The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Martorelles

The region around Martorelles is rich in history. You can visit the Puig Castellar Iberian Settlement, an ancient town occupied from the 6th century BC, offering control over the coastline and the Barcelona plain. Another significant site is the Turó de Castellruf, which features the remains of a dolmen, an Iberian village, and an 11th-century castle. Additionally, the Iberian Site of Les Maleses provides insights into the Layetan people who lived there, with excavated houses and ceramic materials.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting the La Coscollada Observation Tower. From its base, you can see the Pyrenees, Montseny, coastal mountains, the sea, and the plain of Barcelona. The Turó de Montcada also provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the Vallès and Barcelonès plains, the Besòs, and the Marina and Collserola mountain ranges. Turó d'en Galzeran, though its fire watchtower is not accessible, is also known for magnificent vistas of the Serralada de Marina.

Yes, the Parc de la Serralada Litoral, where Martorelles is located, offers several trails suitable for families. The Fountains of Santa Maria de Martorelles Trail is a moderate 8.34 km (5.2-mile) route that explores diverse forests, natural springs, and ancient dolmens, providing a scenic and historically rich experience with accessible paths. The SL-C 120 Springs of Santa Maria de Martorelles Trail is a slightly shorter option at 6.81 km (4.2 miles) with similar features.

The highest and most prominent mountain within the Parc de la Serralada Litoral is Turó de Céllecs, reaching an elevation of 536 meters. While not directly adjacent to Martorelles, it offers a greater challenge and extensive views across the park for those seeking a more demanding hike.

Beyond hiking to the peaks, the area around Martorelles offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, including touring bicycle and mountain biking. For example, there are challenging MTB routes like the Turó de l'Amigó – La Coscollada Watchtower loop. Runners can enjoy trails such as the Santa Maria de Martorelles Springs Route. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Martorelles, Running Trails around Martorelles, and MTB Trails around Martorelles guide pages.

Yes, there are dedicated running trails. The Santa Maria de Martorelles Springs Route is a popular moderate option for runners. For more challenging runs, consider the Turó d'en Galceran Viewpoint – La Mercè Spring loop or the Turó d'en Galceran Viewpoint – Castellruf Dolmen loop, both starting from Santa Maria de Martorelles. Find more details on the Running Trails around Martorelles guide page.

The hike to Turó d'en Galzeran is considered hard and requires good fitness. While challenging, the reward is magnificent panoramic views from the summit, stretching towards Montornès del Vallès and the Serralada de Marina.

The Parc de la Serralada Litoral is characterized by a compact mountainous complex with gentle relief and Mediterranean forests. You'll encounter diverse forest types, natural springs, and various viewpoints offering expansive vistas. The area is also home to ancient dolmens and other archaeological features integrated into the natural landscape.

The Montigalá Cross is an iconic landmark in Badalona, offering beautiful panoramic views of a large part of the Serralada de Marina, Badalona, and Barcelona. The original cross, designed in 1913, was destroyed during the Civil War but later re-erected, standing about 4 meters high.

Visitors highly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The opportunity to explore ancient archaeological sites like the Iberian settlements alongside pleasant hikes and magnificent panoramic views is a major draw. The area's accessibility within the Parc de la Serralada Litoral also makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

When hiking to the Puig Castellar Iberian Settlement, it's advisable to bring a windbreaker jacket as it can get quite windy at the top. Also, ensure you carry enough water, as the path can be narrow. Wearing long pants is recommended due to the terrain.

The region generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making spring and autumn ideal for hiking. During these seasons, temperatures are milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are preferable, while winter offers cooler, crisp air, though some trails might be damp.