Montjuïc: the castle and the gardens
Up the funicular, through the water-lily terraces to the fortress, and the whole sea laid out below. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Funicular de Montjuïc (upper station)
From Paral·lel the funicular does the first hard climb for you — it runs on the same ticket as the metro, so don't pay twice. Step out already halfway up the hill, the work skipped.

2. Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer
The *jardins* (gardens) everyone walks past on the way to the castle, which is their loss. Stone ponds step down the slope, each one full of water lilies and aquatic bulbs; go early and you'll have the terraces to yourself.

3. Castell de Montjuïc
The eighteenth-century *castell* (castle) that spent most of its life pointed at the city rather than the sea. Walk the ramparts for the view; the rooftop terrace is the one to find.

4. Mirador del Migdia
Round the castle's seaward side to this quieter *mirador* (viewpoint) over the port and the container cranes. Fewer people come this far; that's the point.

5. Camí del Mar
The cliff path running back along the hill's southern edge, the open sea on one side and pine on the other. Take it slowly — there's no hurry, and the benches are well placed.

6. Mirador de Miramar
The hill's last balcony before the descent, looking down over the harbour and the city's eastern sprawl. The Telefèric station is here; ride the cable car down, or keep walking to Paral·lel.

Montjuïc: the castle and the gardens