Siurana

Siurana is a small village set dramatically on a limestone cliff overlooking the Siurana Reservoir. Situated in the comarca of Priorat and the province of Tarragona, it is famous for mythical history, beautiful hiking, and world-class rock climbing. Within the town you can find the remains of a Moorish castle, a well preserved Romanesque church, and sweeping views over the mountain ranges of Montsant.

The Legend of Queen Abdelâzia

Siurana was the last Moorish stronghold during the Reconquista, when Christian armies tried to achieve the reconquest of Spain from the controlling Muslims. By 1153, Tortosa and Miravet, had already fallen into Christian hands and Siurana was under attack.

The Moorish queen Abdelazia chose suicide rather than surrender to Christian forces. Legend states that the beautiful Abdelazia rode her white stallion to the edge of the cliff, where it took a great leap carrying them both into the abyss.

Her final leap is immortalized at the ‘Salt de la Reina Mora’ (The Moorish Queen’s Leap), a dramatic cliffside viewpoint. Some believe you can still see the stallion’s hoof mark set in the limestone.

World-Class Rock Climbing

Siurana is a mecca for climbers, with hundreds of climbs catering to all skill levels. The area is renowned for its challenging limestone walls and stunning panoramas. Vertical routes like La Rambla, measuring 41-metres (135 ft) with the extremely challenging grade of 9a+, have become mythical in climbing circles.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Scenic trails around Siurana lead through lush pine forests, olive groves, and vineyards. Popular routes include the hike to the Siurana reservoir, where you can enjoy a picnic or a refreshing swim. The nearby Montsant Natural Park has trails that wind through ancient forests and sheer cliffs with spectacular views.

Local Cuisine

Local restaurants serve dishes like wild game stews, along with mountain cheeses, and wines from the renowned Priorat region. You can also find staples of Catalan cuisine like escalivada (roasted vegetables), calçots (grilled green onions) with romesco sauce, and botifarra (Catalan sausage).

Getting There

Siurana is about a two-hour drive from Barcelona. The most convenient way to get there is by car, as public transport options are limited. Alternatively, you can take a train to Reus or Tarragona and then hire a taxi.

When to Go

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. The mild weather during this time is ideal for hiking and climbing. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn provides stunning views of the changing foliage in the surrounding forests. In summer it can be hot, especially during the day.

Where to Stay

There are only a handful of options for accommodation in Siurana. Hotel Siuranella has six rooms, three overlooking the quiet streets of the town and three with breathtaking views of the Montsant mountain range. For more options, consider staying in nearby villages like Cornudella de Montsant.

See also: Tarragona, Priorat Wine Region 🍇