Outdoor sports in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city bursting with leisure options, myriad ways to spend your downtime. If you love getting active in the great outdoors, you won't be disappointed. A lot is going on for all ages, so here are a few ideas to get you started.
Hiking, climbing and skiing in Barcelona
The Mediterranean city is located within a three-hour drive of the Pyrenees, the mountain range straddling the border of Spain and France. In the winter, swoop down the slopes of a handful of alpine ski stations with runs for all abilities. During warmer weather, go hiking amid a picturesque landscape of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, cliffs, mountains and rock formations. For the climber, there are plenty of climbing opportunities in Barcelona on crags such as Montrebei and Riglos.
There's also some good climbing back in the city at the Rocòdrom de Montjuïc climbing wall in the Sants-Montjuïc district. With 240 climbable meters and more than 100 interior and exterior routes, this is said to be Europe's biggest urban climbing wall.
Skating and skateboarding in Barcelona
Roller skating is a good mood booster, an excellent exercise opportunity in Barcelona, and fun for people of all ages. Brush up your skills and learn some new tricks with the Associació de Patinadors de Barcelona. The organization offers free lessons to members and non-members. If you're into skateboarding, take your board to any of Barcelona's skate spots. To find them use the skate map of the city. One of the most popular places to skate or watch skaters in action is in front of MACBA (the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona).
Volleyball and basketball in Barcelona
Volleyball is a fun, active and engaging way to spend your free time in Barcelona, and there are lots of free volleyball nets dotted all over the city's beaches. Consider joining a volleyball group and taking part in local competitions. Click here to find volleyball groups near you in Barcelona.
Next to football (or soccer), basketball is the most popular sport in Barcelona. While it is often played indoors, there are several outdoor locations in the city, such as the Parc de l'Espanya Industrial. You can also go to StreetBall Barcelona in Sants, a non-profit association that promotes street basketball and cultural exchanges. Play sports and meet people from all over the world at the same time.
Running and cycling in Barcelona
If you are a running enthusiast, consider joining Run4You, a membership group that organizes individual and group training sessions in Barcelona and its surroundings.
If you would like to combine running with learning a new language, you can do it with Barcelona Casual Runners, a social group of runners set up via the Meetup website.
You can also get active with pedal power. Barcelona is a very bike-friendly city with more than 230 kilometers of cycling lanes.
Yoga in Barcelona
You can find yoga groups and plenty of outdoor spots to practice yoga all across the city. Taking your yoga practice outdoors is ideal for connecting with nature and enjoying mental peace and relaxation. Among the top outdoor spots for yoga in Barcelona are:
- Park Güell - the city's most iconic park
- Barceloneta Beach - an extensive beach with an attractive boardwalk
- Ciutadella Park - a beautiful green space in the center of the city
