My favourite ride: Barcelona – Molins de Rei – Barcelona Loop

In a new series, we ask our translators to write about their favourite rides.

Today we have Barcelona - Molins de Rei and back.

Style: Road bike

Distance: 38.7 km

Elevation: 905 m

The route on Strava

Ask anyone who has lived in Barcelona what they think of the city and they will probably highlight the “weather, bars and restaurants, museums and beaches”; just some of the attractions that bring digital nomads and sun-seekers to the Catalan Capital from all over the world.

But ask any cyclist who has lived in Barcelona what they think of the city, and that list might look slightly different: “Easy access to the mountains, coastal rides to the north and south, silent rural roads just a half-hour train ride away, the coffee…” And it’s true, once you escape the bright lights of this small city, the fun can really begin.

There’s plenty of fun to be had on a bike once you escape the city streets

Granted, most of us work from Monday to Friday, so mid-week rides have to be relatively short, efficient and stress-free, and one local route in particular ticks all these boxes. In fact, as relatively short, efficient and stress-free rides go, this one is a hell of a workout.

Molins de Rei is a village some 17 km from Barcelona over the Sierra de Collserola (known in English as the Catalan Coastal Range). It doesn’t look that far away from the city on a map, and as the crow flies, it isn’t. But lest we forget, the start and end of this route are separated by a mountain range… It’s not the Alps, nor is it the Pyrenees, but that crisp altitude nonetheless involves some mandatory metres of elevation.

Views over Barcelona to the Mediterranean Sea

So, it’s 6 pm. You’re suited and booted, your chain is oiled and your Garmin is charged (other models are available). Once on the outskirts of the city, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the start of the first climb. This great escape from the metropolis is already an uphill battle over pedestrian crossings and through rush-hour traffic as the city begins to encroach on the foothills of the Sierra. But before too long you’re out and it’s time to climb.

This first section takes around 15 minutes, climbing left and right up sweeping switchbacks, you’re greeted with spectacular views across the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Passing the village of Vallvidrera, a brief downhill section allows you to catch your breath before the road starts to climb once more (another 10 minutes) to the highest point of this ride.

Descent to Molins de Rei

Next comes a peaceful descent (about 10 minutes) to Molins de Rei, past dense forestland and mini gorges cut into the rock, where masias sit safely out of view behind the trees, enveloped by a criss-crossing of mountain-bike trails etched into the land. Nearing the bottom of the hill, you pass Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra, a good place to stop and turn back if you want to shave a few minutes and kilometres off your ride. But continue your descent a little further and you’ll reach the edge of Molins de Rei; a roundabout suitably placed to circle around and head back the way you came, now well rested and ready for another 20-minute climb.

Mid-ride coffee at Café de Finca (Passatge Mercè Rodoreda, Castelldefels)

The ride back is a chance to admire the sea of green you whipped through just minutes ago. As you round each corner, new views across the back of the Collserola hills open up, a bumpy blanket of vegetation crowned by the Temple of the Sacred Heart, the unmistakeable talisman that watches over Barcelona. This is a popular route and there are always other cyclists to nod hello to, drawn, as I am, by the cool forest air, smooth tarmac roads and sense of complete tranquillity.

Approaching Sant Bartomeu de la Quadra at sunset

Once back at the top of the climb, views of the Mediterranean Sea welcome you home as you start the descent into the city, the air growing gradually warmer. This reliable two-hour route with over 900 metres of elevation is enough to work your legs and rest your mind. Insider tip: if you happen to be in the neighbourhood with a bike and spare time, I recommend heading out a couple of hours before sunset to experience Barcelona’s skies at their best.