Barcelona is a vibrant, creative and deeply Mediterranean city. Its architecture, cultural scene and urban lifestyle make it one of Europe’s most appealing destinations. Yet beyond the city, the Province of Barcelona reveals a surprising territory that invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. At Musik Boutique Hotel, we see travel as a complete experience, where the balance between city life and the natural surroundings makes all the difference. For those who want to combine this urban side with outdoor activities, we recommend exploring our guide to hiking trails near Barcelona.
From our boutique hotel in the heart of Barcelona, we invite you to discover a lesser-known side of the destination. A selection of mountain villages near Barcelona in our Barcelona guide, offering calm, authenticity and some of Catalonia’s most beautiful landscapes. These plans work equally well for active getaways or more unhurried experiences, and they can easily be complemented with ideas such as romantic plans near Barcelona, ideal for those who want to share the city and its surroundings in a more intimate way. Places where time seems to stand still, perfect for a day trip or a short escape that rounds out an urban stay.
Discovering Barcelona’s mountain villages
Talking about mountain villages around Barcelona is to discover a landscape diversity that surprises even those who know the city well. In just a few kilometres, the scenery changes dramatically: dense forests, gentle hills, natural parks and small towns with a strong sense of identity. The mountain villages of Catalonia located within the Province of Barcelona offer a different experience—slower-paced and more connected to the land.
These destinations combine history, local traditions and nature. Some preserve medieval old quarters, others sit within protected natural parks, and all share one thing in common: they offer beautiful landscapes that make it easy to disconnect from the city’s pace. This guide brings together some of the most representative places, selected for their setting, character and proximity to Barcelona.
Castellar de N’Hug
Castellar de N’Hug is one of the standout references among the mountain villages near Barcelona. Located in the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, this small village stands out for its privileged natural setting and for being home to the source of the Llobregat River. The landscape surrounding the municipality is a perfect example of beautiful scenery in its purest form.
Its stone houses, central square and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most authentic mountain villages in Catalonia. It is an ideal destination for those looking for nature, hiking routes and a rural experience without frills, all within the Province of Barcelona.
Photo: Castellar de N’Hug
Bagà
Bagà is a village with a strong historical identity. Set next to the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, it preserves a medieval old quarter that invites you to stroll at a relaxed pace. Its narrow streets and arcaded main square reflect the area’s commercial past. To round off the visit with a gastronomic angle, it may be especially interesting to read our article on the evolution of Catalan cuisine, ideal for understanding the flavours and traditions that define this part of the region.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, Bagà offers the perfect setting to enjoy beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Among the mountain villages near Barcelona, it stands out for its balance of cultural heritage and nature, making it one of the most complete mountain villages in Catalonia.
Photo: Bagà
Mura
Mura is one of the most charming villages in the Province of Barcelona. Located within the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, it preserves traditional architecture perfectly integrated into its surroundings. Its stone houses and cobbled streets reinforce its authentic character.
The natural setting around Mura offers peaceful routes and beautiful landscapes in every season. It is one of those mountain villages near Barcelona that is ideal for those seeking silence, nature and a genuinely local experience within the mountain villages of Catalonia.
Photo: Mura
Cardona
Cardona is a village defined by its impressive castle, which dominates the landscape from the top of a hill. This medieval fortress is one of Catalonia’s most important monuments and offers spectacular views over the natural surroundings.
In addition to its historical heritage, Cardona stands out for its geological and natural setting, with the famous Salt Mountain as one of its main attractions. Among the mountain villages near Barcelona, Cardona shines for the visual power of its beautiful landscapes and its historical significance within the Province of Barcelona.
Photo: Cardona
Moià
Moià is located in the Moianès region, a transitional area that combines gentle relief with wide natural spaces. This village is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a connection with nature without having to travel long distances.
Its surroundings offer accessible routes and beautiful landscapes that remain relatively uncrowded. Within the mountain villages of Catalonia, Moià stands out for its proximity and for being one of the most practical mountain villages near Barcelona for a day trip.
Photo: Moià
Montseny
Montseny is one of Catalonia’s most emblematic natural environments. Declared a Biosphere Reserve, this area is home to small rural hamlets and exceptional biodiversity. Its forests, rivers and trails offer some of the region’s most varied beautiful landscapes. And if your plans are disrupted by the weather and you feel like reshaping the day without losing the spirit of the trip, it can be very helpful to check our guide on what to do in Barcelona when it rains.
For those staying in Barcelona, Montseny is one of the best options among the mountain villages near Barcelona. It is a perfect destination to enjoy nature and explore the greenest side of the Province of Barcelona, within the wider group of mountain villages in Catalonia.
Photo: Montseny
Sant Quintí de Mediona
Sant Quintí de Mediona is a lesser-known village, but with a surprisingly rich natural setting. Located among rivers and green areas, it offers riverside routes and peaceful spaces to walk and unwind.
Its local character and surroundings make it one of the most authentic mountain villages near Barcelona. It is ideal for those looking for beautiful landscapes without large crowds, within the Province of Barcelona and the broader set of mountain villages in Catalonia.
Photo: Sant Quintí de Mediona
La Garriga
La Garriga lies at the foot of Montseny and combines modernist heritage with a natural environment. Although more open and urban than other villages on this list, its proximity to the mountains makes it a strategic base for exploring trails and natural areas.
Within the Province of Barcelona, La Garriga offers a smooth transition between city and mountains. It is an interesting option among the mountain villages near Barcelona, ideal for enjoying beautiful landscapes without giving up services and comfort.
Photo: La Garriga
Caldes de Montbui
Caldes de Montbui is known for its thermal waters, but also for its natural surroundings and its proximity to mountainous areas. This village blends wellbeing, history and nature in a relaxed setting.
Among the mountain villages of Catalonia, it stands out for offering an experience focused on rest and disconnection. Its surroundings allow you to enjoy beautiful landscapes and peaceful getaways within the Province of Barcelona.
Photo: Caldes de Montbui
Olivella
Olivella is located right in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park, a distinctive landscape shaped by rocky formations and Mediterranean vegetation. Although different from the Pyrenean mountains, it offers a nature experience with a character of its own.
This village is ideal for those looking for mountain villages near Barcelona with a different, lesser-known landscape. Its routes and viewpoints offer beautiful scenery that adds to the diversity of the Province of Barcelona and the wider set of mountain villages in Catalonia.
Photo: Olivella
Musik Boutique Hotel and its guide: mountain villages near Barcelona
Discovering Barcelona’s mountain villages is a wonderful way to broaden your travel experience and get to know the region from a slower, more nature-focused perspective. At Musik Boutique Hotel, we believe a memorable stay combines urban culture, rest and escapes into the surrounding landscape. For those who want to alternate nature with less conventional cultural experiences, we highly recommend our article on lesser-known modernist routes in Barcelona—an original way to keep exploring the city’s architectural legacy.
From our boutique hotel, you can organise personalised routes to the mountain villages near Barcelona, exploring beautiful landscapes, charming towns and unique natural settings. And after a day of discovery, there’s nothing better than making time for rest and wellbeing, such as the experiences featured in our wellbeing and relaxation guide. Our guide is designed to inspire and accompany you, helping you discover the Province of Barcelona with calm, comfort and authenticity—always in line with the warm, attentive philosophy that defines the Musik Boutique Hotel experience.
