Siurana is a mountain top village in the Prades mountain range overlooking the Siurana Reservoir. the village is in the municipality of the Cornudella de Montsant in the county of Priorat, Tarragona region. Siurana was the last Muslim enclave to fall to the Christians in Catalonia in 1153.
Abdelazia, the Moorish queen, rather than be subjected to the Christians, preferred to throw herself off the cliff with her horse. The animal, in its futile resistance, left the footprint of its horseshoe marked on the rock forever. With the end of the queen, the last Saracen stronghold in Catalonia disappeared.
The town consists of charming stone houses and cobbled streets with a castle ruin and sits atop a rocky limestone cliff that provides excellent routes for climbers. Siurana river basin is also a popular hiking area with its waterfalls and natural pools.
This circular 13Km hiking route starts and ends from the castle ruin and descends the limestone cliffs, via La Trona rock formation, to the Siurana river basin passing Moli de l'Esquirola watermill ruin and mill stone. The route ascends the other side of the river valley to a plateau path passing Mas d'en Ribelles de Dalt farmhouse ruin. Here the path turns into the forest and arrives at Gorg del mas de Frares waterfall descending down parallel to the river passing many more waterfalls and pools.
The must see waterfall is Gorgs de La Febro which can be found where the path crosses the Barranc de Foradada river. There is a rock formation with an opening which is the outlet for the plunge pool of Febro waterfall and is a beautiful natural swimming pool.
The return route to the village is via the same descending cliff path that arrives back at the castle or continuing around the headland for views of the Siurana Reservoir and taking an ascending path up to the other side of the village.
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Siurana can be visited anytime of the year due to its moderate climate. However, this hiking route is via the natural pools and waterfalls which can be best enjoyed for swimming in the summer.
Allow 6-8 hours to complete the route assuming stopping to swim in the waterfalls and natural pools. A MEDIUM level of fitness is required.
For a complete weekend this hiking trip can be combined with a first day of hiking in Montsant. Staying overnight in Siurana.
This is a predominantly forested hike in oaks, beeches and some pines that are in The Prades mountains with a section of shrubland and grassland at the top. If you see Pines in the spring or summer then there may be poisonous Pine Processionary Caterpillars. However, I recommend this as a late summer hike so there is a low probability of coming across Pine Processionary Caterpillars although I advise diligence.
It is viable to do this route with a dog and will be a lot of fun for a dog with the pools to swim in. There are no ladders of chains so your dog will not have any difficulty along the route.
This route involves walking along rivers and waterfalls so I put things that I want to remain dry inside waterproof bag inside my rucksack. I keep my phone inside an IPX8 case so I can take photos from the river and waterfall.
I recommend taking 2 litres of water to complete this route.
Address: Carrer Major S/N, Siurana. 43362
Siurana is uniquely accessible by car about 2 hours from Barcelona. There is no bus or public transport option.
Parking next to the castle ruin costs 3 euros per day. overflow parking can be found next to Siurana Camping zone.
From junction 34 of the AP7 motorway take the T-11 in the direction of Reus and follow this dual carriage way as it turns into the N-240. At Les Borges del Camp turn off into the C-242 towards Alforja and Cornudella de Montsant. After passing through Cornudella de Montsant take the T-3225 towards Siurana.
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Beautiful late spring or summer walking route from a mountain top village around a river basin with various waterfalls and natural swimming pools
Distance: 12.5 Km
Difficulty: Easy
Return Travel Fare: €20.00
Transport Network: Car
