Sant Pere de Màrtir to Vallvidrera Reservoir – Easy Collserola Walk
Easy 7 km walking route in Parc de Collserola from Sant Pere de Màrtir to the Vallvidrera Reservoir, with panoramic views of Barcelona and peaceful forest paths
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About Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir
This easy 7 km walking route explores one of the most accessible and rewarding areas of Parc de Collserola, linking the Sant Pere de Màrtir ridge with the forested valley of Vallvidrera and the historic Vallvidrera Reservoir. It’s an ideal easy hike near Barcelona for anyone looking for panoramic viewpoints, Civil War history, and peaceful woodland paths without leaving the city limits.
The route begins near Parc de Cervantes and climbs gradually toward the summit of Sant Pere de Màrtir, home to a modern telecoms tower and the remains of a Civil War anti‑aircraft gun battery. This ridge offers some of the best Collserola viewpoints of Barcelona, with sweeping views over the city, the coastline and the Serra de Collserola Natural Park.
Long before the telecoms tower, Sant Pere de Màrtir hosted an optical telegraph station (1834–1856) that communicated with Ordal, Montjuïc Castle, Martorell and Molins de Rei. A small hermitage and fortress once stood here, later demolished to build the modern tower. Today the summit is a fascinating mix of historic ruins and modern infrastructure, making it a popular stop on many Collserola walking trails.
From the summit, the route follows the ridge of the Sierra de Vallvidrera, passing a small shrine and several viewpoints before descending toward the village of Vallvidrera. The final section leads through shaded forest paths to the Pantà de Vallvidrera (also known as Vallvidrera Reservoir, Pantano de Vallvidrera or Embalse de Vallvidrera), one of the most atmospheric corners of Collserola.
The reservoir was built between 1850 and 1860 by architect Elies Rogent to supply water to the Sarrià district of Barcelona. The 15‑metre‑high dam includes a hollow interior tunnel used for inspection and drainage. After falling into disuse in the 1960s, the reservoir silted up and dried, but today it is preserved as part of the Serra de Collserola Natural Park and remains a popular stop for walkers.
Nearby is the historic Grott Tunnel (1855), originally built to transport quarried stone and later used to carry up to 400,000 litres of reservoir water daily into Sarrià. The tunnel runs for nearly 1 km and exits near the FGC Funicular de Vallvidrera Inferior station. Once the FGC line was built, the tunnel was abandoned and fell out of use.
The distinctive pink guard house beside the reservoir now serves as a small museum about the site’s history, though opening hours are limited.
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Visiting Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir
This is a relaxed and accessible route through Parc de Collserola, ideal for anyone looking for an easy walking trail near Barcelona with great viewpoints and a mix of history and nature. The climb to Sant Pere de Màrtir is gentle and rewarded with some of the best panoramic views of the city, while the descent toward Vallvidrera leads through quiet forest paths and shaded woodland. The Pantà de Vallvidrera area is a peaceful spot to rest, explore the historic reservoir, or visit the small guard‑house museum when open. This route works well year‑round and is especially popular with walkers, families and anyone wanting a short, scenic escape into the Serra de Collserola Natural Park without leaving the city.
Calçotada at Restaurant N9U
This route makes an excellent spring Calçotada hike. Start around 09:00 and arrive at Restaurant N9U between 14:00 and 15:00 for a traditional Calçotada meal. The restaurant is conveniently located near Valvidrera Baixador FGC station at the end of the walk.
Calçots are mild, elongated onions grown in trenches and repeatedly covered with soil to produce long white stems. They sprout into 4–10 shoots, resembling small leeks or scallions.
The tradition originates in the town of Valls, where an annual festival celebrates the harvest. Today, thousands of Calçotades take place across Catalonia each spring.
Calçots are grilled over an open flame, wrapped in newspaper and served on terracotta tiles. Diners peel them by hand and dip them into salvitxada — a sauce of almonds, garlic, tomatoes and olive oil. Expect bibs, gloves and plenty of mess; it’s part of the fun.
Want to learn more about calçots? Discover the origins, traditions and the famous annual festival in Valls in this detailed Calçots Festival guide.
Hiking with a Dog
This is a very dog‑friendly easy walking trail near Barcelona. The forest is mainly oak, beech and cork with some pine, so in spring and summer be aware of pine processionary caterpillars. Around the Pantà de Vallvidrera you may also see water traps used for pest control.
The route is safe for dogs, but keep them close on the ridge paths and near the reservoir. The reservoir is currently dry, but the surrounding terrain can still be uneven.
What to take with you for Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir
This is a short, accessible route close to roads and public transport, so a small daypack is all you need. The paths are well maintained, but weather can change quickly on the ridge.
- 1–2 litres of water – fountains are available in Vallvidrera village.
- Comfortable walking shoes – ideal for this easy hike near Barcelona.
- Light waterproof or windproof layer – useful on exposed sections near Sant Pere de Màrtir.
- Sun protection – the ridge has little shade.
Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir 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
Group/Family Ticket?
No.
Notes
Walk is free, Use T-casual Zone 1 ticket.
Getting to Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir
Address: Carretera de les Aigües 23–29, Barcelona, 08017
The route starts at Metro Zona Universitària on the L3 Green Line and ends at FGC Valvidrera Baixador on the Vallès Lines. This makes it one of the most convenient car‑free hikes in Collserola.
All stations are in Zone 1, so you can use a T‑Casual or a Hola‑Barcelona travel card for metro and FGC services.
Documents for Sant Pere de Martir to Valvidrera Reservoir
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