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Catalonia: El Priorat – 7 nights

  • 8 Night Route

    Price: from £1265
  • 7 Night Route

    Price: from £1170
  • 5 Night Route

    Price: from £975

Along monastery trails to the holy mountain

Back to Routes
Poblet

Poblet

Siurana

Siurana

Bathing pools

Bathing pools

The cliff path at Siurana

The cliff path at Siurana

Tending the vines near La Vilella Alta

Tending the vines near La Vilella Alta

Monastery at Poblet

Monastery at Poblet

View from the Montsant plateau

View from the Montsant plateau

Escaladei

Escaladei

Cave drawing

Cave drawing

Standing on the cliff edge is optional!

Standing on the cliff edge is optional!

End of a perfect day

End of a perfect day

  • 8 Night Route

    Price: from £1265
  • 7 Night Route

    Price: from £1170
  • 5 Night Route

    Price: from £975
Price: from £1170
Nights: 7
Grade:
Walk: 4-6½ hr/day

Excellent walking. Off the tourist trail. Personal service. Good, challenging distances. Authentically Catalonian. Zero stress. No navigation problems and appreciated the supporting historical notes and descriptions.

Donna Cole, Ottawa, Canada - October 2023

We know how you operate, how excellent your walks are, and how you leave us to just get on with the adventure (unless we need a helping hand). The walk and scenery were stunning. Great variety each day. We also loved trying different Priorat and Montsant wines.

Chasey Crawford Usher, London, UK - September 2023

Over the years we have come to love the On Foot holidays and trust the integrity of all staff at the company. This holiday has continued that tradition.

Bob and Sheila Harrison, Birmingham, UK - September 2023

One outstanding aspect of the holiday was that we felt welcome wherever we went. The outstanding example of this was in Siurana where we were assisted by Carmen of the Agrobotiga Siurana.

David Young, Hexham, UK - April 2023

We are still feeling happy and bouncy from our Priorat holiday. It was one of our favourite, along with Andalucia and the Dolomites. We enjoyed the lovely scenery, Poblet Monastery, the birds, flowers, butterflies, rock art, and the interaction with the locals.

Alan and Christine Brown, Stockport, UK - April 2023

We liked everything about the holiday: the opportunity to tour the monasteries, the walking, the design of the routes, the clear descriptions provided, the swim in the rock pool, the towns and villages along the way, the food, the superb hotels, and the excellent organisation overall.

Paul Stefiszyn, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - May 2022

The steep climb and ledge walk into Siurana was fantastic and more than made up for the less enjoyable fight through the undergrowth and flies in the valley beforehand. The descent to La Morera was also a highlight, but all the walks were interesting, varied and enjoyable if a touch on the warm side.

David Salter, Bristol, UK - May 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday! The walking was spectacular and challenging at times, particularly some of the downhill bits. We were glad to have poles!

We saw beautiful spring flowers and some amazing birds. We had some amazing meals and the wine was light and delicious.

Serena Rainbow, Shaftesbury, UK - April 2022

Incredible views and lovely hiking. Saw another hiker only one day. Fun to happen upon wineries and try/buy the wine.

Rob and Cynthia Grimes, San Antonio, USA - April 2022

It was so nice to know that each night we had a hot shower and a comfortable bed, and a dinner reservation somewhere. The hiking was so beautiful in terms of variety of trails, scenery, and exploring small towns along the way.

It was critically helpful to us (and important) the detailed information you passed on to us prior to our coming, and the waterproof map bag REALLY came in handy! Also, high praise for Joanna's route trail planning, as well as her putting together our added-on wine tour from Falset.

Ronda Bokram, Florida, USA - April 2022

It guided us around a part of Spain we didn't know at all ... and we were rewarded with wonderful scenery and an interesting mixture of places. We met lovely hosts. Each day's walk was better than the last (the Montsant day was the climax in our view).

A nice blend of historic sights, dramatic landscape and good food and wine. We enjoyed our extra day in Porrera, relaxing and two wine tastings.

Nicola Smith, Chislehurst, UK - August 2019

The walks were spectacular. Scenery stunning. Challenging physically.

We liked the fact that we saw practically no other people on route. Lovely little scenic villages to stay in. Very cheap bars in the squares.

Claire Hopkinson, Sydney, Australia - June 2019

More independent feedback
A self-guided walking holiday in the El Priorat region of Catalonia (6 night) with On Foot Holidays

At a glance

7 nights (6 walking days) - missing the Farena circuit, but including both monasteries. See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Basque Pyrenees, Andalucia

How much walking?

Full days: 10-19 km per day, 4-6½ hrs walking.
Using shortening options: None

Max. Grade:

Two monasteries and fine wine

This walk, only an hour from Barcelona, is a must for the cultured hedonist. Despite the relatively rain-free climate the streams flow all year, and coming across a remote bathing pool on a warm spring day, perhaps diverting to some obscure neolithic rock art, are delights truly to be savoured. The route crosses the hills between two fine abbeys – Poblet and Escaladei – the former thriving and active, the latter now being restored as an archaeological site of major significance. This is the abbey that put the “prior” in “Priorat” – as the abbey owned most of the land you walk through, including the fine-wine-growing land of the same name.

The footpaths through these glorious hills are well signed, and take you from Poblet abbey, via the medieval town of Prades, to the “Holy Mountain” – Montsant – from which you descend to Escaladei in its valley fastness, and are thus able to appreciate from above its extent and former majesty. The walk is not yet over though – the final days will please wine-buffs, as they pass through the major vineyards of the Priorat (Robert Parker made one vintage his wine of the century with 100/100 on his famous scale), to Gratallops, and then on to a final night in the lively town of Falset with its wine-tasting opportunities.

Walked by On Foot staff: Simon, Debbie

Consider pairing this route with Basque Pyrenees (6 hrs transfer by train, recommended overnight stop Barcelona) or Andalucia (8 hours by train) – for more details click here.

REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit Aito.com.

TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to Spain, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.

Route Highlights

  • The spectacle of ‘light and stone’ that is Poblet Monastery
  • Ancient mills and secluded bathing pools
  • The walk to the citadel of Siurana
  • Climbing the holy mountain – Montsant
  • A birdseye view of the Monastery of Escaladei
  • Priorat wineland and wine-tasting

This route features the following characteristics and interests: Pilgrimage, Archaeology, History, Wine

We Recommend

A stay in Barcelona at the end (or start!). Wine tasting at the end of the walk in Falset.

Eating and Drinking

Wine tasting is possible towards the end of the route, depending on your particular itinerary.  Do talk with us if you are interested.

How much Walking?

Full days: 10-19 km per day, 4-6½ hrs walking.
Using shortening options: None

Hills and valleys rather than real mountains, and on tracks or footpaths. Some steepish and hilly sections. Highest point on route: 1,200m.

Medium: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 576m per day (350m-780m).

Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: Potential issues on the Prades to Cornudella walk are avoidable by taking an alternative route.

GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App for complete route.

Important note: Times given for each day are  walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops.  “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb.  See “Walk Grading” for more information.

When to go?

The best months to walk: April, May, June, September, October

Other possible months: July, August

Best walked in spring and autumn, summer walking is also possible in view of the cover, at least for the first part of the walk, and because the natural pools should be full of cooling water for a dip en route.  The final two days’ walking are very exposed, and only those who are completely happy in the heat should try the final day in July or August – though a lift is always possible on the day.

Start Dates

Recommended
Possible
Unavailable

Weather Chart

 

Temperature and rainfall chart for Prades

Itinerary

About the Route

Day 1 - Arrive in Poblet

Arrive at Poblet's best known hotel, Masia del Cadet, freshen up, and even visit the world famous monastery if you have time, or just relax while you plan your first walking day.

Day 2 - Poblet to Rojals

If you didn’t manage it last night you have a second chance to visit Poblet Monastery, a working and thriving Cistercian community founded in 1151. A visit to the lovely church and old refectory is a must, and you can even have an early lunch here before your exertions. The afternoon’s walk is a good leg stretcher, up into the hills of the Muntanyes de Prades, inspecting an ice house and winding your way past the pretty village of Rojals to a stylish and beautifully situated ‘Mas’ (with occasional views to the Balearics).  (Medium-hard: 5 hrs walking (allow 6¾ hrs), 12 km (7½ miles), CUSs 780m)

Day 3 - Rojals to Prades

A longish but easier walk along the ridge top – the highest point of your route at 1203m – with spectacular views east to the Mediterranean and north to the Pyrenées, passing more ice houses and with the opportunity for small detours to the Coves del Pere and the Roca del Gringol. Arrive in the little town of Prades – the ‘villa vermella’ and centre for the region. (Medium: 4¾ hrs walking (allow 6¼ hrs), 14 km (9 miles), CUSs 500m)

Day 4 - Prades to Cornudella de Montsant

This is a lovely day along the valley of the Siurana river, complete with swimmable rock pools, followed by a climb up to the winding streets of the hilltop citadel of Siurana. Descend after a glass of beer or two to the wine town of Cornudella – you have arrived in Priorat wine country, and can look forward to some good Catalan food and wine in the evening!  (Medium: 5½ hrs walking (allow 7 hrs), 16 km (10 miles), CUSs 350m, or save one hour with taxi start (pay locally))

Day 5 - Cornudella to La Morera

A morning could be well spent in Cornudella, as the walk today is not long. An ancient monastery path takes you up the holy mountain of Montsant, with views for miles. After the wild and desolate top, descend to the pretty village of Morera for your next overnight stay in the community-owned hotel (great views). (Medium: 4¼ hrs walking (allow 5¾ hrs), 9¾ km (6 miles), CUSs 450m) OR try our valley walk to avoid Montsant completely (a 500m ascent) – Easy: 2¾ hrs (allow 3¾ hrs), 8 km (5 miles), CUSs 300m)

Day 6 - La Morera to Gratallops

Today’s walk takes you through the heart of Priorat, through vineyards made known to the world by Robert Parker’s first 100/100 score. But first, walk down to the magnificent ruins of the Cistercian Monastery of Escala Dei (open from 10 am, closed Mondays), once the owner of all the lands around and the origin of the ‘Prior’ in ‘Priorat’. The remainder of the walk passes through a fine Priorat village – La Vilella Alta (with bar for coffee) – and up to a lonely Ermita with far-reaching views before a final descent to Gratallops and its promised wine tasting opportunities… (Easy-medium: 5¾ hrs walking (allow 7¾ hrs plus time for walking round Escala Dei), 18½ km (11½ miles), CUSs 390m)

Day 7 - Gratallops to Falset

A delightfully varied day’s walk taking in mostly well signed tracks and paths, plus a river crossing, lunch at an authentically Spanish town, before you finally arrive at journey’s end, the unashamedly wine-centred town of Falset. (Medium: 3¾ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 12 km (7½ miles), CUSs 525m).

Alternatives: a lift with the luggage (supplement) as far as Bellmunt (essential if the weather has been bad and the river Siurana is full), and walk on from there, saving 1½ hrs.

Option

Plenty of wine bars, wine shops, a co-operativa to go round ... or have an extra day and book local contact Joanna to take you on a wine tour.

Departure day

A night or two more to relax and explore seems a must, but you might just have to return home.  Book a taxi for the short trip to Falset train station through your hotel. Or why not extend your stay with a few days in Barcelona?

Travel Information

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station:
Start: L’Espluga de Francoli
Finish:  Falset

Sample journey by rail:
Via Madrid: High speed train to Barcelona, then local train to L’Espluga de Francoli ~5 hrs
Falset:  Falset to Barcelona, then high speed train to Madrid ~5 hrs

We suggest thetrainline.com for times, ticket booking and other information.

DRIVING TO THIS ROUTE is not recommended as the subsequent transfers are very awkward!

ARRIVING BY AIR

The best airports are Barcelona and Reus.  Intercontinental flights use Barcelona and Madrid.

Land by: Reus 17:00; Barcelona 15:00 for train connections to L’Espluga de Francoli (4-5 hrs)

Return flight earliest: Barcelona 12:00 for train connection from Falset; Reus 10:30 for train connection from Falset.

Land by/earliest return flight times not applicable if using pre-booked taxi directly from or back to either airport.

Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.

For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.

See “getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.

 

Getting to the start of the walk

Transfer times and methods are suggested for train arrivals and Reus and Barcelona airports below.

Coming by train and transfers to/from stations:

Outward: L’Espluga de Francoli – pre-booked taxi to hotel (included). Camp Tarragona (AVE) – pre-booked taxi to hotel (supplement) ~45 mins.

Return: Local taxi to Falset train station and train on to Barcelona and the rest of Spain.

REUS AIRPORT:

Outward: bus to Reus station hourly ~25 mins, then 3 afternoon trains a day to L’Espluga de Francoli ~35 mins OR pre-booked taxi from airport to hotel in Poblet ~45 mins.

Return: Local taxi from final hotel to Falset train station, train to Reus then bus (or local taxi) to the airport.

BARCELONA AIRPORT:

Outward: Train every half-hour to Barcelona Sants ~22 mins, then regional train direct to L’Espluga de Francoli ~2 hrs+ (~4-5 hrs total including waiting for infrequent trains) OR pre-booked taxi from airport direct to Poblet hotel ~1½ hrs.

Return: Local taxi to Falset station, then train to airport via Sants ~hourly ~1½ hrs, then train every 30 mins to airport ~22 mins OR pre booked taxi direct from final hotel to Barcelona airport ~2 hrs.

For pre-bookable taxi costs, see “Prices”
Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.

Where You'll Stay

From historic Poblet to the wine town of Falset, each accommodation on this route offers a personal and individual experience with an opportunity to try out your Catalan (or Spanish) – although some English is spoken along the way – and to get closer to Catalan culture.

Poblet – Masia del Cadet (dinner, B&B)

Night 1

Poblet – Masia del Cadet (dinner, B&B)

Historic and comfortable family-run hotel ten minutes walk from Poblet Monastery

Rojals – Mas de l’Arlequi (dinner, B&B)

Night 2

Rojals – Mas de l’Arlequi (dinner, B&B)

Recently restored 'Mas' in the hills, ecologically run, and with fine cooking.

Prades – Cal Crispi (B&B)

Night 3

Prades – Cal Crispi (B&B)

Village house dating from around 1900, but beautifully restored ten years ago.

Cornudella – El Palauet (B&B)

Night 4

Cornudella – El Palauet (B&B)

Well-renovated ancient house with comfortably furnished rooms.

La Morera – El Balco de Priorat (dinner, B&B)

Night 5

La Morera – El Balco de Priorat (dinner, B&B)

Community-owned modern hotel on the edge of the village, with great views from the terrace, and just 100m from the municipal swimming pool!

Gratallops – Clos Figueras (dinner, B&B)

Night 6

Gratallops – Clos Figueras (dinner, B&B)

Beautifully sited accommodation with excellent restaurant and wine tasting.

Falset – Hotel Lotus (B&B)

Night 7

Falset – Hotel Lotus (B&B)

Well-sited hotel dating from 1799 (but updated since then!), with attractive terrace and good rooms.

Gratallops accommodation:

There are more options in Gratallops if you don’t fancy those above. Cal Joanet (pictured right) is a charming village house for your sole, private use, and Hostal Elvira is a friendly and recently refurbished hostal. For both these options breakfast is included at Clos Figueras.

 

 

 

Barcelona accommodation:

In Barcelona the choice of hotel is endless – previous clients have, for example, used the Hotel Mercer (top end), Circa 1905 (mid-range) and the Forget me Not (cheaper, but further from the centre).

Prices

Price: from £1170 for 7 nights

Total 7 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, 5 picnics and 4 evening meals. Lift from L’Espluga de Francoli station to your first hotel, luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.

Locally levied tourist taxes are not included.

All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.

Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £305*
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £235
Large Party Saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) –  discount of at least £25 per person
Maximum party size: 10

*additional Friday/Saturday supplement at Mas de l’Arlequi of (from) £30 per person per night.

 

 

Add Ons

Taxi to Poblet from Barcelona airport, Reus airport or Reus train station: Call us for details.
Taxi to Barcelona/Barcelona airport direct: From supplement of £260 (1-8 pers.)
Wine tasting and vineyard/winery tours: Contact On Foot Holidays
Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK:  £20-£60 (per pack, location dependent)

Reserve your dates Add to shortlist
Joanna Thomas

Our local team

Joanna Thomas

Joanna Thomas has lived and worked in Catalonia for many years, as architect, guide, multilinguist and mother of two. A keen walker, she now lives in Falset, the end point of the full route.

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