Parc de la Serralada Litoral

Parc de la Serralada Litoral is a protected natural area stretching along the Serralada de Marina mountain range, straddling the border between two Catalan regions: Maresme and Vallès Oriental. Covering more than 7,400 hectares, the park's boundaries touch fifteen municipalities, including Vilanova del Vallès, from where many visitors set out on trails leading into the higher parts of the range.

Where exactly is the park located?

The park lies between the Maresme coastline and the inland Vallès Oriental valley, forming a natural green corridor that separates the built-up coastal strip from the plains further inland. The area's coordinates place it around 41.54° latitude and 2.35° longitude, corresponding to the hills east of Vilanova del Vallès, on the ridge that separates the municipality from the coast.

How is the park's territory divided?

Serralada Litoral is not a single uniform range but consists of three clearly distinct natural units. The first, La Conreria, is known for its forests and former monastery grounds. The second is the Sant Mateu massif, rising above the coastline and offering viewpoints over the Mediterranean Sea. The third is the Céllecs massif, the most inland of the three, bordering territories belonging to Vallès Oriental municipalities, including Vilanova del Vallès.

Who manages the park?

Since 1992 the area has been overseen by a consortium made up of the Barcelona Provincial Council (Diputació de Barcelona), the Government of Catalonia, the county councils of Maresme and Vallès Oriental, and fourteen municipalities whose territories fall within the park. Vilanova del Vallès is one of the signatory municipalities, meaning local authorities have a direct say in how the park is managed and protected within their own boundaries.

What can visitors do in the park?

A network of hiking and cycling trails connects the park's different sections, allowing for both short walks near the towns bordering it and full-day treks across all three massifs. The terrain is covered in vegetation typical of the Mediterranean climate — cork oak groves, pine woods and low scrubland — and the varied relief, with its hills and valleys, suits both easy and more demanding routes.

Why visit the park from Vilanova del Vallès?

Because the municipality sits right on the park's edge, reaching the trails doesn't require a long trip — leaving the built-up part of town is often enough to enter protected land. This makes it an appealing option for anyone looking to get out into nature without planning a trip to more remote parts of Catalonia, while also offering a chance to experience the transitional landscape between the coast and the interior of the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is the park fenced off or does it require an entry fee? No, protected areas managed within the Diputació de Barcelona park network are open to the public and free of charge — trails can be accessed from any boundary point, including from Vilanova del Vallès.

How large is the park? Following the most recent expansion approved by the Catalan government, the park covers approximately 7,400 hectares.

Which Vallès Oriental municipalities border the park besides Vilanova del Vallès? Others include Montornès del Vallès, la Roca del Vallès, Santa Maria de Martorelles and Vallromanes.

Are there scenic viewpoints in the park? Yes, particularly in the Sant Mateu massif, which offers views out toward the Maresme coastline.