of vineyards with the Montserrat massif in the background. The Penedès 360 route runs through small towns and quiet roads, without technical sections, suitable for anyone who feels comfortable on a bicycle. Most guided versions include visits to two family-owned wineries, lunch at a local restaurant, and an introduction to the area’s cava production. A useful half-day or full-day option when you want to get out of the city.
Montjuic
Distance: approx. 3–4 kilometers | Difficulty: Moderate
The standard route goes up from the Plaza de España to the Laribal Garden, passing by the MNAC, the Olympic Stadium, the Magic Fountain, Poble Espanyol and Montjuïc Castle. The climb requires some effort; the descent does not. Go in the late afternoon and the views of the city from the top are worth it.
Urban Bicycle Routes through Barcelona
Green cycling ring
Distance: approx. 75 km (usually traveled in sections) | Difficulty: easy to moderate
A circular route that runs through most of the city using bike paths and park paths. Most cyclists do it in sections rather than doing it all at once. Two worth highlighting:
- Diagonal Avenue — 11 km through the city, shared with runners and skaters, with the scale of the avenue playing in your favor as a cyclist.
- Section of the Llobregat river — connects the city with the Llobregat River through a combination of green corridors and urban infrastructure.
Sants to Montjuïc
Distance: 3–4 km | Difficulty: Moderate
A short route with mostly flat terrain and a short, steep climb at the end. Pass by María Cristina Avenue and the Olympic Ring. Good for an hour when you want some elevation without committing to a full mountain route.
Modernist Route
Difficulty: Easy
A flat urban route that connects the main modernist buildings of the city: Arc de Triomphe, Casa Comalat, Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Casa Calvet, La Pedrera and the Hospital de Sant Pau. Part cycling, part walking around the city. The route works well for anyone who wants architectural context in addition to horseback riding.
How to make your cycling routes through Barcelona more sustainable
- Use an electric or traditional bicycle and try to avoid motorcycles and cars.
- Check your bike before leaving: brakes, wheels, handlebars, etc.
- Plan and organize your route using apps like Google Maps in bike mode or Komoot.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you and always pick up your trash.
- Respect pedestrians and obey traffic signs.
Related reading: How to stay sustainable during your trip to Barcelona
Practical information
Bicycle rental in Barcelona:
- Electric bike rental in Barcelona: Located in Cervantes Street5, this establishment offers rental of electric bicycles of various types, for all types of routes.
- Step and scooter: Located in San Juan Walk98, you will find this store where they have bicycles that are ideal for walking around the city or taking group excursions.
- Bike rental in Rivera: Located in Calle d’en Roca 26In the Gothic Quarter, you will find different types of bicycles. You can hire them and enjoy a tour of El Born or travel wherever you want.
Barcelona It is one of the best cities to combine cycling routes with culture, nature and good weather. So, if you are in Barcelona and want to do something different, we encourage you to choose one of these routes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to ride in Barcelona?
Most of the routes listed here are suitable for casual cyclists. Coastal routes and urban itineraries do not require any particular level of fitness. The climb to Montjuïc and the Collserola Tibidabo route are authentic climbs and are best suited to cyclists who cycle regularly, although neither of them requires specialized equipment.
When is the best time of year to cycle through Barcelona?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable conditions: warm enough to travel comfortably, without the concentrated heat or volume of tourists of July and August. The coastal routes can be traveled all year round; Mountain routes can be muddy in winter.
Related reading: When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
How much does bike rental usually cost in Barcelona?
Expect to pay between €15 and €25 per day for a standard bike and between €30 and €50 for an electric bike, depending on the provider and length of rental. Prices vary depending on the season and the booking period.
Can I take a rental bike on public transport in Barcelona?
Bicycles are allowed on FGC and Rodalies trains during off-peak hours, and on the Barcelona Metro during off-peak hours (generally before 7:30 a.m. and after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays, and most of the day on weekends). Please check current restrictions with the operator before your trip as rules are updated regularly.
Is the Penedès vineyard route accessible without a car?
Yes. You can get to the Penedès region on the Rodalies train (line R4 or R8) from Barcelona Sants station. Vilafranca del Penedès is the main access point. Some guided bike tours include transportation from the city, which eliminates logistics entirely.
Are the Collserola routes suitable for children?
The route to Vista de Pájaro is specifically recommended for families and is suitable for people over 9 years old. The Molins de Rei river route is flat and suitable for most ages. The Tibidabo and Baixador de Vallvidrera routes involve a significant gradient and are more suitable for teenagers and older adults.
