Montjuïc Cactus Garden | Succulent Park with Sea Views Barcelona

About Montjuïc Mossèn Costa i Llobera Cactus Garden

The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, known locally as the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, are often referred to as the Montjuïc Cactus Garden or Barcelona Cactus Park. Located near Miramar on Montjuïc hill, this hidden botanical garden in Barcelona spans 3.16 hectares and features one of Europe’s largest collections of low-water succulent plants.

This Montjuïc succulent garden showcases exotic species from desert, tropical, and high-altitude regions, including cacti, agaves, euphorbias, and Mediterranean trees. The garden’s unique microclimate and south-facing slope make it ideal for cultivating drought-tolerant plants.

Barcelona Cactus Gardens History

Inaugurated in March 1970, the garden was designed by architect Joaquim Maria Casamor i d'Espona and gardening expert Joan Pañella i Bonastre. It was created as a collaborative effort to adapt exotic species to Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate, with contributions from nurseries across Spain and Italy, including the renowned Pallanca collection.

Despite suffering frost damage in the winters of 1985 and 1987, which reduced the number of species by nearly 40%, the garden has been restored and revitalized. Recent refurbishments have improved access and reintroduced many lost plants, reaffirming its status as a must-visit cactus park in Barcelona with spectacular views of the coastline and port.

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Visiting Montjuïc Cactus Garden

The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, also known as the Montjuïc Cactus Park, are a free-entry public garden offering one of Europe’s largest collections of low water consumption plants. This succulent garden in Barcelona is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape with spectacular views of the city’s coastline and port.

Visitors can explore a wide variety of exotic species from desert and tropical regions, including barrel cacti, agaves, euphorbias, and Mediterranean trees. The garden’s unique microclimate and south-facing slope allow these plants to thrive year-round.

Whether you're interested in botany or simply looking for a scenic walk, the Montjuïc cactus garden offers a tranquil experience in one of Barcelona’s most secret gardens. It’s especially popular for its panoramic views and dramatic plant shapes that make it a favorite spot for landscape photography.

Species in the Montjuïc Cactus Garden (Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera)

Aloe ferox – A tall, spiky aloe native to South Africa.
Aloe brevifolia – Known as “crocodile teeth,” a compact succulent with serrated leaves.
Cylindropuntia rosea – Found in South Africa and Mexico, alongside African Aizoaceae and Australian Xanthorrhoea.
Euphorbia resinifera – A Moroccan succulent resembling cacti, adapted to arid climates.
Cereus jamac and Ferocactus glaucescens – Large barrel cacti from Mexico’s Queretaro region.
Echinopsis santiaguensis – Native to South America, known for vibrant flowers and tree-like or balloon-shaped growth.
Echinocactus – Wool-covered Mexican and U.S. cacti with bright yellow to purple-pink flowers, named for their sea urchin-like shape.
Astrophytum myriostigma – Star-shaped cactus with striking yellow blooms.
Ferocactus – Barrel-shaped cacti from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico, resembling wine barrels in maturity.
Mammillaria – One of the most diverse genera, with over 350 species forming tuberous shapes. Found in Mexico, the southern U.S., and the Caribbean.
Euphorbia species – Tropical and subtropical succulents from Africa and Madagascar, forming dense cactus-like groves.
Dracaena draco – The iconic dragon tree, gifted from a private Barcelona garden.
Agave americana – Native to Mexico, now a staple of Mediterranean landscapes.
Opuntia ficus-indica – Prickly pear cactus, common across the Mediterranean and Latin America.
Ficus species – Found in Mediterranean and South American regions, including fig trees from Mexico, Peru, and Argentina.
Mediterranean trees and shrubs – Includes carob (Ceratonia siliqua), olive (Olea europaea), bottle trees (Brachychiton populneus), Australian oaks (Grevillea robusta), and cow legs (Bauhinia grandiflora).
Palms – 12 species including Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), Phoenix canariensis, Washingtonia filifera, Washingtonia robusta, and Europe’s only native palm, Chamaerops humilis.

Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens Opening Hours

November 1st to March 31st: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
April 1st to October 30th: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Montjuic Cactus Garden Homepage

Accessibility & What to bring to Montjuïc Cactus Garden

The Montjuïc Cactus Garden, also known as the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, offers step-free accessaccessible cactus garden in Barcelona for visitors with reduced mobility or families with strollers.

While the terrain is generally smooth, some areas may have uneven surfaces due to the garden’s hillside location. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for mild elevation changes.

There are no drinking water fountains inside this succulent park in Montjuïc, so bringing a water bottle is recommended—especially during warmer months. The garden is exposed to full sun and offers panoramic views of Barcelona’s coastline, making it a scenic but potentially warm walk.

Montjuïc Cactus Garden Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE

Getting to Montjuïc Cactus Garden

Address: Carretera de Miramar 38, Barcelona, 08038

The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens, also known as the Montjuïc Cactus Garden, are located near Miramar Montjuïc and are easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Use a T-Casual or Hola-Barcelona travel card for metro and bus services.

Nearest Metro Stations: Drassanes or Paral·lel on the green (L3) line. From either station, walk uphill toward Miramar.
Passatge de les Bateries Entrance: Follow this road to the end around a stone wall to find a gate into the garden.
Plaça de l'Armada Entrance: From the Miramar Hotel and plaza near the Montjuïc to Port Cable Car, descend the old stone steps and bear right to reach the garden gate.
Carretera de Miramar Entrance: A direct gate provides access from the main road.