Serra de Collserola Natural Park

The Collserola Park is the largest green space in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, a territory that is under significant demographic pressure. It is limited by the valleys of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, to the south and the north respectively, with the plain of Barcelona to the east and Vallès to the west. The Collserola mountain range covers over 8,000 hectares (seventeen kilometres long and six kilometres wide) and its highest peak is the famous Tibidabo (512 metres).

Since the enactment of the Special Plan for planning and protection of the natural environment in 1987, the park has become a recreational area and a place for being closer to nature in order to promote the cultural and environmental values among the population and to protect an area of great ecological value.

The park's flora is typical of a Mediterranean mountain range near the sea, with Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) forests, mainly on the side facing Vallès, and low vegetation of maquis, scrubland and pastures, as well as farm land. It has an estimated population of 10,000 million trees and more than 1,000 species of plants.

With regard to the fauna, almost all the species typical of Mediterranean forests can be found, with over 190 classes of vertebrates.

Apart from the natural wealth, the interaction between humans and nature has created a valuable cultural and architectural heritage that must be preserved (we cannot forget that man's presence on Collserola dates back millions of years in history). In this respect, the Iberian settlement of Ca n'Oliver in the Cerdanyola del Vallès district, the medieval castles of Castellciuró and Papiol, masies (Torre del Bisbe or Can Catà) and numerous chapels and churches, such as Sant Maria de Vallvidrera or Santa Maria de les Feixes, must be mentioned.

The park has different facilities where information can be found as to the activities and itineraries on offer: the information centre, the Mas Pins and Can Coll environmental education centres and the documentation and educational resources centre.

In addition, there are various signposted routes, recreational areas, viewpoints and springs, such as the popular Budellera spring.

The park houses the famous Collserola tower, designed by Norman Foster, which is 288 metres high. From the viewpoint excellent views of the plain of Barcelona can be enjoyed.