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Catalonia: El Priorat
Along monastery trails to the holy mountain
Back to Routes
Escaladei
Siurana
Bathing pools
Poblet Monastery
The cliff path at Siurana
Tending the vines near La Vilella Alta
Monastery at Poblet
View from the Montsant plateau
Cave drawing
Standing on the cliff edge is optional!
End of a perfect day
Travellers Blog
Monasteries and fine wine in El Priorat, Catalonia
Monday 21st March | Posted by On Foot Staff
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At a glance
8 nights (7 walking days). We recommend an extra night in Falset for more wine-tasting at the end of the walk. See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Basque Pyrenees, Andalucia
How much walking?
Full days: 12-22 km per day, 4-6½ hrs walking.
Using shortening options: None
Two monasteries and fine wine
This walk, within easy reach of 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, then 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
- Two nights in a stylish “Mas”
- The walk to the citadel of Siurana
- Climbing the holy mountain – Montsant
- A birdseye view of Escaladei Monastery
- 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.
Eating and Drinking
Wine tasting is, of course, a highlight of this route, and is possible towards the end of the route, depending on your particular itinerary. Do talk with us if you are interested – or add a tour of wineries with our local contact, Joanna.
The Catalan writer and renowned gourmet Josep Pla once declared that “cuisine is a landscape inside a cooking pot”. In Catalonia this means that the local cooking features lots of pork, and you’ll also notice plenty of grilled vegetables, garlic and ground nuts. Botifarra is a pork sausage that appears in many different varieties, and sauces often contain picada, a basic combination of almond, bread and liquid that can be flavoured with garlic, saffron or parsley. You might finish your meal with crema catalana, a sweet custard that is also found in pastries.
How much 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) 613m per day (350m-800m).
Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: Potential issues on the Prades to Cornudella walk are avoidable by taking an alternative route.
On Foot Holidays Companion app available from 2025, for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.
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: May, June, September, October
Other possible months: April, July
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’s walk in July – though a lift may be possible if it’s hot.
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Temperature and rainfall chart for Prades
Itinerary
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 - The Farena Circuit
A descent down to explore the rock pools (yes – take your swimmers) and then along past the old mills (paper and grain) of the Brugent river, to a stop for a simple lunch (if your picnic is insufficient) at El Brugent in Farena. Perhaps take a moment to interpret some rock art on your return. A tough day – but worth it. (Medium-hard: 5½ hrs walking (allow 7 hrs), 14 km (9 miles), CUSs 800m – shorter versions available)
Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 Lleida, then local train to L’Espluga de Francoli ~3 hrs (or taxi pick up from Lleida – supplement)
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 (4-5hrs)
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: Shuttle bus from Falset to Marca-Falset train station, 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: Shuttle bus from Falset to to Marca-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: Shuttle bus from Falset to Marca-Falset station, then train to airport via Sants ~hourly ~1½ hrs, then train every 30 mins to airport ~22 mins
OR train (limited service) from Marca-Falset station to Reus and direct bus from there
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.
Night 1
Poblet – Masia del Cadet (dinner, B&B)
Historic and comfortable family-run hotel ten minutes walk from Poblet Monastery.
Night 2 & 3
Rojals – Mas de l’Arlequi (dinner, B&B)
Restored 'Mas' in the hills, ecologically run, and with fine cooking.
Night 5
Well-renovated ancient house with comfortably furnished rooms.
Night 6
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!
Night 7
Gratallops – Clos Figueras (dinner, B&B)
Beautifully sited accommodation with excellent restaurant and wine tasting.
Night 8
Well-sited hotel dating from 1799 (but updated since then!), with attractive terrace and good rooms.
Poblet – Masia del Cadet (dinner, B&B)
Historic and comfortable family-run hotel ten minutes walk from Poblet Monastery.
Website
Rojals – Mas de l’Arlequi (dinner, B&B)
Restored 'Mas' in the hills, ecologically run, and with fine cooking.
Website
Cornudella – El Palauet (B&B)
Well-renovated ancient house with comfortably furnished rooms.
Website
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!
Website
Gratallops – Clos Figueras (dinner, B&B)
Beautifully sited accommodation with excellent restaurant and wine tasting.
Website
Gratallops – Cal Llop (dinner, B&B)
Boutique hotel at the top of the village with views over Priorat vineyards.
Website
Falset – Hotel Lotus (B&B)
Well-sited hotel dating from 1799 (but updated since then!), with attractive terrace and good rooms.
Website
Falset – Hostal Sport (B&B)
Family-run hotel in the town centre with spacious, comfortable rooms.
Website
Gratallops accommodation:
For those staying in Gratallops, there are more options than those listed. 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
Total 8 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, 6 picnics and 5 evening meals (depending on Gratallops accommodation). Lift from L’Espluga de Francoli station to first hotel, luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.
Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app (from 2025), providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): Discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room) from 2025.
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.
Locally levied tourist taxes are not included. All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated (e.g. for taxis).
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £355*
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £245
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 (in double rooms for single use) 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)
Travellers Blog
Monasteries and fine wine in El Priorat, Catalonia
Monday 21st March | Posted by On Foot Staff
view article
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.
