Park Güell Nature & Biodiversity | Exploring Local Wildlife

Are you a nature lover with a thing for all things green and gorgeous? Then Park Güell might just be your slice of paradise. Bursting with lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, it’s one of the most iconic spots in Barcelona. Originally commissioned by Eusebi Güell as a luxury estate for the city’s elite, this whimsical wonderland is now a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site—because even Mother Nature loves a bit of Gaudí flair!

Plan your visit to Park Güell

Where is Park Güell located?

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain. Find On Map

Park Güell is located in the districts of Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó, in the city of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The park lies in the neighborhoods of El Coll, La Salut, Can Baró, Vallcarca i els Penitents, and El Carmel and is spread over 19 hectares of land. It is located in the central part of the city, and it is well connected to the other areas.

It is also surrounded by the urban landscape while also covering two sides of the hill, Tres Creus or Les Menes hills. The stunning views from this park have captivated every visitor who has been here. Due to its proximity to the city center, you can easily reach it.

Getting to Park Güell

Why is Park Guell an urban green corridor

Barcelona’s Tres Turons Park is like the city's green lungs, made up of three scenic hills: Creueta del Coll, El Carmel (home to Park Güell and Carmel Park), and La Rovira (Guinardó Park).

Ecological significance of Tres Turons Park

Tres Turons isn’t just pretty to look at—it plays a big role in keeping Barcelona’s nature & biodiversity in check. Its close proximity to the Collserola mountain range makes it a cozy home for various bird species and a few shy animals that prefer greener company.

Importance of parks and green areas

Parks and green spaces aren’t just picnic spots—they’re biodiversity havens. They allow animals to roam, reproduce, and thrive. Without these green hideouts, the region’s natural diversity could start fading faster than a summer sangria.

Green corridors and Tres Turons Park

Environmentalists suggest creating green corridors around cities, connecting green areas to the nearest natural system, like hills or forests. The Tres Turons Park is a part of the Ciutadella-Collserola green corridor, which is yet to be completed.

About Park Guell

Natural environment of Park Guell

Park Güell is situated on the land formerly known as the Muntanya Pelada (Bare Mountain). For an extended period, the area was used for farming, including vineyards.

Aleppo Pines and greenery: In the 1960s, the authorities planted Aleppo pines and bushes that could withstand dry conditions. However, these pines were planted in places where olive and carob trees once stood, which were mostly removed.

Natural environment and peace: Barcelona Park Güell's natural environment, including the towering trees, creates a picturesque landscape that provides inner peace to visitors.

What's inside Park Güell

Biodiversity of Park Güell

Part of the Tres Turons Park area, Park Güell is more than Gaudí’s best work, it's also an urban nature reserve right in the heart of Barcelona.
Thanks to careful planting and its sprawling 17-hectare space, the park teems with biodiversity, making it a magnet for both nature lovers and curious tourists.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes; Park Güell offers natural value and species diversity, blending cultural tourism with scenic green escapes.
Located close to the Collserola hills, the park acts as a mini wildlife haven where animals find food, shelter, and space to thrive.
Some park structures are thoughtfully built with local fauna in mind, ensuring they feel just as welcome as the visitors.

Park Guell's biodiversity route

Inside Park Güell, you’ll find a mix of Mediterranean shrubs including strawberry trees, common hawthorn, mastic trees, laurustinus, chaste trees, and red valerian, adding color, texture, and fragrance to the scene.

A special pathway channels runoff water from the mountains directly into the drainage system. That means no puddles, no flooding—just smooth, eco-smart park strolls, even after a downpour.

The Austria Gardens

Formerly a nursery and now a charming leafy retreat, this area earned its name from trees donated by Austria in 1977. Sadly, many of these Alpine trees couldn’t handle the Mediterranean sun. So in 2012, the park said goodbye to the lawns and welcomed in a diverse mix of fragrant plants and bloomers that take turns showing off throughout the year.

A "hotel" for insects

Yes, Park Güell has its very own insect hotel, a cozy little spot designed to let bees and bugs kick back and nest in peace. These tiny tenants help pollinate plants and control pests, keeping the ecosystem balanced. In a city full of concrete, parks are prime real estate for insects, and this one rolls out the welcome mat.

Vallcarca Wood

Vallcarca Wood is the park’s woodland hideaway. It’s got all the qualities of a classic Mediterranean forest, complete with stone pines, Aleppo pines, and, thanks to the humidity, some surprise guests like common hawthorn and oak trees.

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Park Güell animals

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Reptiles

Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica)

Mediterranean house gecko (Hemydactylus turcicus)

Iberian wall lizard (Podarcis linoleic)

Park Güell mammals

Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus)

Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

Kuhl's pipistrelle vores clares (Pipistrellus kuhlii)

Serotine bat graners (Eptesicus serotinus)

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

House mouse (Mus domesticus)

Park Güell birds

Rock dove (Columba livia)

Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops)

Eurasian wryneck (Jynx torquilla)

European robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)

Park Güell Nature Square

Nature Square is the nerve centre of Park Güell and one of its most popular spots. To preserve it, the waterproofing was repaired and the rainwater-collection system was improved, connecting it to the cistern beneath the Hypostyle Room.

Park Güell Nature Square's restoration work was carried out in stages to avoid disturbing visitors and to allow uninterrupted views of the Serpentine Bench and the panoramic cityscape from the square.

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Frequently asked questions about Park Guell's nature & biodiversity

What kind of flora and fauna can visitors expect to see at Park Güell?

Visitors can see a variety of plants and animals, including pine trees, cacti, lizards, and birds such as hoopoes and parakeets.

Is Park Güell an urban green corridor?

Yes. Park Güell is an urban green corridor and is extremely significant from an ecological perspective.

What reptile species can you find in Park Güell?

You can find the following reptile species in Park Güell: Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica), Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), and the Iberian wall lizard, among many others.

Are there any endangered species that can be spotted in Park Güell?

Yes, visitors may see endangered species such as the Bonelli's eagle and the Mediterranean tortoise.

How many different species of plants are found in Park Güell?

There are over 300 species of plants found in the park, including both native and exotic species.

Can visitors take guided tours to learn more about the biodiversity in Park Güell?

Yes, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the park's biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Are there any restrictions on touching or interacting with the plants and animals in Park Güell?

Yes, visitors are not allowed to touch or disturb the plants and animals in the park.

What measures are in place to ensure the preservation of Park Güell's biodiversity?

Measures include regular maintenance of the park's ecosystems, monitoring of species populations, and efforts to reduce human impact on the environment.

Are there any designated areas within Park Güell where visitors can observe wildlife?

Yes, there are several designated areas where visitors can observe wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.

What role does Park Güell play in promoting environmental awareness and conservation among visitors?

Park Güell plays a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation through education, outreach, and sustainable management practices.