Spain Carmel Bunkers

This sweeping panorama of Barcelona was taken from just below the Bunkers del Carmel – one of the best (and free) viewpoints in the city. Perched on the old anti-aircraft defences of Turó de la Rovira, this spot offers unbeatable 360° views over the city, stretching from the Sagrada Família to the coastline and beyond. It’s become a must-visit for photographers, especially around sunset and blue hour.

Get there early – really early – especially in spring or summer. The spot fills up fast with a mix of locals and tourists, and space for a tripod is limited. The view is ideal for panoramic or HDR work, especially once city lights start to glow and the sky transitions from blue hour into night. This image is made up of 30 bracketed shots stitched into an HDR panorama in Lightroom – shot on a tripod with manual settings to balance the dynamic range between shadows and highlights. If you’re going for a similar result, be prepared to correct for tricky white balance shifts and light transitions across the frame. It’s a challenge to edit, but the results are worth it.

The Bunkers are located in the El Carmel neighbourhood. You can walk up from the Alfons X metro station, or take a bus to carmel. Warning, there is a steep climb – trainers or walking shoes recommended. Bring water (or beer) + snacks, and pack light if you can. It gets busy in the evening, but there’s usually room to set up if you arrive early. No facilities at the top, so plan ahead. The view is worth every step.