This route begins at Plaça de John F. Kennedy, reached via Metro L7 to Sarrià followed by bus 123. The trail climbs approximately 7 kilometres one-way through the Sant Medir forest within the Serra de Collserola, gaining about 350 metres to reach the Tibidabo summit at 512 metres. The path follows shaded pine woodland for most of its length, with a packed dirt and gravel surface that is generally gentle underfoot, aside from a few steeper switchback sections closer to the summit. The forest canopy provides good shade throughout the ascent, making this a cooler alternative to more exposed Collserola routes during summer. Landmarks along the way include the Font del Bacallà spring, several viewpoints overlooking the Vallvidrera reservoir and Barcelona's western districts, and the approach to the Sagrat Cor church atop Tibidabo. Hikers can turn around at any of the intermediate viewpoints for a shorter outing. There are no refuge huts on this route, but the summit area near the Tibidabo amusement park has cafés and restrooms. For the return, hikers can either retrace the forest path downhill, a descent of about 1.5 hours, or take the Funicular del Tibidabo down to the FGC station for a quicker one-way trip.
| Distance | 7km (one way to Tibidabo; return same route or funicular) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2–2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Metro L7 to Sarrià, then bus 123 to Plaça de John F. Kennedy |
| Best season | Year-round; pine forest provides shade in summer |
| Address | Trailhead: Plaça de John F. Kennedy (bus 123 from Gràcia or Sarrià) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Serra de Collserola, Barcelona
What to bring
Walking shoes, water, snack. Return by Funicular del Tibidabo to FGC station (€7.70/~$8.31 one way).
Weather through the year in Spain
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Spain.
Location
Trailhead: Plaça de John F. Kennedy (bus 123 from Gràcia or Sarrià)
41.4051, 2.1235 View on map
Highlights
- Shaded pine forest ascent, cooler than exposed Collserola alternatives
- Font del Bacallà natural spring along the route
- Views over the Vallvidrera reservoir and Barcelona's western districts
- Historic Sagrat Cor church at the Tibidabo summit
- Option to descend via the Funicular del Tibidabo
Tips for visiting
- Bus 123 from Sarrià metro station is the most direct way to reach the trailhead
- Take advantage of the forest shade, this is a good summer alternative to exposed routes
- Carry water and a snack, facilities are limited until the summit
- Descend via the Funicular del Tibidabo (about €7.70/~$8.31) to save the 1.5-hour walk down
- Wear trainers or light hikers, the path is gentle dirt and gravel
When to visit
Hikeable year-round thanks to the forest shade; particularly good on hot summer days when more exposed Collserola trails are uncomfortable.
Accessibility
The forest trail is unpaved with steeper switchback sections near the summit, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a shaded route?
Yes, the trail runs mostly through pine forest, making it noticeably cooler than more exposed Collserola routes, especially useful in summer.
How do hikers get back down?
Hikers can walk back down the same forest path, about 1.5 hours, or take the Funicular del Tibidabo from the summit to the FGC station for a faster descent.
Is there water along the trail?
The Font del Bacallà spring is located along the route, though hikers should still carry their own water as a backup since flow is not guaranteed year-round.
How long does the ascent take?
The climb to the summit typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours at a steady pace.