Cycling to Tibidabo church in Barcelona

Basilica del Sagrat Cor del Tibidabo

When you visit Barcelona and you are into cycling, there is one place you want to get with your bike. This is Basilica del Sagrat Cor del Tibidabo church, at the top of the highest mountain surrounding Barcelona. You can see it from every point of the city, and specially at night, as it is illuminated.
Iconic destination for all Barcelona inhabitants, very well known for every local, and specially for children, as at the top of the mountain, just beside the church there is an amusement park. Surprising to learn that amusement park is much older than the very church! The amusement park was open early XX century, but the church was just finished in 1961.

Steep slopes with magnificient views

There are some different approaches to the summit of Tibidabo.
We consider 4 different sides:

La Rabassada

- La Rabasada. One of the most popular climbs from Barcelona. Great views.
- Climb from Via Augusta (Barcelona). This side goes through Vallvidrera (steep part when crossing the village), and can be finished with a very steep part just getting to the parking area. Volta a Catalunya professional race had a stage finish right there.
- Climb from Sant Cugat. About 7 km long, it is not a very steep climb. Really worth. This side connects with La Rabasada side about 1 km to the summit.
- Molins de Rei side. Santa Creu d'Olorda. Fantastic solitaire road in the middle of the forest. This road gets to Vallvidrera, and then shares the road with Via Augusta side.

Amazing views from the top of the mountain

Once at the top you have to enjoy the views over the city. Magnificient viewpoint at 500 mts above sea level. If you climb some stairs towards the church you get a higher viewpoint, but if you get the elevator (3 euros cost) you can get the foot of summital Jesus statue, amazing, impressive. No words.

The picture at the top of the climb: a must!

If you visit Barcelona and you are into Cycling, you have to climb to Tibidabo. No doubt!