1. Montjuïc. 6km
A world of history, gardens, Olympic facilities and museums, the imposing hill of Montjuïc is also a cyclist’s paradise. While this six-kilometre route to the top of Montjuïc and back down the other side provides quintessential Barcelona views and a touch of greenery, it includes some steep inclines and is not for the faint-hearted. Starting at the Columbus Monument, it runs along the palm tree-lined Passeig Josep Carner to the base of Montjuïc before ascending up Carretera de Miramar. This road takes you past the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, the curious botanical garden specialising in cacti, before it turns into Avinguda Miramar and then Avinguda de l’Estadi, at which point you’ll reach the peak of your journey in front of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The real fun starts on your descent, as you freewheel around a wide bend and speed past Poble Espanyol and CaixaForum on your way to Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and Plaça d’Espanya.
2. Besòs River. 10km
Enjoy an afternoon along the river with this easy route beginning in Parc del Litoral at the mouth of the Besòs, which separates Barcelona from Santa Coloma de Gramenet. Follow the river inland, passing through Parc Fluvial de Besòs, until you reach Montcada i Reixac, where you can tuck into a well-deserved, traditional Catalan lunch at Masía de Reixac. During the latter half of the 20th century, the Besòs was known as one of Europe’s most polluted waterways due to its proximity to the city’s industrial zone. Thankfully, it has received a facelift in recent years with a large-scale urban renewal project, which cleaned up the river and its banks and introduced new bike paths.
3. Collserola. 11.5km
Begin this more challenging route at Plaça d’Alfonso Comín at the foot of Collserola. Although not absolutely necessary, you might feel sturdier using a mountain bike to conquer this path. Set off along Carrer de Josep Garí, which joins Avinguda del Tibidabo. Follow the road around as it skirts Parc de la Font del Racó and Plaça del Doctor Andreu, before it becomes Carrer Manuel Arnús. At the top of Manuel Arnús, turn left onto Carretera de les Aigües, which you will follow for the rest of your mountain journey. This hillside running and bicycle path traverses the Serra de Collserola and offers plenty of photo opportunities along the way. After reaching the Mirador dels Xiprers, head downhill towards Parc de Cervantes, or pedal on to the end of the path and regain your strength with some tapas on the terrace at Espai Mireia.
4. Maresme Coast. 16km
Beginning at Parc del Fòrum, this 16-kilometre route weaves its way through an industrial zone and into Badalona before following the coast as far as Premià de Mar. A paved cycle path runs the majority of the way, so you will not encounter much vehicular traffic. Stop off and explore the seaside towns of Montgat and El Masnou en route, or, if you fancy a break on the beach, each new stretch of sand has its own chiringuitos to choose from. As the path lies parallel to the railway, it’s possible to cut your trip short and hop on the train as well.
5. Sitges. 45km
Popular amongst more experienced cyclists, this route leads to the coastal town of Sitges. Heading south from Barcelona, take the C-245 through Viladecans, Gavà and Castelldefels, then the C-246 to reach the Garraf Natural Park. Turn right onto Urb. Rat-Penat to start the ascent into the park, surrounded by steep limestone hills and caves. The track is narrow, but it’s paved and provides sweeping views of the sea. Continue on to Carrer de Migjorn, keeping left when the road forks. After a little less than seven kilometres, turn left at Carrer de la Fita to exit the park. Veer left with the road as it becomes Avinguda Camí Pla 31 (don’t jump the curb and continue straight onto the dirt path), then, at the roundabout, take the second exit onto Carrer Pruelles. Proceed onto Avinguda Camí de la Fita, at which point you’ll be almost back at sea level and less than a kilometre from the centre of Sitges and Platja de Sant Sebastià.