The Serralada de Marina Park is a protected mid-mountain natural area located at the southern end of the Marina mountain range, between the Barcelona coastline and the Vallès region. With an area ranging from 2,086 to 3,157 hectares depending on the source, it reaches its highest point at Turó de Galzeran (485 m), in a landscape of hills and valleys very close to the Barcelona metropolitan area. This park plays an essential role as a large green lung amid densely urbanized municipalities, offering a space for education, recreation, and conservation within the network of Natural Parks managed by the Barcelona Provincial Council. Along its trails, pine forests of maritime pine and stone pine alternate in sunny areas with holm oak and common oak groves in the shaded areas, alongside Mediterranean scrub featuring steppes, gatossa, and llentiscle. The park preserves a rich historical heritage that includes Iberian settlements such as Puig Castellar, La Cartoixa de Montalegre, the hermitage of San Jerónimo de la Murtra, and the Balldovina Tower—all evidence of human presence in the area since ancient times. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and visibility is optimal, avoiding the intense summer heat and winter humidity. Its peri-urban location makes it an accessible destination for visitors seeking nature without leaving the city, featuring remarkable vegetation that includes rockroses and white heather in sun-exposed areas.
