3 running routes in Barcelona that every runner should know

Barcelona is a perfect city for those who enjoy running. In just a few kilometers, you can go from running along the Mediterranean to training on dirt tracks in the middle of nature or tackling hills with views of the city.

Whether you are preparing for the Mitja Marató or the Barcelona Marathon, training to improve your personal bests, or simply looking for new places to go for a run, the city offers routes for different levels and goals.

At BeUrban, we have selected 3 of the best running routes in Barcelona, with information on distances, elevation gain, difficulty, and the most suitable type of shoes for each terrain.

1. Carretera de les Aigües: the perfect route for racking up mileage

The Carretera de les Aigües, located in the Collserola mountains, is one of the best-known routes among runners in Barcelona. Its compact dirt track, panoramic views, and relatively flat profile make it an ideal option for endurance training.

It is especially popular among those preparing for half marathons and marathons, as it allows you to maintain steady paces without facing major elevation changes.

In addition, as it is away from city traffic for much of its route, it offers a pleasant environment to unwind and enjoy nature without leaving Barcelona.

Technical specifications

• Type: Running / Door to Trail

• Distance: Between 8 and 20 km, depending on the starting point and the chosen route.

• Positive elevation gain: Variable; approximately 100-200 m on some long routes with access.

• Difficulty: Easy.

• Terrain: Compact dirt track.

• Ideal for: Long runs, easy runs, and endurance training.

What shoes should you use on the Carretera de les Aigües?

Since it is mainly a compact and non-technical track, you do not need trail shoes with aggressive lugs.

You can opt for running shoes with good cushioning or door to trail models, designed to combine asphalt and dirt roads.

Models such as the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail or the Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL are interesting alternatives for runners who alternate between different surfaces.

2. Paseo Marítimo: the best route for preparing road races

If you prefer running on asphalt and enjoying the sea, the Paseo Marítimo de Barcelona is one of the best options.

From the Hotel W area, next to Barceloneta, you can run along the coast past the beaches of Sant Sebastià, Bogatell, and Mar Bella until you reach the Fòrum area.

Its practically flat profile allows you to perform training at a steady pace, long intervals, or recovery runs without major elevation changes.

It is a route especially interesting for those preparing for popular races, half marathons, or the Barcelona Marathon.

Technical specifications

• Type: Running.

• Distance: Between 8 and 12 km, depending on the chosen route.

• Positive elevation gain: Generally less than 50 m.

• Difficulty: Very easy.

• Terrain: Asphalt and urban pavement.

• Ideal for: Easy runs, race-pace training, and marathon preparation.

What shoes should you use on the Paseo Marítimo?

For running on asphalt, it is best to choose shoes with good cushioning, comfort, and a smooth stride transition.

If you are looking for a model for daily training, the Nike Pegasus 42, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus or the New Balance 1080 are options to consider.

For fast sessions or specific race training, you can opt for more responsive shoes, as long as they suit your technique and goals.

3. Montjuïc: the best route for training on hills in Barcelona

If you are looking to add elevation to your training, Montjuïc is one of the most interesting places to run in Barcelona.

Its roads, paths, and stairs allow you to design very varied routes, combining demanding climbs, descents, and faster sections.

You can start in the Plaça d'Espanya area and climb towards the Estadi Olímpic, the Montjuïc gardens, or the castle surroundings, adapting the route to your level.

It is an area especially recommended for runners who want to improve leg strength, work on pace changes, or prepare for competitions with elevation.

Technical specifications

• Type: Running.

• Distance: Between 6 and 12 km.

• Positive elevation gain: Approximately 150-450 m, depending on the circuit.

• Difficulty: Moderate.

• Terrain: Asphalt, stairs, and compact paths.

• Ideal for: Hill training, strength, and pace changes.

What shoes should you use on Montjuïc?

For training on hills, it is important to use shoes that provide stability, grip, and good foot support.

If you do most of the route on asphalt, conventional running shoes may be sufficient.

Models such as the Brooks Ghost or the Nike Structure may be interesting due to their combination of cushioning and stability.

If you prefer to alternate roads with dirt paths, versatile shoes for different surfaces can offer you greater safety.

Comparison: which is the best route for running in Barcelona?

Route	Distance	Approximate elevation gain	Difficulty	Ideal for
Carretera de les Aigües	8-20 km	100-200 m	Easy	Long runs
Paseo Marítimo	8-12 km	Less than 50 m	Very easy	Paces and marathon
Montjuïc	6-12 km	150-450 m	Moderate	Hills and strength

Distances and elevation gains are estimates and depend on the starting point and the chosen route.

Which route should you choose according to your training goal?

Each of these routes offers different advantages, so choosing one or the other will depend on what you want to work on during your training.

• To prepare for a half marathon or marathon: the Paseo Marítimo allows you to maintain steady paces on flat and regular terrain.

• To rack up mileage and improve endurance: the Carretera de les Aigües offers long routes on compact dirt with little elevation gain.

• To improve strength and train on hills: Montjuïc allows you to incorporate climbs, descents, and pace changes into your sessions.

Combining these three routes during the week can help you work on different physical capacities without having to leave Barcelona.

Tips for going out for a run in Barcelona

Before choosing a route, it is important to consider some aspects that can influence your training.

Avoid the hottest hours. During the summer months, going out early in the morning or at dusk can make your training more comfortable.

Adapt your shoes to the terrain. You do not need the same footwear for running along the Paseo Marítimo as for training on dirt roads in Collserola.

Bring hydration on long runs. Especially when training in areas with fewer services or during the hottest months.

Plan your route. Check the access, distance, and elevation gain before heading out, especially if you are going to train in Montjuïc or Collserola for the first time.

Frequently asked questions about running in Barcelona

What is the best route for running in Barcelona?

The Carretera de les Aigües is one of the most popular options thanks to its compact terrain, relatively flat profile, and panoramic views. It is especially recommended for runners looking to rack up mileage.

Where can I run in Barcelona near the sea?

The Paseo Marítimo allows you to run several kilometers along the Mediterranean, from Barceloneta to the Fòrum area. It is an ideal option for training on asphalt and steady-paced runs.

Where to train for the Barcelona Marathon?

The Paseo Marítimo is a good alternative for preparing for the Barcelona Marathon, especially for long runs and specific race-pace training. Its flat profile makes it easy to maintain a steady pace.

Where to do hill training in Barcelona?

Montjuïc is one of the most recommended places to do hill training. Its different access points, roads, and paths allow you to adapt the intensity and elevation gain of each session.

Do I need trail shoes to run in Barcelona?

Not necessarily. For running along the Paseo Marítimo or the paved areas of Montjuïc, running shoes are sufficient. If you regularly train in Collserola or alternate between asphalt and dirt, a door to trail model may be more suitable.

The recommendation of the BeUrban specialists

At BeUrban, we know that not all training requires the same route or the same shoes.

One of the great advantages of running in Barcelona is precisely the variety of terrains it offers. You can do an easy run along the Paseo Marítimo, rack up mileage on the Carretera de les Aigües, or work on strength with a hill session on Montjuïc.

Our recommendation is to adapt both the route and the footwear to the goal of each training session, always prioritizing comfort, stability, and how it feels during the run.

Choosing shoes suitable for your weight, running technique, pace, and usual surface can help you train with greater confidence.

Discover our selection of running and trail running shoes at BeUrbanRunning.com and find the model that best suits your next kilometers.