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Built on the site of a former textiles factory, this modern park, by Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, has deteriorated somewhat since its inauguration in 1985. It still has a certain appeal, including ten strange lighthouse-style towers that line the boating lake and an enormous cast-iron dragon, which doubles as a slide. There’s a good terrace bar with a playground for the kids.

Originally conceived as a suburban estate to the north of the city, Parc Güell is like a surreal, Asian terraced farm. Twisting pathways and avenues of columned arches blend in with the hillside, playfully fusing nature and fantasy. The esplanade, with its stunning, curved, mosaic bench, is the park’s centrepiece. From here there are spectacular views Walks & Bike Rides of the entire city and of the fairy-tale gatehouses below. Gaudí’s former home is now the Casa-Museu Gaudí. (Parc Güell).

In the north of the city, Gaudí’s monumental Modernista park presents spectacular views across Barcelona and out to the Mediterranean from its various terraced levels. Trees and patches of woodland act as welcome shade from the fierce summer sun. (Parc Güell).

The magnificent peaks of Catalonia’s only national park are accessible from the resort of Espot. You’ll find ponds and lakes 2,000 m (6,560 ft) up.

It is 10,000 years since La Garrotxa last erupted and the volcanoes are long since extinct. The largest crater is the Santa Margalida, at 500 m (1,640 ft) wide. It is magical here in spring when thousands of butterflies emerge.

Surrounded by industry and within easy reach of Barcelona, this is a surprisingly untamed park inhabited by large numbers of wild boar. Walk up Cerro de la Mola to see the Romanesque monastery.

Covered in a carpet of conifers and oaks, this mountain range has surprisingly lush vegetation. Several peaks are over 2,000 m (6,560 ft) high.

Forming Catalonia’s most accessible natural park, these woodland hills are well-equipped for walkers and mountain bikers, with a huge network of trails. Climb the well-signposted and popular Turó de l’Home, which is the highest peak.

This nature reserve hides bird-watching towers. Those in the Laguna de Vilalt and La Bassa de Gall Mari allow bird-lovers to observe herons, moorhens and other bird species nesting in spring.