Spain·March 9 - 13 2022
THE DARK SIDE OF SIURANA
The "dark side" of Siurana, aka explore nearby climbing spots like Montsant and Arbolì
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Overview
You have probably heard of Siurana and Margalef. Climbers from all over the world flock to Siurana for its exceptional limestone and are drawn to Margalef for its unique conglomerate. The downside? Well, a lot of people around, and polished holds. That’s why we decided to go to the “dark side” of Siurana, aka explore nearby climbing spots like Montsant and Arbolì! You can find our basecamp at La Morera de Montsant, beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Between Montsant and Arbolì there are more than 500 routes in the 5a-9a range. The rock type you can find in Montsant is a conglomerate similar to the one in Margalef. Arbolì is yet another great spot, just across the valley from Siurana. Here you find bomber limestone with lots of crimps. Up for the challenge?
Highlights
NYE ONLY: Yoga with Claud
Only for our New Year's Eve date, we will have 2h yoga lessons held by the Italian yoga coach Claudia Capovilla (@claud__). PS. Bring your mat!
NYE ONLY: Special dinner
Special New Years Eve dinner at the Refuge La Morera de Montsant. Our local host, Joan, will delight you with a delicious dinner made of local dishes, wines and Cava!
Local Partners
Meet our local partners in Tarragona
Esteban
Esteban is a strong climber and sports photographer. Born in Zaragoza, he studied photography in Barcelona. He feels these two passions nurture one another, and is endlessly motivated to climb.
Pau
Pau is a 9a professional climber and he will be your climbing instructor during the trip. Between a competition and super hard send, he will be giving you some precious tips to improve your climbing.
The Experience
A 5-day climbing experience with true locals in the infinite number of spots scattered around the surrounding of La Morera de Montsant and Arbolì. Esteban and Pau will show you which are their favorite crags and they will challenge you on the harder routes. On top of that, Esteban will take some awesome shots of you hanging onto the crimps and holes!
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DAY 1
Arrival
Arrival in Tarragona. Esteban will come and pick you up at the train station to take you to our basecamp, Refugi de La Morera de Montsant. Here we'll have the time to meet the group and have a welcome dinner.
DAY 2
Climbing in Montsant
Wake up to a delicious breakfast at the Refugi and get ready to get pumped on conglomerate! Depending on the climbing skills and preferences of the group, we will hit one of the numerous crags in Montsant.
DAY 3
Climbing in Arbolì
Different day, different crag, different rock. Today we completely change climbing style and we go to Arbolì. Prepare for some crimpy limestone rock. If you happen to bring a crash pad, you'll be surprised by how many boulders are right below the sport routes!
DAY 4
Climbing in Montsant
Now, you have seen Montsant and you have seen Arbolì. Surely, 5 days aren't enough to visit all crags. Therefore, we'll take you back to a different crag in Montsant. You deserve some extra sharp pockets on conglomerate rock!
DAY 5
Departure
Last breakfast at the Refugi. Sad, but true, it's time to go home. Esteban will take you back to Tarragona station.
Now you know of the "dark side" of Siurana, but don't tell anybody. We don't want the place to get crowded!
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Montsant, Spain
Tarragona province boasts a high concentration of quality crags in stunning National Parks
Tarragona is an internationally renowned climber’s paradise. Home to Margalef and Siurana, the province boasts a high concentration of quality crags located in stunning National Parks. Add to this great weather, charming villages, friendly locals, and proximity to the sea– it’s no surprise why climbers flock here when the weather turns sour in other parts of the world. Since there’s so much climbing to choose from, we’ve decided to focus on the best lesser-known crags in the Priorat and Serra de Prades regions. Most of the sport climbing here is on limestone and conglomerate rock, distributed between south-facing crags in proximity to one another. The ideal winter climbing destination? We think so!
Basecamp
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Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
Refugi La Morera de Montsant
The Refugi La Morera de Montsant is a true mountain hut recently renovated. It is located beneath the cliffs of the Serra Major, the backbone of the Montsant massif. Crags are easily accessible from here. On top of that, Joan, the Refugi’s guard, will delight you with local breakfasts and dinners.
What's Included
What's Included
3 days climbing
3 days climbing instructor
1 day photo shooting
4 nights accommodation
Breakfast included
Dinners included
Transport to activities
Transfer from Tarragona station
Accident insurance
What's Not Included
All lunches and snacks
Contact us if you need some gear!
Flights
Climbing gear
Towels at the accommodation
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”
More Info
Climbing Skills
No minimum level is required for this trip as you will be accompanied by a certified climbing instructor and there are crags for all levels. In terms of maximum level, being with local guides allows for flexibility in the crags' choice. If you feel like, we are sure that Pau and Esteban can take you to a couple of 9b+ around.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. We can for any inaccuracies, however, accept no liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge not to go outdoor alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run, so to avoid disappointment wait for a confirmation email before making non-refundable travel plans.
Blog Posts
Fri 26 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
Climb and travel responsibly: 6 tips for a low-impact climbing holiday
The Climbing Initiative lay out some of the steps we can take to become more responsible climbing tourists.
Mon 22 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
How to explore with low impact - Interview with Arnaud Petit
An interview with professional climber Arnaud Petit discussing how to reduce your environmental impact as a climber and outdoor enthusiast.
Reviews
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
No minimum climbing level is required for this trip, as you will be accompanied by a certified guide. With over 6,000 routes in the area to choose from, we're sure you'll find something suitable no matter whether you're climbing 4+ or 9b.
What group size can I expect for this trip?
The minimum number of climbers needed for this trip to run is 4, and the maximum group size is 8. So expect to get lots of climbing in and some 1-on-1 time with your guide.
How do I get to the accommodation and crags?
Transfers from the accommodation to the activities is included in the trip price. You'll just need to get yourself to Tarragona station where your guide will meet you at the start of the trip and drop you off on day 5.
Is it all sport climbing or are other styles included?
The trip is heavily sport-climbing focused, but we'll be spending a day in Arboli where there are some quality boulders! Just let your guides know your preferences at the start of the trip and they'll do their best to develop an itinerary that suits everyone.