SPLENDID SIURANA (TARRAGONA) AND HIKING IN THE PRADES MOUNTAINS

Most visitors associate the area of Tarragona with the sandy beaches of the Costa Daurada and its seascapes.

Very few locals, and even fewer visitors, journey to the tranquil inland comarcas (counties) of Tarragona.

Although we don’t turn our noses up at a day at the beach, we also like to escape inland sometimes; the Unison Routes team have made the most of 2020, and spent the summer re-exploring the area in depth so that we can bring you our highlights.

We especially love the medieval village of Siurana and its environs.

Located in the Priorat wine region, Siurana sits atop an escarpment overlooking a reservoir.

From there we enjoyed beautiful views of the Prades Mountains and the Serra del Montsant.

We also walked along the village’s cobbled streets, visited the Romanesque church of Santa Maria and then the ruins of the ancient Moorish fortress, the latter just outside the village.

Located in a virtually unassailable location, Siurana was the last Muslim stronghold in the region until it was finally taken by the Counts of Barcelona in 1153.

Besides its historical heritage, Siurana stands out not only for the great local wines and its top-quality olive oil, but also for its beautiful mountain trails, ideal for a day’s trekking.

If a hit of adrenaline is more your thing, the cliffs around the village are perfect for rock climbing. Excellent climbs up to grade 9b abound and the area is known as one of the world’s best climbing destinations.

The road to Siurana may be long and winding, but the beauty of its landscapes is well worth the effort!