Serra de Montsant Natural Park

Serra de Montsant Natural Park is in Tarragona province. The unique landscape of this park, characterized by the footprint of human activity and a steep orography of cliffs, ravines and gorges, offers us a rich natural and cultural heritage linked to the religious history in the park. Montsant can be translated from Catalan as "Holy Mountain". There are over 2000 Rock climbing routes in the park and pre-park areas. == Understand == The park is around 10 km (6.2 mi) to the west of Poblet Natural Park === Tourist office === SouthEast 1 Park main Office and information point (Seu administrativa), Plaça de la Bassa, 1, Morera de Montsant (pnmontsant@gencat.cat), ☏ +34 977 827 310. F Sa 09:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00; Su 09:00-14:00. start point of routes: 1, 17 (updated Sep 2025) East 2 Cornudella Tourist office (Punt d'Informació del Parc a Cornudella), Comte de Rius, s/n , Cornudella de Montsant, ☏ +34 977 821 000, tur.cornudella@gmail.com. F Sa 09:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00; Su 09:00-14:00. (updated Sep 2025) South 3 Priorat Tourist office (Oficina d’Informació Turística del Priorat), Plaça de la Quartera, 1, 43730 Falset, ☏ +34 977 831 023, oit@priorat.cat. Daily 10:00-14:00. (updated Sep 2025) === History === The Parliament of Catalonia approved its declaration as a natural park in 2002 with the aim of protecting its geological, biological, landscape and cultural values, respecting the sustainable development of its uses. The peak of Roca Corbatera at 1,163 metres is the highest point in the park. === Landscape === A diverse and rich landscape, born from a complex orography, the confluence of several climatic regions and traditional agricultural uses. On the southern slope, the imposing rocky walls of the Cingle Major stand out powerfully. Above these, the mountain continues to ascend gently until reaching the Serra Major. The Serra Major is a rocky area with little or no vegetation. It is accessed via the graus (most accesses to the Serra Major are made through what are known as graus, since there are several places where you have to overcome the difference in altitude by going over a step or a difficult step). On the northern slope there is an area of wild forests and deep ravines, which extends from the Serra Major towards the north. The western Montsant is a sector of deep ravines and scrub with pine forests that descend from the cliffs towards the Montsant river. The valleys of the Montsant and Siurana rivers are an area of high ecological and aesthetic value. A unique and beautiful landscape. === Climate === The park, located in the northeast Iberian Peninsula, experiences a Mediterranean climate marked by dry summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. Its complex terrain and varied elevations foster diverse microclimates, where summer drought dominates and winter freezes occur, especially in valleys due to thermal inversion. Temperatures peak at 40°C on western slopes in summer, while winter lows are notable for frequent frosts. Precipitation is uneven, with most rainfall in spring and autumn, and pronounced dry periods in summer and winter; annual rainfall averages 450–600 mm. Snowfall is occasional, and fog can be persistent. === Flora and fauna === The Serra de Montsant Natural Park hosts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, shaped by its Mediterranean climate with sub-Mediterranean and eurosiberian influences. Its vegetation is dominated by holm oak and kermes oak forests, while small patches of oak groves and extensive pinewoods (Aleppo, Scots, and black pine) mark different elevations. Dense scrublands of rosemary, rockrose, and thyme, as well as juniper and boxwood communities, thrive on drier slopes and windy ridges. Humid valleys and ravines sustain riparian woodlands of poplars, willows, and ashes, together with lush undergrowth of ivy, bramble, and horsetail. Rocky cliffs and screes harbour specialised casmophytic vegetation, including numerous rare and endemic plants adapted to fissures and limestone outcrops. The park’s fauna is equally rich, with one of the most diverse assemblages in Catalonia. Cliffs serve as nesting grounds for golden eagles, Bonelli’s eagles, peregrine falcons, and eagle owls, alongside swifts, swallows, and rock thrushes. Mammals such as wild boar, badger, genet, wildcat, and red fox occupy the forests and scrublands, while occasional Iberian ibexes roam the rocky areas. Amphibians like the salamander and common toad, reptiles including Montpellier snake and ocellated lizard, and endemic invertebrates in caves highlight the ecological variety. Rivers and wetlands shelter water voles, kingfishers, aquatic snakes, native fish, and the increasingly rare white-clawed crayfish. Agricultural landscapes further enrich this mosaic, attracting species adapted to human-altered habitats. == Get in == === By train === Get to Reus or Falset by train. Take a bus to desired destination village around the park. === By bus === Plana bus company, Carrer Colom, 29, 43001 Tarragona, ☏ +34 977553680. Daily 08:00-22:00. (updated Sep 2025) === By car === AP-7 ( E-15 ) motorway (Barcelona-Valencia), exit Reus. Continue along the N-240 road towards Falset. In Les Borges del Camp take the C-242 road towards Ulldemolins. T-710 . From Falset, towards Gratallops - la Vilella Baixa. N-230 . From Lleida to the detour towards Granadella, towards Reus on the C-242 T-701 . From Prades, towards Albarca. == Fees and permits == There are no roads inside the protected area, only forest tracks, most of which are unpaved. Authorisation is required to travel on those tracks that are fenced. Outside of these tracks, motorised access inside the park is prohibited. == Get around == The park is surrounded by a loop of local roads: C-242 from the south until Cornudella de Montsant,passes by the east of the park in Abarca, Ulldemolins and turns right to the north side towards bellaguarda and La Granadella. The T-713 starts in C-242 near Bellaguarda in the north side and goes south until Margalef and then turns west and ends in La bisbal de Montsant. T-702 Goes from La Bisbal de Montsant in the northwest of the park until Cabacés in the west side to La Vilella Baixa and La Vilella Alta in the south side. The turns East To EscalaDei and the goes East until C-242 From EscalaDei start T-7021 , a small local road that runs west until Cornudella de Montsant. Among the tracks that enters the park: From Margalef in the north starts the paved track Camí de Sant Salvador which ends in Sant Salvador de Margalef hermitage. From T-713 near km 6, starts Camí del Molí del Vilar signaled Panta de Margalef as it reaches the Margalef reservoir (Panta). At the beginning of the track starts the a unpaved track that brings to Les Espadelles Climbing area. From Ulldemolins, in the NE side, starts a track called Pista de les Ermites which ends in Sant Antoni i Santa Bàrbara d'Ulldemolins ermitage. === Parking === 1 Montsant Motorhome parking area (Àrea d'autocaravanes Montsant), Avinguda del Priorat (C-242), Cornudella de Montsant. (updated Sep 2025) 2 La Vilella Baixa Motorhome parking area (Aparcament Pista Poliesportiva), Carrer de Catalunya, La Vilella Baixa. no services (updated Sep 2025) 3 Parking Cami vell de la Foia, carrer de Balmes, Cabacés. free. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Parking Piscina, Camí del Cementiri, Margalef. (updated Mar 2026) 5 Parking Espadelles (From Margalef take T-713 north. Near km 6 take Camí del Molí del Vilar at right and after crossing the river take a track on the left.). To access the climbing area of Espadelles. (updated Mar 2026) == See == === Natural places === Serra Major 1 Roca Corbatera. It is a 1,163-m mountain in the municipality of La Morera de Montsant, Priorat. At its summit there is a geodesic vertex. (updated Sep 2025) 2 El Pont Natural. It is a rock formation, which, as the name suggests, is a bridge carved into the rock by erosion. You can pass under it following the Camí de la Llibreria, but the best place to observe it is from los Ventadors. (updated Sep 2025) 3 los Ventadors. A cliff in Serra de Montsant Natural Park. (updated Sep 2025) 4 Congost de Fra Guerau. Gorge opened by the Montsant River between Ulldemolins and Margalef. It is 13 km of river course with a very well-preserved riverside ecosystem. Spectacular landforms. (updated Sep 2025) 5 Cadolles Fondes. Elongated and very deep pools at the confluence of the Gleva stream (which falls there in the form of a waterfall) with the Montsant river. A secluded space, but of great beauty. (updated Sep 2025) 6 El balcó del Priorat viewpoint, Camí del Guixar, la Figuera. A small projection of the cliff with magnificent views of the Priorat region. (updated Sep 2025) 7 lo Guixar. Lo Guixar is a 636-m mountain. This site affords excellent views of the River Montsant valley. (updated Sep 2025) 8 Santa Llúcia cave (Cova de Santa Llúcia). It is a wide and shallow bay, used by man since ancient times, which took on a very important role during the Spanish Civil War when it became a hospital for the International Brigades who fought, in the summer of 1938, in the Battle of the Ebro. (updated Sep 2025) 9 Margalef reservoir (Pantà de Margalef). This is one of the park’s most photographed and visited sites because of the many ravines that converge here. (updated Sep 2025) === Religious places === 10 Escaladei monastery (Cartoixa d'Escaladei). The Carthusian Monastery of Santa Maria d'Escaladei was founded in the 12th century by Alfonso el Casto and was the first Carthusian monastery in the Iberian Peninsula. Around 1203, thanks to the generous donations of King Peter the Catholic, they were located in their final location, in the desert of the Vall de l'Oliver, towards the interior of the mountain range. In 1215, they received the order from the Archbishop of Tarragona to leave the monastery to preach against the Cathar heresy that was spreading throughout Catalonia and Occitania. The 14th and 15th centuries are considered the golden age of the Carthusian order and are also the period of maximum construction of new monasteries in many countries: The Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei was one of the most important monasteries in Catalonia. The extensive heritage included many territorial possessions, with direct dominion over their villas and rustic properties, livestock, censuses of all kinds and other goods. At the end of the 16th century or at the beginning of the 17th century, a time of consolidation of its temporal domains, with great influence and prestige, the Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei began a major architectural reform. By the Mendizábal Decree of Confiscation of 1835, the monks were forced to abandon the monastery, expropriated from their lands. They took everything they could, but their famous library was dispersed throughout the Spanish territory. In 1992 it opened its doors to the public. (updated Sep 2025) 11 Santa Maria de Montsant hermitage, Grau de la Mare de Déu, la Morera de Montsant. It has its origins in the 12th century hermitage buildings. In medieval times it had an important devotion from the surrounding towns. In the past, pilgrimages and gatherings took place there at various times of the year. Numerous prayer processions are also known to have taken place asking for rain or other heavenly favors. The hermitage was built in 1161. Around 1450, a new building, the current one, was built near the cliff that marks the boundary of the municipality of Escaladei. In 1810, the French set fire to it. In 1835, it was abandoned and in ruins. At the end of the 19th century, the chapel was restored by Ramona Ballester. The gathering of the Virgin Mary takes place on August 17, a day when people from neighboring towns also come to the sanctuary. Mass is held there, which ends with the singing of traditional hymns to the Virgin Mary, and then there is a fellowship meal. (updated Sep 2025) 12 Sant Joan del Codolar, Camí de la Canal de Sant Joan de Codolar, Cornudella de Montsant (at the foot of the Montsant cliff). It seems that the original construction dates back to the 13th century. However, the first information corresponds to the 16th century, when the bell was blessed in 1509 and the temple was enlarged in 1571. In 1661 the hermit's house was blessed. In the meantime, the church had been endowed with altarpieces. At the end of the 18th century, coinciding with the construction of new temples in the Priorat, the hermitage was considerably expanded, probably demolishing part of the previous construction. In 1820 it was repaired again, after the French had damaged it in the French War. In 1877 the chapel was venerated, and in 1864 the steps of the presbytery were built and the altars were repaired. In 1936 the image of Saint John was protected in the Reus Museum and returned to the temple after the war. In 1977 Montserrat Domingo settled in the hermitage of Sant Joan del Codolar, and has lived there as a hermit since then. (updated Sep 2025) 13 Monestir de Santa Maria de Bonrepòs (Mas de Sant Blai). In 1170 Albert de Castellvell donated the area to Arnau de Salflores, who built a monastery in the eastern part of the town that was called "de Bonrepòs" and where several hermits from the surrounding area gathered. The Archbishop of Tarragona Ramon de Rocabertí authorised the establishment of a female community in the town in 1210, which moved to Bonrepòs in 1215 after the monks had moved to the new charterhouse of Poboleda. In 1462, the monastery was definitively abandoned due to the lack of nuns. After the dispute between Escaladei and Santes Creus in the mid-15th century, the building was granted to the Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei, which used it as a farm; The scattered goods, objects of worship and the archive were given to Santes Creus. In 1817 the Carthusians built a farmhouse on the remains of the monastery. Once it became private property, agricultural work continued until it was abandoned, apparently in the mid-20th century. Its use and ownership have since been ceded to ICONA, where it carries out reforestation work. (updated Sep 2025) 14 La Pietat. resting place and oratory of the Carthusian monks. The construction was promoted by the Bishop of Urgell, monk and prior of the monastery. Initially, the chapel served the purpose of serving as a rest house and oratory for Catalan prelates. In the oratory there was an image of the Pietà which was the origin of the name given to the complex. It seems that it was converted into a farm and hermitage and that with the confiscation it became private property. It has been abandoned. (updated Sep 2025) 15 Sant Pau de la Figuera (at the highest point of the Sant Pau mountain range, La Figuera). At the highest point of the Serra de Sant Pau. La Figuera. No data has been found regarding the creation of the hermitage, but it seems that it should be placed around the 16th century at least. It was probably in the 18th century that it was renovated, including the decoration and interior arrangement. There was a simple wooden altar, burned in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War. The images of the Mare de Déu de la Mola and Sant Pau are venerated in the hermitage. Pilgrimages are held there on January 15, May 15 and the second Sunday of August. (updated Sep 2025) 16 Mare de Déu de la Foia (At the foot of Montsant, in the so-called corner of La Foia. Cabacés.). The hermitage was built in the 16th century and dedicated to Saint Mark. It included the part that is today the presbytery and had an atrium, which was demolished to expand the church. It was under the care of a foreman and later a hermit. In 1873, when Maria de les Neus, wife of Alfonso de Borbón, brother of Charles VII, visited it, they wanted to honor the illustrious guests and the dedication of the image was changed, from Mare de Déu de la Foia to Mare de Déu de les Neus. (updated Sep 2025) 17 Sant Roc de Cabassers (Corner of Sant Roc (Cabassers)). The construction seems to date from 1594, the date shown on the portal. There had been the hermit's house and a small vegetable garden. The hermitage also had a porch, which disappeared during the course of works carried out at the end of the 20th century. The hermit lived there until 1872, when he moved to the village. It had had a wooden altar with a small altarpiece and the images of Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian, all of which disappeared during the Civil War. (updated Sep 2025) 18 Sant Salvador de Margalef hermitage. There is no information about the construction but, judging by the old troglodyte buildings that accompany it, its origin is indeed ancient. According to tradition, the nearby fountain was built by the monks of Escala Dei. It would not be strange if the hermitage had a similar origin, although there is no document to prove it. According to other sources, the construction of the hermitage can be dated to the 16th century. (updated Sep 2025) 19 Sant Antoni i Santa Bàrbara d'Ulldemolins ermitage. It seems that this hermitage has its origin in a very old hermitage, from before the colonization of those lands. Until the 15th century it was under the advocation of Santa Bàrbara but it changed ownership when Fra Llorenç Julià, a hermit, had an altar dedicated to Sant Antoni built in 1559 and to do so the building was expanded. In the 16th century it was the home of the hermit Jeroni de l'Albi. It was the subject of lawsuits between the municipality and the Carthusian Monastery of Escala Dei. In 1580, the hermit's house was expanded, which was rebuilt at the end of the 19th century and around 1960 it was transformed into a summer house. (updated Sep 2025) 20 Santa Magdalena d'Ulldemolins hermitage (near the old road from Albarca to Margalef). Santa Magdalena, called the Cathedral of Montsant, is a hermitage in the municipality of Ulldemolins (Priorat) protected as a cultural asset of local interest. Santa Magdalena was founded by Fra Llorenç Julià. The plans are the work of Jaume Amigó, the same architect who had built the parish church of Sant Jaume, who took it as a model. The building was built around 1579 and at the same time a house was built in the hermitage. An attempt was made to install a convent in 1579 but the town did not authorize it. Between 1587 and 1599, the chapel was abandoned by order of the archbishop, the result of disputes between the municipality and the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei for the hermitage and the surrounding lands. During this time it was very damaged. Reopened to worship, the hermitage was enriched with altarpieces during the 18th century that were destroyed in the civil war of 1936. (updated Sep 2025) 21 Sant Vicenç d'Albarca. The church of Sant Vicenç is located in the village of Albarca, a small village located at an altitude of 815 m at the point where the Montsant and Prades mountains meet. It is a building of Romanesque origin. It is first mentioned in 1151, on the occasion of a donation made by Ramon de Cervera and his wife Ponceta to "Petro capellano de Pinós". At the beginning of the 17th century it was largely rebuilt (the date is 1612). It is the starting point of routes 9, 17, 18 (see #Hiking). (updated Sep 2025) === Buildings and constructions === 22 Cavaloca bridge (Pont de Cavaloca). The time of construction is uncertain. The bridge is part of the road from Cabassers to Vilella Baix, separated from the route of the royal road, on which the Cabassers bridge is located, so that the connection between both constructions seems remote. The road is practically abandoned, like the bridge, located in a place of great beauty. (updated Sep 2025) 23 Old Bridge of Cabacés (Pont Vell). The origin of the bridge is uncertain. Some authors maintain that it is Roman, linked to possible roads that led from the Ebro to Tarraco. Others prefer to think of a medieval origin in connection with the wheat road from Aragon to Barcelona via the Ebro. The existence of stonemason marks and the good state of conservation suggest a medieval origin. Today it is still used by tractors. (updated Sep 2025) 24 Margalef oil Mill (Molí dels pobres), C. Molins. Margalef. The Poor's Mill is a building in the village of Margalef (Priorat) protected as a cultural asset of local interest. The Poor's Mill was the communal mill of the residents of Margalef. This mill was dismantled after the Civil War. In 1969, the residents of Margalef repaired the Poor's Mill to use it as a cinema. The stone sinks were found at the entrance to Carrer dels Molins in the place where the cinema had been and before the Poor's Mill. They are two sinks excavated in the rock with two cavities 1.30 m in diameter and 80 cm deep. This receptacle received the oil from the cofins - flat esparto baskets where the olives were placed. (updated Sep 2025) === Nice places around the park === South East 25 Cornudella de Montsant. The urban core of Cornudella de Montsant was born at the end of the 12th century, around the parish church of Sant Julià. It is about where the Plaça de la Vila is now, around which some houses with pointed arcades from the medieval period are still preserved (on Carrer de la Vileta, Carrer Major, Carrer de l'Església or Carrer del Tou). The primitive population would have been surrounded by a wall, as mentioned in the late medieval documentation. The growth of the town would have been along Carrer Major and del Tou, where the road from Prades to la Morera would have passed. In these streets and in the square you will find the most significant buildings of the population, many of them with facades and decorative elements from the 17th and 18th centuries, peak moments in the growth of Cornudella. Some examples are Cal Toval, number 19 on Carrer Major, now home to the Peris - Aragonès Museum, or Ca l'Esteve or Aleu, with a facade from the 19th century (number 48). (updated Sep 2025) 26 La Morera de Montsant. Occupied by the Saracens until the 12th century, King Ramon Berenguer IV reconquered and Christianized it. The construction of monasteries, churches and hermitages was one of the consequences, the most important being the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei and the one that gave its name to the Priorat region. In 1836, the confiscation of Mendizábal brought about the end of the active life of the Carthusian monastery and its abandonment and subsequent looting. At the end of the 19th century, the phylloxera plague devastated all the vineyards and this led to a general impoverishment of the region. Its main commercial activity is viticulture, agriculture (almonds, hazelnuts, oil and olives) and tourism. (updated Sep 2025) 27 Siurana. Encircled in an impregnable place above the river, it took the knights of four counts to subdue it. Its castle defended an impassable border that stretched from the Balaguer pass to Tamarit de Gaià. Conquered in 1153, after the fall of Lleida and Tortosa, it was the last stronghold of the reconquest in Catalonia. If you look at the precipice that surrounds it, you will guess why it was not conquered for three centuries and why the end was so tragic. Abdelazia, the Moorish queen, before being subjugated by the Christians, preferred to throw herself off a cliff with her horse. And the animal, in its futile resistance, left the mark of its horseshoe on the rock, forever. And with it, the last Saracen stronghold in Catalonia disappeared. Today, you can see a charming village of houses and cobbled streets and the remains of the Saracen fortress, located at the entrance to the town. At its feet, a reservoir of clean and calm waters offers the possibility of practising all kinds of water sports. The most important building in Siurana is the church, in Romanesque style, with a portal, with a figured tympanum, framed by three semicircular archivolts that rest on columns with capitals decorated with various motifs. The town is surrounded by interesting places and is a point from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the Serra de Montsant, the Gritella and the Prades Mountains. Siurana is worth highlighting as a reference and destination for climbers and hikers. Its legendary cliffs are known all over the world for carrying out these practices. (updated Sep 2025) South west 28 La Vilella Alta. located on the slopes of the Montsant mountain range, at the confluence of the Montsant river and the Escaladei stream. The steep slope of the hill where the old town is located has forced the construction of seven- or eight-storey houses with the main entrance on the fourth or fifth floor. This fact gives the town unique and singular characteristics. The town, at 214 m above sea level, is located on top of rocks, under which the waters of the two rivers flow. It is the southern gateway to the Serra de Montsant Natural Park, and has a tourist information point as well as hiking trails that allow you to enjoy the landscape and its natural heritage. (updated Sep 2025) 29 La Vilella Baixa. The town is crossed by the Montsant River and the Escaladei stream, and at the confluence where they meet there is the impressive Romanesque bridge with two arches plus a third arch that was added to overcome the stream in 1886 and that follows the architectural style of the other two. Apart from the large bridge, the church of Sant Joan Baptista, from the 18th century, in Renaissance style with three naves, stands out as a monument. The most peculiar characteristic of the town is the height of its houses that face the banks of the two rivers, which can have 6 or more floors on the river side, when the same houses on the street side can only have one or two floors. Also worth noting is the Carrer que no Passa, with strong medieval reminiscences and where the original town centre is located. You pass through a porch of pointed arches and the street has no exit. In the first of the arches you can still see the holes that were used to close yourself inside the walled enclosure in case of enemy incursions. Also noteworthy is the Modernist Agricultural Union. Within its boundaries, the mill stands out, a beautiful example of neo-Arab architecture, the various fountains (fonteta, font del barrot, font del racó...) and the medieval Cavaloca bridge that crosses the ravine of the same name, on the old royal road to Cabassers. (updated Sep 2025) 30 Cabacés (Cabassers). Numerous pointed arches and porches have been preserved from medieval Cabacés, especially inside the houses. Next to the canal source is the hermitage of Sant Joan, in Baroque style. Within the municipality, the hermitage of La Foia, in popular Renaissance style and of great devotion, stands out. Also worth visiting is the Pont Vell, a medieval stone bridge on the outskirts of the municipality. A large part of the municipality is not suitable for cultivation, occupied by rockeries, forests and unproductive land. Agriculture is the basic activity of Cabacés. The main crops are: dry land, olive and almond trees, in addition to vineyards and hazelnuts; fruit and vegetables. The agricultural cooperative, founded in 1933, under the name of Sindicat Agrícola, produces quality wine and oil. (updated Sep 2025) West 31 La Bisbal de Montsant. It is in the Montsant river valley, on top of a rock on which it is clinging. La Bisbal stands out for its natural spaces such as the Santa Llúcia cave, a large cave, inside which there is a fresh water source and a space for barbecues. During the Upper Paleolithic period it had been occupied by a human settlement. However, within its more recent history during the Civil War, it was used as a rearguard hospital for the Republican army, during the Battle of the Ebro. Of particular interest is the church of the Nativitat de la Mare de Déu, in neoclassical and baroque style. More than half of the territory is cultivated land, while the rest is mainly occupied by forest land. The olive tree clearly dominates, followed by the almond tree. Thanks to the construction of the Margalef reservoir, peach cultivation has expanded considerably. (updated Sep 2025) 32 Margalef. The rugged terrain gives rise to caves, chasms and caves, which are very popular with hikers. The town has very interesting streets, of which Carrer de les Covetes id the most interesting. One whole side of the street is rock, which serves as a support for the street above. The most important building in the town is the church of Sant Miquel, a neoclassical construction from the 18th century. The hermitage of Sant Salvador also stands out, a good place to relax where you can breathe the pure air of the majestic Montsant. Another place on the outskirts of the town that you can visit is the dam, located in an area of great natural beauty. (updated Sep 2025) North East 33 Ulldemolins. located in the valley of the Montsant river. From a historical point of view, it is worth highlighting the presence of hermits in the Montsant mountains, a massif that owes its name to the existence of numerous hermitages that rise around it. The best known of all was probably Fra Guerau, prior of Escaladei, who retired to the hermitage of Sant Bartomeu d'Ulldemolins to do penance. Over the centuries, his memory has been mythologized, giving rise to numerous legends. One of the most exceptional places in all of Montsant is also known by its name. There you will find historical buildings such as: the church of Sant Jaume, a Renaissance-style church from the late 16th century; the organ of the church of Sant Jaume, one of the oldest in Catalonia, built in 1637; the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Loreto, built at the end of the 18th century, and hermitages such as that of Sant Bartomeu, Santa Magdalena and that of Sant Antoni and Santa Bàrbara. (updated Sep 2025) 34 Albarca. It is located in a privileged place at the foot of Montsant, at a point where the sun and shade of the mountain meet with the last arrears of the Serra de Prades. It is, therefore, a strategic enclave that has been known since ancient times. The origin of the town is Muslim: an almshouse in the surroundings of the Siurana castle. Near the town there are vestiges of settlement from this period: the tombs excavated in the rock of the Parada de la Guineu, burials of a small medieval community. After the Christian conquest, the inhabited nucleus developed, with the castle, documented in 1182 and of which very little remains. (updated Sep 2025) == Do == === Hiking === long range The GR-171 from Pinos Sanctuary to Caro mountain refuge crosses the park. local hikes === Mountain biking === === Road cycling === === Climbing === The Montsant mountain range and Natural Park encompass a vast region that extends far beyond the specific climbing zones popular with rock climbers. While Margalef's renowned crags lie within Montsant's boundaries, the "Montsant climbing area" conventionally describes the dramatic limestone escarpments tracing the range's primary ridgeline. This awe-inspiring stretch, beginning near Albarca, unfurls nearly 20 km westward-southwest, offering world-class sport climbing amid rugged peaks and sweeping vistas. Routes here mirror Margalef's signature style: powerful, pocket-dominated walls interspersed with cobblestone features that demand creative crimping and dynamic movement. This creates a thrilling counterpoint to the technical, finger-intensive edging challenges of Siurana across the valley. Montsant's exposed ridges deliver sustained, pumpy lines across grades 6b-8c+, ideal for intermediate-to-expert climbers seeking adventure in Catalonia's premier limestone playground. Whether chasing sun-drenched afternoons or shaded morning sessions, the area's length ensures endless variety year-round. Climbing is only allowed in designated areas. Check park website: Climbing areas Margalef Area: margalef climb, hello@margalefclimb.com. Climb guides. Contact via Whatsapp at: +34 644 71 35 57. Over 95 climbing sectors in Margalef area. (updated Mar 2026) Serrall dels domenges Serrall de malango Espadelles (formally just outside the park, but worth to mention ). See Parking Espadelles in the Get around section. 1 Punta Espadelles 2 Totxo de les Espadelles 3 La Nevera 4 Racó de les Espadelles 5 Transilvania 6 La Mainadera 7 Soledad 8 La Cova de Cavall 9 Espadelles Extensión Cabaces area: 10 totxos del camí 11 els solans 12 Els tormegals 13 Lo paredón 14 Can xixanta 15 El Falconet 16 L' onada Cartoixa d'Escaladei area From punta del Codinals until La cingla Closa 17 Grau de l'Enderrocada 18 Els Codinals 19 L'Escletxa 20 Totxo d'Escaladei 21 El Trinquet Cornudella de Montsant area From Avenc del Pelroig until Collet de Miragüelos === Via Ferrata === There is a via ferrata located around the town of La Morera de Montsant, where you can enjoy a safe adventure in the middle of nature. 1 via ferrata de La Morera de Montsant (Leave La Morera de Montsant by a sign that indicates the road to Salfores (PR-C 14) on the left. At 1.2 km there is a sign that will lead you to the via ferrata along a path that turns to the right in an ascending direction to the ridge. Go up following the red paint signs that will guide you through the bushes and rocks until you reach the beginning of the path.). (updated Sep 2025) Technical characteristics Difficulty: medium (k3) Access time from the parking lot: 45 min Equipped section time: 1 hr Return time to the parking lot: 1 hr Total elevation gain: 250 m Bridges: 2 bridges of 4 and 15 m Escape routes: there are no escape routes during the equipped itinerary. Others: route can be secured with a rope system. Minimum mandatory approved equipment: helmet, harness and anchor kit with dissipator for via ferratas. === Astronomical === 2 Prades Mountains Astronomical Park (Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades), C/ Muralla 5, Prades, ☏ +34 663 075 962, info@parcastronomicprades.cat. At night, around 23:00, the night activity takes place, which takes place on the outskirts of Prades (3 minutes walk, easily accessible from the town center along a red-lit path). It is recommended to be well-warmed, long pants and a good coat. Even in summer the temperature drops to 10-12 °C. €17- 200. (updated Sep 2025) == Buy == Olive oil: Depending on the time of harvest of the olives, fruity oil can be distinguished, which comes from an early harvest and can be recognized by having a green colour, quite full-bodied and being slightly bitter. On the other hand, sweet oil comes from a later harvest, is yellow in color and more fluid. The Siurana Designation of Origin only protects extra quality virgin olive oils that have an acidity of less than 0.5% and a maximum peroxide index of 15. Wine: The D.O. Montsant, consists of 1,700 ha distributed in 16 municipalities. It forms an area that borders the well-known Denomination of Priorat, with which it has notable similarities. In the D.O. Montsant red wines predominate. They are characterized by their level of concentration, their strong color and high alcohol content, producing a more pronounced fruit and a style that is not as mineral as those of the neighboring denomination. Well-concentrated whites, quite fatty and clearly Mediterranean, are also being produced. The cultivation of the vine: The average production of grapes is 100,000-150,000 kg per year. 85% of red varieties: Grenache, Tempranillo and Syrah; and 15% white: Macabeo and Garnatxa blanca. Thanks to the altitude (over 600 m) and the climate of the area, techniques based on traditional cultivation are used. The harvest season can range from early October to November. 1 Celler Gritelles wine shop, Carrer de les Bodegues, 3, Cornudella de Montsant, ☏ +34 637 40 71 84, celler@gritelles.com. M-F 09:00-18:00. (updated Mar 2026) == Eat == La Morera de Montsant: Balcó del Priorat Restaurant, Carrer de Bonrepós, 18,La Morera de Montsant, ☏ +34 609 947 605, balcodelpriorat@gmail.com. See hotel in Sleep section. €50. (updated Mar 2026) Ulldemolins: Fonda Toldrà, Mayor 33,Ulldemolins, ☏ +34 977 561 537, fondatoldra@gmail.com. See hotel in Sleep section. (updated Mar 2026) La Vilella Alta: 1 Lo Cupet 39, Carrer Nou , la Vilella Alta, ☏ +34 636361963. €20. (updated Mar 2026) === Picnic === Santa Llúcia cave picnic area (cova de Santa Llúcia) (la Bisbal de Montsant): check the See section. les ermites de Sant Bartomeu Sant Antoni i Santa Magdalena (a Ulldemolins) : check the See section: Sant Antoni i Santa Bàrbara d'Ulldemolins ermitage and Santa Magdalena d'Ulldemolins ermitage Sant Joan del Codolar (Cornudella) Mare de Déu de la Foia (Cabacés) (see #Religious places). Start of route 15 (see #Hiking). Sant Salvador (Margalef) Sant Pau (la Figuera) == Drink == Cornudella de Montsant: 1 LoRefugi Gastrobar, C/Comte de Rius, s/n, Cornudella de Montsant, ☏ +34 977821313. Th-Tu 17:00-24:00. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Café La Renaixença, Carrer del Comte de Rius 7, Cornudella de Montsant. (updated Mar 2026) Cabacés: 3 Societat Recreativa La Unió de Cabacés, Carrer del Mig,Cabacés, ☏ +34 977 839 246. Coffee, bar and some food. (updated Mar 2026) Margalef: 4 Café Vernet, Plaça de Sant Miquel, Margalef, ☏ +34 977 819 169. (updated Mar 2026) == Sleep == Ulldemolins: 1 Fonda Toldrà, Mayor 33,Ulldemolins,, ☏ +34 977 561 537, fondatoldra@gmail.com. (updated Mar 2026) Cornudella de Montsant: 2 Lo refugi, C/ Major, 37,Cornudella de Montsant, ☏ +34 977 82 13 13, info@montsantnatura.cat. fron €18. (updated Mar 2026) La Morera de Montsant: 3 Balcó del Priorat Hostal Restaurant, Carrer de Bonrepós, 18,La Morera de Montsant, ☏ +34 609 947 605, balcodelpriorat@gmail.com. (updated Mar 2026) Escaladei: 4 Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno, Pista de Torroja del Priorat a Escaladei, ☏ +34 877 676 070, info@masdenbruno.com. Luxury hotel. (updated Mar 2026) === Mountain refuges === 5 Refugi del Montsant, Carrer de la Plaça, Albarca, Cornudella de Montsant, ☏ +34 660 660 721. Start point of routes 9, 17, 18 (see #Hiking). From €18. (updated Sep 2025) 6 Refugi de la Morera de Montsant, C/Major 6, La Morera de Montsant, ☏ +34 640 341 413, morera.refugi@feec.cat. from €23. (updated Sep 2025) 7 Refugi Leandre Lerín, Camí de les Planes 6, La Figuera, ☏ +34 977291500. (updated Sep 2025) 8 Refugi de Margalef, Carretera, 7, Margalef, ☏ +34 677 611 098. from €17. (updated Mar 2026) 9 Refugi de la Foia, Camí nou de la Foia, Cabacés. There is water source: Font de la Foia. (updated Apr 2026) === Camping === 10 Camping Montsant park, Highway C-242 , km 34.5 , Ulldemolins, ☏ +34 977 561 708, info@campingmontsantpark.com. (updated Sep 2025) 11 Camping Siurana, Carretera de Cornudella a Siurana, Km 7, Siurana, ☏ +34 636 052 736, campingsiurana8@gmail.com. (updated Sep 2025) 12 Santa Magdalena camping area (Àrea d'acampada de Santa Magdalena), ☏ +34 626 292 979. (updated Sep 2025) 13 La presa camping area, Camí del Molí del Vilar, Margalef. €3 per vehicle, €1.5 per tent, £1.5 per person. (updated Sep 2025) == Stay safe == == Go next == Poblet Natural Park. It's 10 km away to the east. The park corresponds to the headwaters of the Francolí River, in the Conca de Barberà. There is the Poblet monastery in the park which is in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and a stage in the Catalan Way of St. James and in the Ruta del Cister (GR175). The nearby village of Rojals is also in UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Rock Art of the Iberian Mediterranean Basin Delta de l'Ebre Natural ParkOne of the most emblematic birds of the Delta are the flamingos, which are present all year round. The Ebro Way of St. James starts in the park which is inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia. Els Ports Natural Park the park provides refuge to rich biodiversity, including Spanish ibex, vultures, and ancient beech and pine forests. Its remote landscapes are shaped not only by nature but also by centuries of human activity, visible in archaeological sites and rural traditions.Is inside the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia. Nature parks in CataloniaThe network of protected natural areas in Catalonia consists of 165 areas of special ecological value. There are 20 labelled as natural parks.