Botanical gardens in and around Barcelona

Beyond renowned architectural sights, beautiful Mediterranean beaches and the incredible food scene in Barcelona, a more peaceful, quieter and greener city is waiting to be discovered. The perfect place to relax and escape from the bustling town is in the beautiful botanical gardens that the city offers. These stunning gardens are filled with trees, plants, and architecture with carefully designed features. For those wanting to explore Barcelona while surrounded by greenery, the city´s botanical gardens are an unforgettable addition to any trip. Let’s look at some of the botanical gardens in and around Barcelona.

Situated on Montjuic Hill, Jardí Botànic de Barcelona is one of the most impressive green spaces is Jardí Botànic de Barcelona. This garden provides visitors with a tour of the diverse ecosystems of the Mediterranean climate. When walking through the 14-acre garden, there are thoughtfully divided zones filled with olive groves, aromatic herbs and eucalyptus forests from California, South Africa, Chile and Australia. Jardí Botànic contributes to biodiversity efforts, as it houses many endangered species. Visiting this garden is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving ecosystems.

Location: Carrer del Doctor Font i Quer, 2 (Montjuïc Hill)

Just a short walk away is a lesser-known botanical garden, Jardí Botànic Històric, founded in 1930. Here, you will find towering sequoias, laurels and ferns, all rare sights in Barcelona due to the garden’s unique microclimate, which is cooler and more humid. The beautiful water features, moss-covered stone and shaded paths, this garden offers the perfect escape from the vibrant city centre.

Location: Carrer dels Tarongers, (Montjuïc Hill)

Near the University of Barcelona, in the district of Pedralbes, the Parc de Cervantes is home to a vast rose garden with over 10,000 roses and approximately 230 varieties. There are also shaded pathways and endless green spaces, which are perfect for a relaxing walk or a quiet afternoon. Every May, the park hosts the international New Roses Competition, during which the park is filled with fresh roses that attract experts and flower enthusiasts from around the world.

Location: Avinguda Diagonal, (Pedralbes)

Urban park, Parc de la Ciutadella, originally designed in the 19th century, is both a botanical garden and a recreational area. One highlight of this popular park is the Umbracle, a glass structure home to tropical species in a humid and shaded environment. Around the park, you will find tropical palms, ficus trees and colourful flower beds, just to name a few.

Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21, (Ciutat Vella)

In the town of Blanes, an hour’s drive from Barcelona, the Marimurtra Botanical Garden is arguably one of the most stunning gardens in the Mediterranean. Created by botanist Carl Faust in the 20th Century, it is located on the cliffs overlooking the sea, it offers stunning views of Costa Barva’s coastline. With over 4,000 plant species divided into three sections, Mediterranean, temperate and subtropical, this garden truly represents different climates around the world. There is also a centrepiece, Linnaeus Temple, a perfect place to enjoy the sparkling waters below.

Location: Passeig Carles Faust, 9, (Girona)

Another gem in the Costa Brava, just a short distance from Marimurtra, is the Pinya de Rose Botanical Garden. Founded in 1945 by Ferran Rivière de Caralt, this garden is home to succulent and tropical plants. With one of Europe’s largest private collections of cacti and agaves, a visit to Pinya de Rosa is an unforgettable experience, with plants from South Africa, Mexico and other regions. The proximity to coves and beaches also adds to the relaxing seaside experience.

Location: Carretera Blanes a Lloret, (Girona)

Located in the South of Barcelona, near Cambrils, Parc Samà, built in the late 19th Century, covers acres of canals, exotic areas, lakes, pavilions, staircases and bridges. This family-built park is inspired by colonial gardens from Cuba, and it shelters a small wildlife reserve with several free-roaming peacocks. The calm atmosphere is the perfect spot to unwind and relax as you wander down shaded paths, walk through open lawns and marvel at the beautiful water features.

Location: Carretera de Vinyols (Tarragona)

If you are a lover of nature, a photographer, or are simply enjoying some quiet time away from the bustle of the city, the botanical gardens of Barcelona and the gardens along the Catalan coast are truly worthwhile visiting. These gardens are not just green spaces; they are living museums that promote biodiversity, sustainability, and good landscape design. With plants and trees representing Mediterranean species in the hills of Montjuïc and difficult to find succulents located high on cliffs, each garden is a perfect spot to slow down, relax and see the region in a more tranquil way. So, whether you plan to spend just a quiet afternoon visiting the grounds or spend the day, add these gardens to your travel list. You’ll return home renewed, invigorated, and with a profound sense of appreciation for the green heart of Catalonia.