7 Best Autumn Hikes Near Barcelona

Autumn is one of the best times to escape Barcelona and explore the landscapes surrounding the city. Cooler temperatures make walking more comfortable, forests begin to change colour, and mountain areas such as Montseny, Montserrat and Berguedà offer a completely different side of Catalonia.

You do not need to travel to the Pyrenees to find beautiful autumn scenery. Within reach of Barcelona you can walk through beech forests, climb between the rock formations of Montserrat, follow trails beside reservoirs and waterfalls, or enjoy quieter Mediterranean landscapes surrounded by vineyards.

These are seven of our favourite autumn hikes near Barcelona, ranging from easy walks to longer routes for hikers who want to spend most of the day outdoors.

1. Empedrat de Morou, Montseny: The Classic Autumn Hike

If you only have time for one autumn hike near Barcelona, Montseny is difficult to beat. The Natural Park is famous for its forests, and the area around Santa Fe del Montseny becomes particularly atmospheric when the beech trees begin to change colour.

The Empedrat de Morou is one of the park’s classic circular walks. The route starts near the Can Casades information centre in the Santa Fe valley and passes through woodland before reaching the rocky viewpoint of the Empedrat de Morou.

From here you get wide views across the Santa Fe valley, the surrounding peaks and the forest below. The route also passes close to the Santa Fe reservoir, creating a very different landscape from the Mediterranean scenery you see around Barcelona itself.

Montseny can become very popular on autumn weekends, especially when the colours are at their best. If possible, arrive early or visit during the week.

2. Collbató to Montserrat Monastery: The Most Spectacular Mountain Route

Montserrat looks impressive at any time of year, but autumn is a particularly good season for hiking here. Temperatures are usually more comfortable than in summer, while the mix of rocky peaks, evergreen vegetation and deciduous trees creates an unusual landscape.

One of the best routes begins in Collbató, on the southern side of the massif, and climbs towards the monastery.

The trail gradually gains height through Montserrat’s extraordinary rock formations before approaching Santa Cova and finally the monastery itself. It is considerably more demanding than the easy walks in this guide, but the scenery makes it one of the most rewarding day hikes close to Barcelona.

Bring enough water, proper walking shoes and layers. Montserrat is exposed in places, and weather conditions can change quickly.

3. Castellterçol to Sant Quirze Safaja: A Quiet Autumn Day in Moianès

If your idea of a perfect autumn hike involves woodland, small villages and fewer visitors, head towards the Moianès region.

This circular route begins in Castellterçol and follows sections of the GR 177 towards Sant Quirze Safaja. Along the way, the trail passes the historic Castell de Sant Miquel, the Romanesque church of Sant Julià d’Uixols, wooded passes and natural springs.

At around 14 kilometres, it is longer than most of the routes in this guide, but the terrain has relatively little elevation gain. It works particularly well as a slow autumn day out rather than a route to rush through.

This is also a good choice if you have already visited Montseny and Montserrat and want to discover a less obvious part of the Barcelona countryside.

4. Horta Spring and Foix Reservoir: The Best Easy Autumn Walk

Not every autumn escape needs to involve a mountain climb. The route around Horta Spring and the Foix Reservoir is one of the easiest options in this guide and a good choice for families or occasional walkers.

The trail begins near Masia de la Creu and moves through Mediterranean woodland before reaching views over the Foix Reservoir.

The most autumnal section comes around the Horta stream and spring, where ash, poplar and alder trees create a cooler, greener environment that changes noticeably as the season progresses.

The reservoir is also an important wetland for water birds, so binoculars can be a useful addition to your backpack.

5. Santa Maria de Queralt: Forests and Huge Views Over Central Catalonia

Above the town of Berga, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Queralt sits in one of the best natural viewpoints in central Catalonia.

There are several routes around the mountain, but a good option is the walk from Berga to Queralt via Sant Pere de Madrona. The route combines woodland, historic chapels and panoramic viewpoints before reaching the sanctuary.

This part of Berguedà is especially attractive in autumn. Mediterranean holm oak woodland meets cooler forest environments around Queralt, while the elevated viewpoints open onto an enormous section of central Catalonia.

This is an excellent choice if you want something more mountainous than Foix but shorter than the Collbató–Montserrat route.

6. La Fou de Tous: Waterfall, Gorge and Woodland

Hidden among the drier landscapes of Anoia, La Fou de Tous feels unexpectedly lush.

Water has carved a narrow gorge into the landscape, creating a waterfall surrounded by vegetation. The contrast between the surrounding farmland and the cooler, more humid gorge makes this one of the most unusual walks on the list.

You can make the outing longer by starting directly from Sant Martí de Tous or choose a much shorter walk from near the viewpoint.

Once inside the gorge, the vegetation and sound of the water create a surprisingly secluded atmosphere. The route can also be combined with the Font de la Fou and the area around the Sentfores Sanctuary.

7. Tiana to Turó d’en Galzeran: Autumn Close to Barcelona

You do not always need to travel deep into the mountains. The Parc de la Serralada de Marina, between Barcelona and the Maresme coast, offers a very different kind of autumn landscape.

The signposted SL-C 95 route starts in Tiana and climbs towards the Turó d’en Galzeran, the highest point in the park.

Instead of the dense beech forests of Montseny, you walk through Mediterranean woodland, pine forest and areas close to vineyards. From the higher sections there are extensive views towards Barcelona, the Maresme coast, Montserrat and the inland mountains.

It is also one of the more practical choices if you are staying in Barcelona and do not want to spend most of the day travelling before you start walking.

Autumn Hikes Near Barcelona: Quick Comparison

When Is the Best Time for Autumn Colours Near Barcelona?

October and November are usually the most interesting months for autumn walking around Barcelona, but there is no single perfect weekend every year.

Higher and cooler areas can change earlier, while lower Mediterranean landscapes often keep their colours later into the season. Rain, temperature and wind also affect how long the leaves remain on the trees.

If autumn colours are your main priority, Montseny is the obvious first choice. If the weather is less stable, shorter options such as Foix, Queralt or Serralada de Marina give you more flexibility.

What Should You Bring for an Autumn Hike?

Autumn around Barcelona can mean warm sunshine in the city and much cooler conditions once you reach the mountains. Layers are much more useful than one heavy jacket.

Wear shoes with good grip, carry water even on short routes, and bring a waterproof layer if the forecast is uncertain. After rain, woodland paths can become slippery and temperatures can fall quickly in shaded valleys.

If you are heading into Montseny, Montserrat or Berguedà, remember that conditions can feel very different from Barcelona itself.

FAQ: Autumn Hiking Near Barcelona