The city of Barcelona has many urban parks and gardens, but if you want to visit some with incredible views over the sea, you must go to the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens. It does not have a specific children’s area but the children will definitely be fascinated by all that the garden has to offer. The family can enjoy the garden’s charm all together. And if you have teenagers in the family, it’s a must. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy locations in the city!
A Little History
The Costa i Llobera Gardens are born from a project to adapt succulent plants in the city of Barcelona. Directed jointly by the architect JM Casamor and the gardening master Joan Pañella, they were inaugurated in 1970.
The gardens are dedicated to the Mallorcan poet Miquel Costa i Llobera. One of the greatest representatives of Catalan poetry of all time. He wrote mainly of Mallorca’s landscape, history and popular culture.
In the mid-eighties a great frost came to Barcelona which caused the garden to suffer. Almost 40% of the plants died. Later between 2006 and 2011 a great reform was made in the gardens. They recovered part of the lost diversity and improved their aesthetics. The park is back and better than ever now!
What will you find in the Costa i Llobera Gardens?
It is one of the most unique gardens in Europe, specializing in cactus and succulent plants. You will also find other exotic species and foliation. Sometimes you will feel like you aren’t in Barcelona, but instead in the middle of a desert!
The surface of the gardens of Mossèn Costa i Llobera consists of six hectares. You will find 800 species of cacti and succulent plants arranged in natural terraces. The route of the gardens is winding and runs along the slope of the Montjuïc mountain. Its beauty is such that in 1987 a NY Times journalist included the gardens in the Top Ten of the 10 best gardens in the world.
Where are the Costa i Llobera Gardens?
The gardens are located on the mountain of Montjuïc and face the sea. It is a beautiful natural viewpoint in the mountains. A visit that you should not miss with the family. In addition to observing the magnificent crass plants, children will enjoy seeing the boats of the port of Barcelona as well.
Address: Carretera Miramar, 38 – 08038Barcelona
Once the visit is over
Once you have finished your visit, we suggest you take a stroll to the Miramar gardens that are right next to it. Here children can run around freely while you enjoy an incredible view of Barcelona. You will find the stop of the Aeri del Port (Cable Car of the port) that comes from the beach of Barceloneta.
Following the visit, we suggest you have a drink on the terrace of the Miramar. And if you want to stay for lunch, Martinez restaurant is a good option for the family.
We hope you enjoy the gardens of Barcelona with the family and the beautiful views of the city as well! If you’re interested in seeing more parks around Barcelona we recommend checking out The Labyrinth Park of Horta!
