Buy rock climbing guidebooks for the Sierra de Prades Mountains from our shop.
Tarragona Climbs is a selective guidebook to the Sierra de Prades Mountains and includes Siurana, Montsant, La Mussara and Margalef. Buy this guidebook from our shop.
The Sport Climbing Guidebook for Margalef is available to buy from our shop. Buy this guidebook from our shop.
Rock climbing in the Sierra de Prades Mountains
The excellent Sierra de Prades Mountains (also known as the Costa Daurada climbing area) are close to the towns of Reus and Tarragona to the south of Barcelona. These predominantly limestone and conglomerate mountains rise steeply from the coast and many of the climbing areas are at an altitude between 500m and 1000m. Here there are 11 major crags including Siurana, Margalef, Montsant, and La Mussara.
For instructed climbing holidays in the Sierra de Prades Mountains we recommend our friends at Rock & Sun.
Map of the rock climbing areas in the Sierra de Prades Mountains
Rock climbing and bouldering areas around Sierra de Prades | ||||
| No | Crag Name | Type of Climbing | Type of Rock | Total No of Routes |
| 1 | El Cogul | Bouldering | Sandstone | 1,200 |
| 2 | Cervia | Bouldering | Sandstone | 100 |
| 3 | El Penitent | Sport | Limestone | 100 |
| 4 | Vilanova | Sport | Conglomerate | 400 |
| 5 | Els Cogullons | Sport | Limestone | 300 |
| 6 | La Riba | Sport | Limestone | 520 |
| 7 | Margalef | Sport | Conglomerate | 2,000 |
| 8 | Cabaces | Sport | Conglomerate | 200 |
| 9 | Montsant | Sport | Conglomerate | 700 |
| 10 | Siurana | Sport | Limestone | 2,000 |
| 11 | Arboli | Sport | Limestone | 700 |
| Arboli | Bouldering | Limestone | 2,000 | |
| 12 | La Mussara | Sport | Limestone | 600 |
| 13 | Mont-ral | Sport | Limestone | 300 |
There are 11 major sports areas with nearly 9,000 routes in the Sierra de Prades Mountains, of which the majority are single or 2-pitch routes. The mixture of limestone or conglomerate rock is usually of an excellent standard and there is a wide range of grades to suit all levels and styles. To the north there are also 2 sandstone bouldering areas, with the main one being El Cogul, and extensive bouldering at Arboli, where there is also sport climbing.
A photograph showing the stunning crag at Siurana
Siurana’s position, along with its charm and high standard quality routes make this area one of the most popular winter rock climbing destinations in Europe, with great climbing conditions from autumn through to spring. The Siurana rock climbing guidebook is the definitive guidebook for the area and is available to buy from our shop.
Margalef is the second largest area with around 2,000 routes ranging from F4 to F9b+. The crags are situated either side of a secluded river meaning that you can climb either in the sun or shade, depending upon the time of day or year and your preference. The climbing is on conglomerate rock that is full of pockets, ranging from monos to three finger pockets. There are all types of climbing styles at Margalef from slabs to incredible roofs, however most of the routes are vertical or slightly overhanging often requiring athletic moves on good holds. The routes range from 6m up to 55m high, though 80% of the routes at Margalef are only 20m high. The Sport Climbing Guidebook for Margalef is the definitive guidebook for the area and is available to buy from our shop.
Situated at 1,000m, La Mussara is a large area split into various crags, each with different characteristics, including some multi-pitch routes. The grades here are concentrated in the F5 to F7a range on good quality conglomerate rock.
Sierra de Prades Rock Climbing Logistics
When to go – With the majority of the climbing areas at an altitude of 500m to 1,000m, the best time to visit this area is in the spring or autumn when the temperature is ideal for rock climbing. During the winter the climate is not as stable though there are many cold, dry sunny days when the friction is at its best. The summer is just too hot though in a few areas (such as Margalef) it is possible to find shade.
Gear – Whilst a 60m rope will be sufficient for the majority of routes it is recommended that you take a 70m or even an 80m rope as these are standard for sport climbing in Spain now. Around 15 to 20 quickdraws plus the usual lower off gear is all that is required.
Climbing Guidebooks - Climb Europe currently stocks several guidebooks for the Sierra de Prades Mountains, these being; a selective guidebook to the area called Tarragona Climbs; a definitive guidebook for Margalef; a definitive guidebook for Siurana; and a definitive guidebook for Montsant. All these guidebooks are available to buy from our shop.
Click on the thumbnails images opposite to view a larger photograph of the excellent rock climbing found at Siurana.
Buy rock climbing guidebooks for the Sierra de Prades Mountains from our shop.
Tarragona Climbs is a selective guidebook to the Sierra de Prades Mountains and includes Siurana, Montsant, La Mussara and Margalef. Buy this guidebook from our shop.
The Sport Climbing Guidebook for Margalef is available to buy from our shop. Buy this guidebook from our shop.