My younger son's girlfriend is a geocacher. She is going with us for a family vacation in Barcelona, landing Christmas Day. I am wondering what geocaching is like in Barcelona (if at all), specifically Park Guëll. Montserrat? I've now signed up for the geocaching app and hope my 9 and 11-year-old grandsons have fun with it.
TIA
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3518 posts
You can search by location in most geocache apps - a quick google search yielded several results in Barcelona. She may need to do some research ahead and translate instruction pages to English if they happen to be in Catalan or Spanish.
Posted by
OP
1439 posts
Good suggestions, CL. Thanks especially for the possible need to translate.
Posted by
Wisconsin
161 posts
I just looked at the app in that area and there seems to be quite a bit. I also LOVE the adventure labs because they take you to interesting local places you might not visit. Have fun!
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3325 posts
... I would imagine you already know this, right?... just in case: https://www.geocaching.com/play
About geocaching in Barcelona
- Parc Güell -both "in" the park and around it- and Montjuïc hill have a few creative caches, often with nice views.
- Barri Gòtic hides lots of small, clever urban caches (though stealth is key with all the tourists around).
- Collserola Natural Park offers multis and longer hikes — good for weekends.
- The beach area (Barceloneta to Poblenou) has some quick grabs that are easy to fit into a walk or bike ride.
HOWEVER...
Geocaching in Barcelona was quite trendy in the early 2010s, when the mix of tech, adventure, and exploration felt fresh and exciting. Over time, the buzz faded as the novelty wore off, and other apps, such as Pokémon GO and Strava, took over. Many caches also went missing or weren’t maintained, especially in crowded tourist areas. With fewer new hides and a shrinking local community, the game lost momentum, though a small group of enthusiasts still keep it alive around Collserola, Tibidabo, and nearby natural parks. My nephew here in the city used to be a fan of geocaching when he was younger.
These days, the treasure hunts seem to be more en vogue. Here are a few options that might pique your interest: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187497-Activities-c56-t209-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Posted by
OP
1439 posts
Geowoman (I think you might really be into geocaching with a "handle" like yours!) Thanks for the info on the adventure labs. I'll explore those. This will be my first geocaching experience and in Barcelona no less!
Posted by
OP
1439 posts
Enric, I've copied your response to the girlfriend. My grandsons have Pokemon GO, so it will be interesting to see what they might come up with, too. This all adds another level to sightseeing. Thanks.
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
884 posts
We started geocaching in April of 2005, and it has brought us to so many wonderful places we would have never been if it wasn't for a cache (one of my favorites was the John Lennon Wall in Prague). I'd focus on caches that have been found recently. I also look to see how many favorite points it has.
As someone else mentioned, I'd suggest you download the Adventure Lab app. In a city setting, I think they are usually more fun than geocaching.
We currently own three caches that all includes hikes of several miles and one Adventure Lab on the banks of the Mississippi in northern Minnesota.
Over the years all of our grandchildren have enjoyed geocaching with us. Have fun!