Font d'en Ribas

## Overview Font d'en Ribas is a public drinking spring located within the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola, the expansive natural park that forms a green lung between Barcelona and its surrounding municipalities. Situated at an elevation within the Collserola mountain range, this font (Catalan for "fountain" or "spring") is one of many historic water sources scattered throughout the park — springs that have served hikers, locals, and travelers for centuries. The Serra de Collserola Natural Park spans over 8,000 hectares of Mediterranean woodland, and its network of natural springs has long been a defining feature of the landscape. Many of these fonts date back to a time when they were essential water sources for farmsteads, hermitages, and rural communities in the hills above Barcelona. Font d'en Ribas carries on this tradition as a publicly accessible spring point within the park. The name "Font d'en Ribas" likely references a historical landowner or local family ("Ribas") associated with the area, following the common Catalan naming convention for springs. While the water has historically been used as a drinking source by park visitors, water quality can vary seasonally and no guarantee of potability should be assumed. ## Directions 1. The spring is located within the Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola, accessible from the Barcelona metropolitan area. 2. Use GPS coordinates **41.43088, 2.11219** to navigate to the approximate location of the spring. 3. The park has multiple entry points from towns including Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, and Molins de Rei. Choose the trailhead nearest to the GPS coordinates. 4. Once inside the park, follow marked trails and look for signage indicating "Font d'en Ribas." The park's trail network is generally well-signed, with fonts often marked on official park maps available at information centers. *Note: Specific trailhead and route details have not been independently verified. It is recommended to consult the official Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola trail maps or visitor center for the most accurate path to this spring.* ## What to Expect Font d'en Ribas sits within the lush Mediterranean forest of the Collserola range, surrounded by Aleppo pines, holm oaks, and typical maquis shrubland. The setting is peaceful and shaded — a welcome rest stop along the park's extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. As with many of the fonts in Collserola, expect a modest stone or metal spout structure, often built into a hillside or alongside a trail. Water flow may vary depending on the season, with stronger flow typically in winter and spring following rainfall, and reduced or intermittent flow during the dry summer months. The park is popular with Barcelona residents for weekend hikes, trail running, and cycling, so the area around the spring can see moderate foot traffic, especially on weekends. The surrounding trails offer panoramic views of Barcelona and the Vallès region, making a visit to Font d'en Ribas a rewarding part of a longer excursion through one of Europe's largest metropolitan natural parks.