parc de Josep Maria Serra Martí

Parc de Josep Maria Serra Martí is a hillside park in the Nou Barris district of Barcelona, tucked into the Canyelles neighborhood right next to the Ronda de Dalt ring road. It's the kind of green space locals stumble upon rather than tourists plan for — set on steep terrain with wide views over the northern edge of the city.

How do you get there?

The park sits in Canyelles, one of the neighborhoods that make up the Nou Barris district in the north of Barcelona. The easiest way in is by metro: Canyelles station opens right onto the park, and an elevator carries you straight from the platform up to park level, sparing visitors the steep climb the surrounding streets would otherwise involve. That makes the spot noticeably more accessible than its hilly setting would suggest, though the paths inside the park itself still follow the slope and can be steep in places. Drivers can use the Ronda de Dalt, the ring road running along the hills above the city, as their main reference point.

What will you find inside?

The park dates from 1994 and was laid out specifically to work with the steep ground it occupies rather than flatten it. Instead of terracing the site into a single level, the design follows the natural slope through a sequence of planted terraces linked by long, winding ramps and paths. The result is a series of platforms separated by green banks, with an open, multi-purpose esplanade at the center that serves as both a gathering point and a place to rest partway through a walk.

Compared with Barcelona's larger, more famous parks, this one feels distinctly local — built for the everyday use of Nou Barris residents rather than for organized sightseeing. Because of the elevation change built into the layout, the upper terraces offer open views over the surrounding rooftops and hills of the district.

Who was Josep Maria Serra Martí?

The park takes its name from Josep Maria Serra Martí (1927–1991), a Barcelona-born industrial engineer and socialist politician. He served as deputy mayor of Barcelona in charge of urban planning and municipal services, and he was among the officials involved in preparing the city for the 1992 Olympic Games. Naming a public park after him follows a common pattern in Barcelona, where local green spaces often carry the names of figures tied to the city's civic and urban history.

What can you do here?

The park is built around a handful of practical amenities rather than monuments or attractions. There's an off-leash area where dogs can run free, a children's play area, and outdoor ping-pong tables for anyone wanting a more active stop. That combination draws a steady mix of dog owners from the surrounding blocks and families with young children, while the multiple terraced levels give everyone else room to walk, sit, and enjoy some shade among the planted slopes.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its open, terraced layout, the park is most pleasant in spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the planted beds are at their fullest. In summer, the exposed, sloped sections can get uncomfortably hot around midday, so early morning or evening visits work better. As a public urban park, it's open year-round, and its direct metro connection makes it an easy option even for a short, unplanned walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Parc de Josep Maria Serra Martí located? In the Nou Barris district of Barcelona, in the Canyelles neighborhood, next to the Ronda de Dalt ring road.

What's the easiest way to reach the park? By metro to Canyelles station — an elevator there leads directly up into the park.

Who is the park named after? Josep Maria Serra Martí (1927–1991), a Barcelona engineer and socialist politician who served as deputy mayor for urban planning.

Can dogs run off-leash in the park? Yes, there's a dedicated off-leash area, along with a children's play zone and outdoor ping-pong tables.