Everything you need to know about El Coll property
Many people looking for a new place to live in Barcelona choose to look for a residence in the Gràcia area. Known for its relaxed ambiance, this area of the city has many highly desirable places to live. If you’re interested in this area, El Coll property may be the perfect fit for you.
This area is located at the footsteps of the beautiful hills surrounding Barcelona, just above the Vila de Gràcia, the heart of the Gràcia district. Because of its location 150 meters above sea level, an El Coll property can feature stunning views of the entire city. The area is residential, and features a mostly local population with expats mainly from Italy and France. Vallcarca i Penitents and La Salut border El Coll.
To access the Barcelona El Prat international airport from El Coll, it only takes about 25 minutes by car or taxi. The neighborhood features good connections to public transportation, and the city offers bus, train, and metro routes to the airport.
History of El Coll
The Gràcia area overall is a favorite for locals and expats alike. This part of Barcelona actually used to be a village in its own right, but became part of the city at the end of the nineteenth century. The El Coll area features many parks and green spaces, making it a good choice for people who are looking for a peaceful area to live.
If you’re looking for El Coll property, start your search near around the La Crueta del Coll park, filled with pleasant paths for walking and jogging. Another hotspot for apartments here is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Coll, a pretty Romanesque church. The lower part of the district also features many properties near Parc Güell with its fantastical Gaudí buildings.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find an El Coll property that features a view of the city. There are also attractive homes in “masias” – traditional Catalan rural homes. Many of the properties here have been beautifully restored in recent years. As this a primarily residential area with few tourists, you can find many amenities in the area.
Lifestyle in El Coll
El Coll is the second most-popular area for expats in the Gràcia district, right after the Vila de Gràcia. 14% of the population here comes from overseas, particularly from Italy and France. The area is also popular with locals, as you can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while still having all the perks of city living within a short distance.
The centerpiece of the El Coll district is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Coll, which dates all the way back to the 11th century. Formerly a rural area, this part of the neighborhood is well and truly part of the city today. For something more modern, head to the Creuta del Coll park, built in 1976. Don’t miss the Elogio del Agua sculpture by famous Basque artist Eduardo Chillida. You can find it near the park’s “lake”, a flooded quarry turned into a shallow swimming pool that’s popular with families.
There are many places to enjoy a bit of fresh air in El Coll. The Creuta del Coll park is a popular choice. It features paths for walking, jogging, and biking, ping pong tables, basketball courts, a sports center, and more. You can also go to the nearby Parc Güell to enjoy outdoor exercise.
Though you won’t find many art galleries in the El Coll district itself, there are plenty in the nearby areas. The Vila de Gràcia area features a slew of galleries on Verdi street. You can also find many upscale galleries in the nearby Sarrià district.
A taste of local culture
The Sarrià area (a short walk away from El Coll, though you could take a taxi) is also where you’ll find some of the most exclusive dining options in the city. One good choice is La Venta. Inside the station for the charming old-fashioned Tramvia Blau, it features both excellent views and excellent food. The Asador de Aranda, housed in a beautiful modernist building, serves Castilian-style roast dishes.
El Coll celebrates its annual Festa Major, or neighborhood party, in the second half of September every year. This event includes concerts, traditional performances, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Residents of all ages enjoy the Festa Major annually.
Are you considering an El Coll property? There are many reasons that locals and expats alike love living in this area of Barcelona. Not many neighborhoods offer as many parks as this one does, or such great views of the city. Interested in finding out what your future home in El Coll could look like? Check out the properties we have available right now.
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Hero picture by Diriye Amey via Flickr