Carretera de les Aigües by car: how to get there and where to park
The Carretera de les Aigües is a flat, unpaved track along the Collserola hills, and it is closed to private cars. Drive up to one of its access points, park and walk, run or cycle, then use the convertible for the hill roads around Tibidabo.
What the Carretera de les Aigües is
The Carretera de les Aigües was built as a service road along old water pipes and today runs for around 20 km across the hillside of the Parc Natural de Collserola, high above Barcelona. It is mostly flat and unpaved, which makes it popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, and the view over the city and the sea stays open for most of the way. Private motor vehicles are not allowed on the track itself, so going by car means driving to an access point, leaving the car and continuing on foot or by bike.
How to get there by car
From the centre, drive up to Vallvidrera: about 9 km and 25 minutes via the Ronda de Dalt or Avinguda de Vallvidrera and then the Carretera de Vallvidrera. The most used access is in Vallvidrera, around Plaça Mireia near the upper station of the Funicular de Vallvidrera. At the south-western end you can join the track from Sant Pere Màrtir on the Esplugues side, and at the north-eastern end from the Carretera de l'Arrabassada near Sant Genís. Set your navigation to the specific access point rather than to the track itself.
Where to park
Street parking in Vallvidrera is limited, and on weekend mornings the spaces near Plaça Mireia and along the access roads fill quickly. Arrive early, park only in marked spaces and never on the track or in front of gates, which must stay clear for park and fire-service vehicles. On busy days it can be easier to leave the car in the city, take the FGC train to Peu del Funicular and ride the Funicular de Vallvidrera, which has a stop at the Carretera de les Aigües. A small car such as the Fiat 500C or the MINI Cabrio makes the hunt for a space in Vallvidrera much easier.
Viewpoints and what to expect
Along the track there are several viewpoints (miradors) over Barcelona, the port and, on clear days, the coast towards the Maresme. There is little shade on some stretches, so bring water and a hat in summer, and share the track with care: it is used by people on foot, runners and bikes at the same time. Most visitors walk or cycle a section and come back the same way rather than covering the whole length. Late afternoon is the favourite time, when the light over the city turns golden.
Check access before you go
Access to Collserola, or to parts of it, can be restricted temporarily, for example by the park authorities for animal-health reasons or on days of high fire risk. Before you go, check the official notices of the Parc Natural de Collserola and the Ajuntament de Barcelona, which publish any closures and the areas affected. This page describes the usual access points and does not give the current status of the park.
Combine it with a convertible drive
The roads that lead to the track are the fun part with the roof down. Climb the Carretera de Vallvidrera through the pines, continue towards Tibidabo for the view from the top of the hill, and come back down the Carretera de l'Arrabassada, a twisting road on the Sant Cugat side. Time it for sunset, when the city lights come on below you. The whole loop from the centre stays well under 50 km, and the Mazda MX-5 is made for these bends.
Best cars for this drive
FAQ
Can you drive on the Carretera de les Aigües?
No. Private motor vehicles are not allowed on the track. You drive to an access point such as Vallvidrera or Sant Pere Màrtir, park and continue on foot or by bike.
Where do I park for the Carretera de les Aigües?
In the streets of Vallvidrera near Plaça Mireia and the upper funicular station, or near the other access points. Spaces are limited on weekends, so arrive early and never block gates or the track.
Can I get there without driving all the way?
Yes. Take the FGC train to Peu del Funicular and the Funicular de Vallvidrera, which stops at the Carretera de les Aigües.
Is the Carretera de les Aigües open today?
Parts of Collserola can be closed temporarily, for example for animal-health reasons or high fire risk. Check the official notices of the Parc Natural de Collserola and the Ajuntament de Barcelona before you go.